several problems with my laptop

SoSweet · October 2, 2015

I have run Malware Bytes Anti-Malware programs a couple of times and am finally considered "clear" but I have several unresolved issues.

1. Windows defender will not run.

2. dwm.exe has stopped responding error message which pops up quite frequently.

3. I have been unable to rest my home page or search engine off of esurf.biz.

There were several programs installed at the same time and I did uninstall all I could find then did a scan and clean using your software. still having problems. I do not have any software that I know about that would violate your terms of service so I have attached the FRST files to this post.

Thank you in advance for your help.

SoSweet

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

TwinHeadedEagle · October 2, 2015

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.
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.
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.

Check Disk

Press the + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type cmd and click OK.
Copy/Enter the command below and press Enter:
```
chkdsk C: /r
```
You should get a message to schedule Check Disk at next system restart. Please type Y and press Enter.
All you should do now is to restart your PC and let the Check Disk process finish uninterrupted.

Check Disk report:

Press the + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type eventvwr and click OK.
In the left panel, expand Windows Logs and then click on Application.
Now, on the right side, click on Filter Current Log.
Under Event Sources, check only Wininit and click OK.
Now you'll be presented with one or multiple Wininit logs.
Click on an entry corresponding to the date and time of the disk check.
On the top main menu, click Action > Copy > Copy Details as Text.
Paste the contents into your next reply.

Scan with ZOEK

Please download ZOEK by Smeenk and save it to your desktop (preferred version is the *.exe one)

Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

createsrpoint;autoclean;emptyclsid;emptyalltemp;ipconfig /flushdns >>"%temp%\log.txt";b

Right-click on icon and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
Wait patiently until the main console will appear, it may take a minute or two.
In the main box please paste in the following script:
Make sure that Scan All Users option is checked.
Push Run Script and wait patiently. The scan may take a couple of minutes.
When the scan completes, a zoek-results logfile should open in notepad.
If a reboot is needed, it will be opened after it. You may also find it at your main drive (usually C:\ drive)

Post its content into your next reply.

SoSweet · October 2, 2015

I am having difficulty with obtaining the Check Disk Report. I have followed the instructions given to

In the left panel, expand Windows Logs and then click on Application

The next step states to

Now, on the right side, click on Filter Current Log

There is no such option in the Event Viewer of Windows 10. How do I need to proceed.?

In the meantime please see the following ZOEK report:

Zoek.exe v5.0.0.1 Updated 30-09-2015
Tool run by Lindi on Fri 10/02/2015 at 9:06:10.66.
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 10.0.10240 x64
Running in: Normal Mode Internet Access Detected
Launched: C:\Users\Lindi\Desktop\zoek.exe [scan all users] [script inserted]

==== System Restore Info ======================

10/2/2015 9:07:26 AM Zoek.exe System Restore Point Created Successfully.

==== Empty Folders Check ======================

C:\PROGRA~3\Comms deleted successfully
C:\PROGRA~3\SoftwareDistribution deleted successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\Adobe deleted successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\LogMeIn Rescue Applet deleted successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\NetworkTiles deleted successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\PeerDistRepub deleted successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\STARGAZE_IMAGE_CACHE deleted successfully
C:\Users\lindi_92yj2gk\AppData\Local\NetworkTiles deleted successfully
C:\Users\lindi_92yj2gk\AppData\Local\VirtualStore deleted successfully
C:\WINDOWS\serviceprofiles\networkservice\AppData\Local\PeerDistPub deleted successfully
C:\WINDOWS\serviceprofiles\networkservice\AppData\Local\PeerDistRepub deleted successfully

==== Deleting CLSID Registry Keys ======================

==== Deleting CLSID Registry Values ======================

==== Deleting Services ======================

==== FireFox Fix ======================

ProfilePath: C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\9xygxj6c.default-1443754629745

user.js not found
---- Lines browser.startup.page removed from prefs.js ----
user_pref("browser.startup.page", 3);
---- FireFox user.js and prefs.js backups ----

prefs_20151002_0931_.backup

==== Batch Command(s) Run By Tool======================

Windows IP Configuration

Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.

