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C: Drive filling up mysteriously


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Hi,

 

My harddrive is filling up mysteriously and I don't know what's causing it. I did some research and came across something call a disk bomb that eats up space? Scans have returned nothing, I have a 1tb harddrive and it's down to 621 gb. I know the games I have installed doesn't take up 300+ gb. The mysterious part is I actually saw the decrease in space happen. I opened up My Computer and it said 629 gb free out of 931 gb, the next day it went down to 624 gb. Then as I close the tab and reopen My Computer, it went down to 622 gb, then 621 gb. My Pictures doesn't exceed 2 gb and I only have about 400 mb of music. No videos. So I don't have a lot of media files. Program wise, it's pretty modest too.

 

Games I currently have installed:

Skyrim

Civilization 5

War Thunder

Valkyria Chronicles

Narcissu

Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series

 

But like I said, I highly doubt those games take up much space. maybe 100 gb at most.

 

Here are the FRST logs...

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

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  • Root Admin

Please read the following and post back the logs when ready and we'll see about getting you cleaned up.

General P2P/Piracy Warning:
 
 

 
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Failure to remove or disable such software will result in your topic being closed and no further assistance being provided.

If you have
illegal/cracked software, cracks, keygens etc
. on the system, please remove or uninstall them now and read the policy on
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.



 
Before we proceed further, please read all of the following instructions carefully.
If there is anything that you do not understand kindly ask before proceeding.
If needed please print out these instructions.
  • Please do not post logs using CODE, QUOTE, or FONT tags. Just paste them as direct text.
  • If the log is too large then you can use attachments by clicking on the More Reply Options button.
  • Please enable your system to show hidden files: How to see hidden files in Windows
  • Make sure you're subscribed to this topic:
    • Click on the Follow This Topic Button (at the top right of this page), make sure that the Receive notification box is checked and that it is set to Instantly

    [*]Removing malware can be unpredictable...It is unlikely but things can go very wrong! Please make sure you Backup all files that cannot be replaced if something were to happen. You can copy them to a CD/DVD, external drive or a pen drive [*]Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs unless requested by me while I'm working with you. [*]The removal of malware is not instantaneous, please be patient. Often we are also on a different Time Zone. [*]Perform everything in the correct order. Sometimes one step requires the previous one. [*]If you have any problems while following my instructions, Stop there and tell me the exact nature of the issue. [*]You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit [*]Please disable your antivirus while running any requested scanners so that they do not interfere with the scanners. [*]When we are done, I'll give you instructions on how to cleanup all the tools and logs [*]Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear" and Please don't waste my time by leaving before that. [*]Your topic will be closed if you haven't replied within 3 days [*](If I have not responded within 24 hours, please send me a Private Message as a reminder)


 
STEP 0
RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes
so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.
When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies
that stop us from using certain tools. When finished it will display a log file that shows the processes that were
terminated while the program was running.

As RKill only terminates a program's running process, and does not delete any files, after running it you should not reboot
your computer as any malware processes that are configured to start automatically will just be started again.
Instead, after running RKill you should immediately scan your computer using the requested scans I've included.

Please download Rkill by Grinler from one of the links below and save it to your desktop.
 


Link 2

  • On Windows XP double-click on the Rkill desktop icon to run the tool.
  • On Windows Vista/Windows 7 or 8, right-click on the Rkill desktop icon and select Run As Administrator
  • A black DOS box will briefly flash and then disappear. This is normal and indicates the tool ran successfully.
  • If not, delete the file, then download and use the one provided in Link 2.
  • If it does not work, repeat the process and attempt to use one of the remaining links until the tool runs.
  • If the tool does not run from any of the links provided, please let me know.
  • Do not reboot the computer, you will need to run the application again.

STEP 01
Backup the Registry:
Modifying the Registry can create unforeseen problems, so it always wise to create a backup before doing so.
  • Please download ERUNT from one of the following links: Link1 | Link2 | Link3
  • ERUNT (Emergency Recovery Utility NT) is a free program that allows you to keep a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.
  • Double click on erunt-setup.exe to Install ERUNT by following the prompts.
  • NOTE: Do not choose to allow ERUNT to add an Entry to the Startup folder. Click NO.
  • Start ERUNT either by double clicking on the desktop icon or choosing to start the program at the end of the setup process.
  • Choose a location for the backup.
    • Note: the default location is C:\Windows\ERDNT which is acceptable.

