Rundll32.exe appears and problems ensue.

[AndRyu]

Hello, I'm afraid I have malware on my computer. It's been running fine, then a few days ago I noticed it began to slow down and act oddly. I checked Task Manager for any unfamiliar processes and noticed the Rundll32.exe was there. I've also noticed that my cpu usage junps to between 70%- upper ninty and 100% and my memory usage on the computer more that doubles even when I shut down most active programs. This only started a few days ago and I've not been able to find anything, if possible, please help.

 

AndRyu.

[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.

 

 

---

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

Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them.

Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.

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

[AndRyu]

Thanks Eagle, here we goFRST.txtAddition.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Scan with ComboFix

This is a very powerful tool that should be used only if advised by Malware Analyst.

Do not run ComboFix on your own!

Referring to this instruction, please download ComboFix by sUBs and save it to your desktop.

Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

• Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Accept the disclaimer and agree if prompted to install Recovery Console.
• Do not take any actions while ComboFix goes through your System - it may cause it to stall!
• This scan may take some time!
• When finished - it will display a logfile (located also on your main drive, usually C:\ComboFix.txt).

Include that log in your next reply.

If you'll encounter any issues with internet connection after running ComboFix, please visit this link.

If an error about operation on the key marked for deletion will appear after running the tool, please reboot your machine.

[AndRyu]

Okay, here we are,

ComboFix.txt

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. How is your PC behaving now?

[AndRyu]

The rundll32.exe is still there, but it lets me actually see what it's linked to on my computer (it says it's in the system 32 folder) and I have a little icon I didn't notice before about 'Get Windows 10 with the little Microsoft Windows symbol on my notifications icon tray. (I don;t know if it's linked to that or not since I am admittingly not up your expertise level with computers.) I'm also highly considering dropping the Webroot Secure Anywhere internet security I have on my computer and going back to Kaspersky. I never had any issues when I ran Kaspersky and Malwarebytes.

 

All that being said, it looked a little high when I first booted up today, but I decided to play one of my favorite games (Chess Titans) and when I checked again, the numbers were back down where they normally are and I can't really see any lag on my computer. Hopefully what ever that Combofix did has gotten rid of what had made my computer start acting hinky.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yes, ComboFix did its job perfectly and your PC is now clean.

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:

CCleaner - 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 show your appreciation for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:

Thank you!

Stay safe,

TwinHeadedEagle

[AndRyu]

Thanks, just out of curiousity, should I stick with Kaspersky for Anti-Virus/Internet Security? I only ask because, like I said, I never had any issues running Kaspersky and Malwarebytes. I do also plan on getting the Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit for added peice of mind. Also, Holy S#!+ I did the disk cleanup with my OS and had over 8 gigs of unneeded crud left over from Windows Updates alone. Will definately keep that up at least once a month.

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yes, you should keep Kaspersky.

[AndRyu]

Thanks, I also just took your advice and got the MB Anti-Exploit (I already have AdBlock and a few others). Thanks for your help.

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

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