==== Deleting Files \ Folders ======================

C:\PROGRA~2\Redemption Cemetery - Grave Testimony Collector's Edition not found
C:\PROGRA~2\Redemption Cemetery - Grave Testimony Collector’s Edition not found
C:\PROGRA~2\Dark Tales - Edgar Allan Poe's The Premature Burial Collector's Edition deleted
C:\PROGRA~2\Enigmatis - The Ghosts of Maple Creek Collector's Edition deleted
C:\PROGRA~2\Hallowed Legends - Ship of Bones Collector's Edition deleted
C:\PROGRA~2\Antique Road Trip - American Dreamin deleted
C:\PROGRA~2\Surface - The Noise She Couldn't Make Collector's Edition deleted
C:\PROGRA~2\Mystery Case Files - Ravenhearst deleted
C:\PROGRA~3\Alawar deleted
C:\PROGRA~3\Alawar Stargaze deleted
C:\PROGRA~3\AlawarWrapper deleted
C:\PROGRA~3\Package Cache deleted
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Hidden Object Studios - I'll Believe You - Special Edition deleted
C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Search.lnk deleted
C:\Users\Public\Documents\AlawarWrapper deleted
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\9xygxj6c.default-1443754629745\extensions\staged deleted
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\9xygxj6c.default-1443754629745\extensions\firefoxdav@icloud.com deleted
"C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Roaming\WTools" deleted

==== Firefox Start and Search pages ======================

ProfilePath: C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\9xygxj6c.default-1443754629745
user_pref("services.sync.prefs.sync.browser.search.selectedEngine", true);

==== Firefox Extensions Registry ======================

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions]
"{22119944-ED35-4ab1-910B-E619EA06A115}"="C:\Program Files (x86)\Siber Systems\AI RoboForm\Firefox\roboform.xpi" [10/01/2015 09:24 PM]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions]
"{22119944-ED35-4ab1-910B-E619EA06A115}"="C:\Program Files (x86)\Siber Systems\AI RoboForm\Firefox\roboform.xpi" [10/01/2015 09:24 PM]

==== Firefox Extensions ======================

ProfilePath: C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\9xygxj6c.default-1443754629745
- Undetermined - %ProfilePath%\extensions\1a2405d470058da414e55f984760a875482d60e1bb81ca4be9661b4188f654af_lp.key
- Undetermined - %ProfilePath%\extensions\1a2405d470058da414e55f984760a875482d60e1bb81ca4be9661b4188f654af_lp.key
- LastPass - %ProfilePath%\extensions\support@lastpass.com

AppDir: C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
- Default - %AppDir%\browser\extensions\{972ce4c6-7e08-4474-a285-3208198ce6fd}

==== Firefox Plugins ======================

Profilepath: C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\9xygxj6c.default-1443754629745
18CF51689186AEB9D1D149AEB0E92D03 - C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office 15\root\Office15\NPSPWRAP.DLL - Microsoft Office 2013
1A62BB86D17B8DC0D4339BACC8D60635 - C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\Macromed\Flash\NPSWF32_19_0_0_185.dll - Shockwave Flash

==== Fake Chromium Profiles Check ======================

Fake profile C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome deleted

==== Set IE to Default ======================

Old Values:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
"DefaultScope"="{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A}] not found

New Values:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"Start Page"="http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
"DefaultScope"="{012E1000-F331-11DB-8314-0800200C9A66}"

==== All HKCU SearchScopes ======================

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes
{012E1000-F331-11DB-8314-0800200C9A66} Google Url="http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}"
{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} Bing Url="http://www.bing.com/search?q={searchTerms}&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IE8SRC"
{2f23ab71-4ac6-41f2-a955-ea576e553146} Bing Url="http://www.bing.com/search?q={searchTerms}&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IESR02"

==== Empty IE Cache ======================

C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Low\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Users\lindi_92yj2gk\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\WINDOWS\SysNative\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\WINDOWS\sysWoW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\WINDOWS\serviceprofiles\Localservice\AppData\Local\Temp\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\WINDOWS\sysWOW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\IE emptied successfully
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Low\IE emptied successfully
C:\Users\lindi_92yj2gk\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\IE emptied successfully
C:\WINDOWS\SysNative\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\IE emptied successfully
C:\WINDOWS\sysWoW64\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\IE emptied successfully

==== Empty FireFox Cache ======================

C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\9xygxj6c.default-1443754629745\cache2 emptied successfully

==== Empty Chrome Cache ======================

No Chrome User Data found

==== Empty All Flash Cache ======================

No Flash Cache Found

==== Empty All Java Cache ======================

No Java Cache Found

==== C:\zoek_backup content ======================

C:\zoek_backup (files=20215 folders=2098 5307114617 bytes)

==== Empty Temp Folders ======================

C:\WINDOWS\Temp will be emptied at reboot

==== After Reboot ======================

==== Empty Temp Folders ======================

C:\WINDOWS\Temp successfully emptied
C:\Users\Lindi\AppData\Local\Temp successfully emptied

==== Empty Recycle Bin ======================

C:\$RECYCLE.BIN successfully emptied

==== EOF on Fri 10/02/2015 at 9:50:42.69 ======================

Thank you again for your prompt replies and assistance

SoSweet

SoSweet · October 2, 2015

After doing some reserch I think this is the file you are looking for. The time appears to be correct for this action.