    [*]Make sure that at least the first two check boxes are selected. [*]Click on OK [*]Then click on YES to create the folder. [*]Note: if it is necessary to restore the registry, open the backup folder and start ERDNT.exe


STEP 02
Please run a Threat Scan with MBAM.  If you're unable to run or complete the scan as shown below please see the following:  MBAM Clean Removal Process 2x
When reinstalling the program please try the latest version.

Right click and choose "Run as administrator" to open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and from the Dashboard please Check for Updates by clicking the Update Now... link
Open up Malwarebytes > Settings > Detection and Protection > Enable Scan for rootkit and Under Non Malware Protection set both PUP and PUM to Treat detections as malware.
Click on the SCAN button and run a Threat Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking the Scan Now>> button.
Once completed please click on the History > Application Logs and find your scan log and open it and then click on the "copy to clipboard" button and post back the results on your next reply.
 
 
 

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Quick question, sorry.

Is it okay to shut off my computer after I have done all these steps or should I keep it on the entire time so Rkill's effect stays?

I don't really like to leave my computer on when I leave the house or go to sleep., but if I must...

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It just dropped down to 615 gb. !!!

Here's the MBAM log...

 

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 3/5/2015
Scan Time: 10:55:58 PM
Logfile:
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.00.4.1028
Malware Database: v2015.03.05.02
Rootkit Database: v2015.02.25.01
License: Premium
Malware Protection: Enabled
Malicious Website Protection: Enabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: Brandon

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 337226
Time Elapsed: 16 min, 10 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Enabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

Processes: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)

I will also attack the Rkill log since it's there anyways...

Rkill.txt

 

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  • Root Admin

Please go ahead and run through the following steps and post back the logs when ready.
 
STEP 04
Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

  • Shutdown your antivirus to avoid any conflicts.
  • Right click over JRT.exe and select Run as administrator on Windows Vista or Windows 7, double-click on XP.
  • The tool will open and start scanning your system.
  • Please be patient as this can take a while to complete.
  • On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
  • Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next reply message
  • When completed make sure to re-enable your antivirus


STEP 05
Lets clean out any adware now: (this will require a reboot so save all your work)

Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode and save to your Desktop.

  • Double click on AdwCleaner.exe to run the tool.
    Vista/Windows 7/8 users right-click and select Run As Administrator
  • Click on the Scan button.
  • AdwCleaner will begin...be patient as the scan may take some time to complete.
  • When it's done you'll see: Pending: Please uncheck elements you don't want removed.
  • Now click on the Report button...a logfile (AdwCleaner[R0].txt) will open in Notepad for review.
  • Look over the log especially under Files/Folders for any program you want to save.
  • If there's a program you may want to save, just uncheck it from AdwCleaner.
  • If you're not sure, post the log for review. (all items found are adware/spyware/foistware)
  • If you're ready to clean it all up.....click the Clean button.
  • After rebooting, a logfile report (AdwCleaner[s0].txt) will open automatically.
  • Copy and paste the contents of that logfile in your next reply.
  • A copy of that logfile will also be saved in the C:\AdwCleaner folder.
  • Items that are deleted are moved to the Quarantine Folder: C:\AdwCleaner\Quarantine
  • To restore an item that has been deleted:
  • Go to Tools > Quarantine Manager > check what you want restored > now click on Restore.


STEP 06
Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and from the Dashboard please Check for Updates by clicking the Update Now... link
Open up Malwarebytes > Settings > Detection and Protection > Enable Scan for rootkits, Under Non Malware Protection set both PUP and PUM to Treat detections as malware.
Click on the SCAN button and run a Threat Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware by clicking the Scan Now>> button. Remove any threats found
Once completed please click on the History > Application Logs and find your scan log and open it and then click on the "copy to clipboard" button and post back the results on your next reply.


