Malware

[XauriEL]

Hello, my system seems to be infected with some sort of malware.  I am using and Acer Aspire E 15 running Windows 8.  Whenever I log into my user profile on the system, a popup comes up talking about changes to the start menu.  If the OK button on this popup is pressed it tries to install some program; User Account Control catches it and I have not yet allowed it to install anything.  However I have had some strange behaviour on my system including trying to delete a file which I did not have permission to delete and could not give myself permission to delete, which then spontaneously vanished from the file viewer, and settings on my router changing mysteriously.  I have tried to get rid of this with the following malware removal programs, including Malwarebytes, Avast, HitmanPro, RogueKiller, some of which seemed to have success but then about a week later the system reset itself spontaneously and the popup was back.  I will attach the logs of the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool.  Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,
    
 
They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll try to help your with your issue.
 
     
    
Before we start please read and note the following:

• We're primarily oriented on malware removal here, so you must know that some issues just cannot be solved and you must be prepared for this. Some tools we use here will remove your browser search history, so backup your important links and all the files whose loss is unacceptable.
• Limit your internet access to posting here, some infections just wait to steal typed-in passwords.
• Please be patient. I know it is frustrating when your PC isn't working properly, but malware removal takes time. Keep in mind that private life gets in the way too. Note that we may live in totally different time zones, what may cause some delays between answers.
• Don't run any scripts or tools on your own, unsupervised usage may cause more harm than good.
• Do not paste the logs in your posts, attachments make my work easier. There is a More reply options button, that gives you Upload Files option below which you can use to attach your reports. Always attach reports from all tools.
• Always execute my instructions in given order. If for some reason you cannot completely follow one instruction, inform me about that.
• Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
• If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.

I can't foresee everything, so if anything not covered in my instructions happens, please stop and inform me!
There are no silly questions. Never be afraid to ask if in doubt!
 
 
 
  Rules and policies
 
We won't support any piracy.
That being told, if any evidence of illegal OS, software, cracks/keygens or any other will be revealed, any further assistance will be suspended. If you are aware that there is this kind of stuff on your machine, remove it before proceeding!
The same applies to any use of P2P software: uTorrent, BitTorrent, Vuze, Kazaa, Ares... We don't provide any help for P2P, except for their removal. All P2P software has to be uninstalled or at least fully disabled before proceeding!
 
Failure to follow these guidelines will result with closing your topic and withdrawning any assistance.
 

---

 
Download Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to your desktop.

• Double-click the icon to start the tool.
• It will ask you where to extract it, then it will start.
• Warning! Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit needs to be run from an account with administrator rights.
• Click in the introduction screen "next" to continue.
• Click in the following screen "Update" to obtain the latest malware definitions.
• Once the update is complete select "Next" and click "Scan".
• When the scan is finished and no malware has been found select "Exit".
• If malware was detected, make sure to check all the items and click "Cleanup". Reboot your computer.
• Open the MBAR folder and upload the content of the following files in your next reply:
  • "mbar-log-{date} (xx-xx-xx).txt"
  • "system-log.txt"

---

 
Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
 
Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Make sure that Addition option is checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please include their content into your next reply.

[XauriEL]

Hello, thank you for helping!  I have run the programs you requested and am attaching the files you have requested.  The Malwarebytes Rootkit tool did not detect any suspicious files.

mbar-log-2015-03-19 (17-01-19).txt

system-log.txt

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
 

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.
Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

 
Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:
 
Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please post it to your reply.

fixlist.txt

[XauriEL]

I have run the program as you requested and am attaching the requested file.  Also, the popup that has been bothering me did not appear this time when I signed in to my account after the computer restarted.

Fixlog.txt

[XauriEL]

I possibly should mention that my wife is still getting the popup when she logs on to her (non-administrator) account.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
 
Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Make sure that Addition option is checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please upload them into your next reply.

[XauriEL]

Hello, I have run the Farbar tool again and am attaching the logs.

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

What kind of pop-up is she getting upon logging onto her account?

[XauriEL]

I wrote down the text of the popup, it says the following:

 

Title: Start Menu Updated

The Start menu was updated to the latest version.

What's New:

-Critical fix for apps requiring Adobe Flash Player

-Critical fix for Start menu

-Increased PC battery life with performance improvements

-New full-screen Start menu for touch screens

-General performance improvements

-General bug fixes

-New terms of service

 

There is also a check box that reads 'Set my browser homepage and search to web search

By clicking OK you agree to these terms and Privacy Policy'

 

In the past however, before I tried removing malware once already, the text box related to installing Skype.  This popup constantly has come up whenever we logged into our accounts.  In the past, if clicking OK on this popup, the User Account Control informs us that a program called WinServicesUpdater.exe from publisher Win Services is trying to make changes to the computer.  I have not allowed it to do so.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
 

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.
Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

 
Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:
 
Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.

fixlist.txt

[XauriEL]

OK, I have run the tool and am attaching the requested file.  I did check my wife's account and the popup is not appearing there now.

Fixlog.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. Anything else I can help with?

[XauriEL]

Thank you very much for your help.  I can't donate much but I will help with what I can.

 

Can I contact you again if the virus comes back?  Also, do I need to worry about hackers having access to my router or about virus copies on my router or on a digital camera that was connected to my system?

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Thank you for your donation, I appreciate it 
 
Yes, you can open a new topic if you encounter any issue in future. This wasn't a serious infection, so I think your router is fine.
 
 
 
Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself
 
 

Recommended reading:

 
 
MUST READ - security tips:

• Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

• How Malware Spreads - How did I get infected

MUST READ - general maintenance:

• What to do if your Computer is running slowly?

The Importance of Software Updating:

 

 
In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.
 
Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.

• How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
• How to update Java
• How to update Adobe Reader

Recommended additional software:

 
 
TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.
McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.
Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.
Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads! 
 
 

Post-cleanup procedures:

 

 
Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.

• Run the tool by right click on the icon and Run as administrator option.
• Make sure that these ones are checked:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset system settings
• Push Run.
• The program will run for a few seconds and display a notepad report. You do not need to attach it.

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning. 
 
 
 

My help is free for everybody.

If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation: 

 

Thank you!

 
 
Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle  

[XauriEL]

Thank you once again for all of your help.

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

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