TimeCreated : 10/2/2015 8:51:43 AM
Message     :

              Checking file system on C:
              The type of the file system is NTFS.

              A disk check has been scheduled.
              Windows will now check the disk.

              Stage 1: Examining basic file system structure ...
                498688 file records processed.
              File verification completed.
                4554 large file records processed.
                0 bad file records processed.

              Stage 2: Examining file name linkage ...
                631590 index entries processed.
              Index verification completed.
                0 unindexed files scanned.
                0 unindexed files recovered to lost and found.

              Stage 3: Examining security descriptors ...
              Cleaning up 1585 unused index entries from index $SII of file 0x9.
              Cleaning up 1585 unused index entries from index $SDH of file 0x9.
              Cleaning up 1585 unused security descriptors.
              Security descriptor verification completed.
                66452 data files processed.
              CHKDSK is verifying Usn Journal...
                38486736 USN bytes processed.
              Usn Journal verification completed.

              Stage 4: Looking for bad clusters in user file data ...
                498672 files processed.
              File data verification completed.

              Stage 5: Looking for bad, free clusters ...
                215377275 free clusters processed.
              Free space verification is complete.
              CHKDSK discovered free space marked as allocated in the volume bitmap.

              Windows has made corrections to the file system.
              No further action is required.

               976196607 KB total disk space.
               113836048 KB in 388903 files.
                  216752 KB in 66453 indexes.
                       0 KB in bad sectors.
                  634703 KB in use by the system.
                   65536 KB occupied by the log file.
               861509104 KB available on disk.

                    4096 bytes in each allocation unit.
               244049151 total allocation units on disk.
               215377276 allocation units available on disk.

              Internal Info:
              00 9c 07 00 c6 f2 06 00 5c ed 0c 00 00 00 00 00 ........\.......
              82 14 00 00 73 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 ....s...........

              Windows has finished checking your disk.
              Please wait while your computer restarts.

TwinHeadedEagle · October 2, 2015

Very good. How is your PC behaving now?

SoSweet · October 2, 2015

Windows Defender is now running properly.

I am not getting the dwm.exe errors any more.

I am still unable to get rid of esurf.biz. I have checked my options in firefox ans the home page is cheanged to google with the selection to open last tabs when opening which it does. However opening a new tab or clicking on the home page still takes me to esurf.biz and the same with search engine. Just cant seem to risd myself of this.

SoSweet · October 2, 2015

shoot the windows defender service has been stopped and will not restart.

SoSweet · October 2, 2015

I am getting the following message when i try to restart it

The group or resourcesis not in the correct state to perform the requested operation.

SoSweet · October 2, 2015

Sorry for so many replies but i found out some information after doing some more homework. It appears that windows defender will give you that message if ANY third party security software is installed. After uninstalling all software Windows defender is again in operation and not stopping again.

TwinHeadedEagle · October 2, 2015

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.

SoSweet · October 2, 2015

Here are the files but I think I might have found the problem. When I checked the properties of the Firefox shortcuts the esurf url was part of the target line. I checked all possible shortcuts and removed the url from the target and so far I think it is working unless there is some place else this little bugger is hiding.

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

TwinHeadedEagle · October 3, 2015

Okay, let's check your PC one more time, I need additional report.

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 and Shortcut.txt options are 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.

SoSweet · October 3, 2015

Here are the files you requested.

Let me thank you so very much for all of your help and patients with me. At this point the following is true

1.dwm.exe issue resolved......no more error messages.

2. Windows Defender is up and running and fully functional.

3. I have had no more tabs opening in esurf.biz since removing the url from the shortcut target line

Thanks again,

SoSweet.

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

TwinHeadedEagle · October 3, 2015

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.

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

Maurice Naggar · October 11, 2015

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!

several problems with my laptop

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