STEP 07
button_eos.gif

Please go here to run the online antivirus scannner from ESET.

  • Turn off the real time scanner of any existing antivirus program while performing the online scan
  • Tick the box next to YES, I accept the Terms of Use.
  • Click Start
  • When asked, allow the activex control to install
  • Click Start
  • Make sure that the option Remove found threats is unticked
  • Click on Advanced Settings and ensure these options are ticked:
    • Scan for potentially unwanted applications
    • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
    • Enable Anti-Stealth Technology


    [*]Click Scan [*]Wait for the scan to finish [*]If any threats were found, click the 'List of found threats' , then click Export to text file.... [*]Save it to your desktop, then please copy and paste that log as a reply to this topic.


STEP 08
Please download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

  • Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
  • Press the Scan button.
  • It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please copy and paste it to your reply.
  • The first time the tool is run, it also makes another log (Addition.txt). Please attach it to your reply as well.

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Here are the logs. There's a lot so I'll attach them.

Since this is my second time running the FRST, it didn't make another Addition.txt

AdwCleaner also didn't make the AdwCleaner[s0].txt. Did I do something wrong?

ESET found nothing.

 

My HDD has dropped to 603 gb. It seems to drop everytime I restart my computer,

 

Logs:

JRT.txt

AdwCleanerR0.txt

MBAM log.txt

FRST2.txt

 

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  • Root Admin

More than likely the computer is not infected. We're just running some scans to double check and make sure. There is a certain amount of data that is always in flux so to speak with Windows updates, caching, etc.

 

Let me have you run this one last scanner and then we'll look at doing some monitoring type work if it comes back clean.

 

 

Please visit this webpage and read the ComboFix User's Guide:

  • Once you've read the article and are ready to use the program you can download it directly from the link below.
  • Important! - Please make sure you save combofix to your desktop and do not run it from your browser
  • Direct download link for: ComboFix.exe
  • Please make sure you disable your security applications before running ComboFix.
  • Once Combofix has completed it will produce and open a log file.  Please be patient as it can take some time to load.
  • Please attach that log file to your next reply.
  • If needed the file can be located here:  C:\combofix.txt
  • NOTE: If you receive the message "illegal operation has been attempted on a registry key that has been marked for deletion", just reboot the computer.

 

 

 

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  • Root Admin

Please download TreeSize and install it and run it.

 

http://www.jam-software.com/freeware/

 

I don't think it tries to add any junk but keep an eye out and do a custom install if possible and if any is offered uncheck it.

 

Then let me know the results.

 

I'll be out most of tomorrow and may or may not be able to get back to you until Sunday or Monday but please post back the results.

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I found out what may have been causing it if it"s not an infection. Apparently, my 50% of my disk space was being used by system protection to store restore points. I've since set it to 2% and my usage went back to 816 gb free (fluctuates between 817 and 816). Should I still use TreeSize?

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  • Root Admin

That's up to you. If you're satisfied then we should be good to go here. TreeSize is a nice little program to show where things are taking up space though.

 

 

At this time there are no more signs of an infection on your system.
However if you are still seeing any signs of an infection please let me know.

Let's go ahead and remove the tools and logs we've used during this process.

Most of the tools used are potentially dangerous to use unsupervised or if ran at the wrong time.
They are often updated daily so if you went to use them again in the future they would be outdated anyways.

The following procedures will implement some cleanup procedures to remove these tools.
 
bwebb7v.jpgDownload Delfix from here and save it to your desktop. (you may already have this)

  • Ensure Remove disinfection tools is checked.
  • Click the Run button.
  • Reboot

Any other programs or logs that are still remaining, you can manually delete. (right click.....Delete)
IE: RogueKiller.exe, RKreport.txt, RK_Quarantine folder, C:\FRST folder, FRST-OlderVersion folder, MBAR folder, etc....AdwCleaner > just run the program and click uninstall.


 
If there are any other left over Folders, Files, Logs then you can delete them on your own.
 
Please visit the following link to see how to delete old System Restore Points. Please delete all of them and create a new one at this time.
How to Delete System Protection Restore Points in Windows 7 and Windows 8

Remove all but the most recent Restore Point on Windows XP


As Java seems to get exploited on a regular basis I advise not using Java if possible but to at least disable java in your web browsers
How do I disable Java in my web browser? - Disable Java

A lot of reading here but if you take the time to read a bit of it you'll see why/how infections and general damage are so easily inflicted on the computer. There is also advice on how to prevent it and keep the system working well. Don't forget about good, solid backups of your data to an external drive that is not connected except when backing up your data. If you leave a backup drive connected and you do get infected it can easily damage, encrypt, delete, or corrupt your backups as well and then you'd lose all data.
Nothing is 100% bulletproof but with a little bit of education you can certainly swing things in your favor.


If you're not currently using Malwarebytes Premium then you may want to consider purchasing the product which can also help greatly reduce the risk of a future infection.
 

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For example, the audio scratches, programs open and close run slightly slower, and finally it hangs on "shutting down."

I've restarted multiple times and I've had to hold down the power button to shut down the computer.

 

Also, I don't know if it's just my imagination but it feels like my resolution has gone down? I've checked and it's at where it's supposed to be so that's why I'm not so sure.

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It blue screened while trying to shut down. I did a system restore thinking delfix deleted something it shouldn't have, and though it said system restore did not complete, I can now shut down and the sluggishness seemed to have gone away.

I restored it March 6, my last saved restore point so just before steps 4-8 were completed it seems. Do I need to do them again?

Sorry, I know I'm not supposed to do things outside of your instructions but I panicked and did it....

I still have the delfix log it seems. Should I post that to let you see it?

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  • Root Admin

Well at this point you may have some junk left over but you already know the cause of your space issue so that's not really related.

It's up to you if you want to do anything more or not. It could have been doing Windows Updates or defragging or some other maintenance task and not being patient you could possibly have caused more issues. Anyways... if all seems okay at this point then you should be okay. If you'd like to rescan and sort of start over then please run the same 4-8 steps as before.

Thanks

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So Rkill, ERUNT, and NTREGOPT that installed with ERUNT is still on my computer. How do I properly get rid of them?

Seeing as DelFix actually seemed to have deleted some important windows files?

# DelFix v10.9 - Logfile created 09/03/2015 at 17:47:37
# Updated 27/02/2015 by Xplode
# Username : Brandon - BRANDON-PC
# Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 (64 bits)

~ Removing disinfection tools ...

Deleted : C:\Qoobox
Deleted : C:\FRST
Deleted : C:\AdwCleaner
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\Addition.txt
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\AdwCleaner.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\AdwCleaner[R0].txt
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\ComboFix.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\ComboFix.txt
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\FRST.txt
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\FRST2.txt
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\FRST64.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\JRT.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\JRT.txt
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\rkill.exe
Deleted : C:\Users\Brandon\Desktop\Rkill.txt
Deleted : C:\Windows\grep.exe
Deleted : C:\Windows\PEV.exe
Deleted : C:\Windows\NIRCMD.exe
Deleted : C:\Windows\MBR.exe
Deleted : C:\Windows\SED.exe
Deleted : C:\Windows\SWREG.exe
Deleted : C:\Windows\SWSC.exe
Deleted : C:\Windows\SWXCACLS.exe
Deleted : C:\Windows\Zip.exe
Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\AdwCleaner
Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Swearware
Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\combofix.exe

########## - EOF - ##########
 

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  • Root Admin

Seeing as DelFix actually seemed to have deleted some important windows files?

Very unlikely. This tool is used thousands of times a week all over at various approved malware removal sites without any reported issues as such.

You can manually delete any left over files or folders from the tools.

If you have any specific removal issue please let me know.

Thanks

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  • Root Admin

If you go into Control Panel, Add/Remove there should be an entry to uninstall ERUNT

 

Other tools can be deleted by right click delete or highlight and press the delete key.

 

If one gives an issue restart the computer to make sure it's not in use and try the delete again.

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  • Root Admin

Glad we could help. :)

If you need this topic reopened, please send a Private Message to any one of the moderating team members. Please include a link to this thread with your request. This applies only to the originator of this thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!

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