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Hijack.Host issues


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Hello.

 

Early this morning I began experiencing system issues in the form of internet access dropping randomly and my system clock showing the incorrect time. After troubleshooting I decided to purchase your anti-malware software, I'm a live streamer and had been advised to do so in the past. I ran the software and discovered two issues. 1 was a PUP named optimal.AmazonTB and the other was a file named hijack.host which was located in win/system32/drivers/etc/hosts.

 

I quarantined and then deleted both these files, ran CCleaner and restarted my system whereupon I realised my clock was still incorrect (would tick up to an hour before resetting 1 hour) and my internet access would drop/freeze up after about 45 minutes to an hour of browsing.

 

After consulting your forum I downloaded, installed and ran the Farbar Tool, please find the results of that attached. I have also removed all the files and videos related to my stream from my backup HDD to an external hard drive along with my music collection however I still have programs and games saved to my primary SSD. If you so advise I can move/delete those as needed.

 

Thanks for your time

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

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  • Root Admin

Hello and :welcome:

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

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 01
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 1 | 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 02
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 03
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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Hello.

 

Thanks so much for the quick reply. I'm just having a small issue with the ERUNT install. Your guide says "Do not choose to allow ERUNT to add an Entry to the Startup folder. Click NO" and I'm at a point in installation that says "Setup will create the program's shortcuts in the following Start Menu folder".

 

Is this the folder I need to avoid? It is not giving NO as an option, I can choose a different folder but that's it as far as options go.

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Hello again

Managed to figure out the above query. Here is the scan log you requested

 

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 09/05/2016
Scan Time: 06:29
Logfile: 
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.1.1043
Malware Database: v2016.05.11.06
Rootkit Database: v2016.05.06.01
License: Premium
Malware Protection: Enabled
Malicious Website Protection: Enabled
Self-protection: Disabled

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

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 296111
Time Elapsed: 3 min, 58 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)

 

 

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Hello.

 

Just dropping a line to provide some more details that have become apparent in the hopes it may shed some light on the issue.

 

When I power on or reset the PC, my system clock will start at 5.56am, this was the time I set the clock to when I first noticed the clock was incorrect. It then ticks normally to 6.59am before resetting to 6.00am and continuing on. If I'm online my computer will freeze up every 90 minutes on the dot.

In addition to this, I activated my CAM monitoring software earlier today to check CPU/GPU load, heat etc. Since then, after each reset the software will now automatically activate itself. I'm not sure if it's doing this immediately upon restart or after a certain period of time has passed.

Finally, when I run CCleaner, which I've been doing frequently, I've noticed the cleaner takes an abnormally long time to clear Chrome's cache. As in several minutes as opposed to the 8-9 seconds I'm used to.

 

Hope this information is useful and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thanks again.

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  • Root Admin

Sorry for the delay. Did not see your reply listed in my current workflow.

The clock issue is something different in that I've never seen malware change the time clock. If the CMOS batter were bad I'd think it would reset to the default of years ago. So this may not be related to any type of normal threat. Let's first ensure the computer is not infected and then we can look further into the clock issue as needed.

 

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
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 07
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 attach 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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No problems at all, cheers for getting back

Farbar scan results are attached as requested

 

Here are the results of the JRT Scan. I absent mindedly ran the first instance without disabling Bitdefender so ran it a second time with it shut off. I'll post the results of both scans

Scan 1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Junkware Removal Tool (JRT) by Malwarebytes
Version: 8.0.6 (04.25.2016)
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional x64 
Ran by USER (Administrator) on 09/05/2016 at  6:08:35.45
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


File System: 4 

Successfully deleted: C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\DF0N7EXD (Temporary Internet Files Folder) 
Successfully deleted: C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\P7IOUZHB (Temporary Internet Files Folder) 
Successfully deleted: C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\DF0N7EXD (Temporary Internet Files Folder) 
Successfully deleted: C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\P7IOUZHB (Temporary Internet Files Folder) 

Registry: 0 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scan was completed on 09/05/2016 at  6:10:03.76
End of JRT log
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

Scan 2 - Bitdefender OFF

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Junkware Removal Tool (JRT) by Malwarebytes
Version: 8.0.6 (04.25.2016)
Operating System: Windows 7 Professional x64 
Ran by USER (Administrator) on 09/05/2016 at  6:08:35.45
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


File System: 4 

Successfully deleted: C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\DF0N7EXD (Temporary Internet Files Folder) 
Successfully deleted: C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\P7IOUZHB (Temporary Internet Files Folder) 
Successfully deleted: C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\DF0N7EXD (Temporary Internet Files Folder) 
Successfully deleted: C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\P7IOUZHB (Temporary Internet Files Folder) 

Registry: 0 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scan was completed on 09/05/2016 at  6:10:03.76
End of JRT log
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


 

Here are the results from the ADWCleaner

 

# AdwCleaner v5.116 - Logfile created 09/05/2016 at 06:14:54
# Updated 09/05/2016 by Xplode
# Database : 2016-05-13.1 [Server]
# Operating system : Windows 7 Professional Service Pack 1 (X64)
# Username : USER - ROB-PC
# Running from : C:\Users\USER\Desktop\AdwCleaner.exe
# Option : Clean
# Support : http://toolslib.net/forum

***** [ Services ] *****


***** [ Folders ] *****


***** [ Files ] *****

[-] File Deleted : C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\browser\searchplugins\wtu-secure-search.xml

***** [ DLLs ] *****


***** [ WMI ] *****


***** [ Shortcuts ] *****


***** [ Scheduled tasks ] *****


***** [ Registry ] *****

[-] Key Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{459DD0F7-0D55-D3DC-67BC-E6BE37E9D762}
[-] Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Classes\TypeLib\{ABB8A8A5-FF98-40F6-B573-5841B063EA37}
[-] Key Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{B2BC04DF-EFBD-409A-95CA-36874E5AB92A}
[-] Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\distromatic
[-] Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Linkey
[-] Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Reg\Clean
[-] Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Softonic
[-] Key Deleted : HKLM\SOFTWARE\Reg\Clean
[-] Key Deleted : HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\InternetRegistry\REGISTRY\USER\S-1-5-21-2669305570-1320487166-1968526790-1000\Software\TNT2

***** [ Web browsers ] *****

[-] [C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Secure Preferences] [Extension] Deleted : aaaaaiabcopkplhgaedhbloeejhhankf
[-] [C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Secure Preferences] [Extension] Deleted : pbjikboenpfhbbejgkoklgkhjpfogcam

*************************

:: "Tracing" keys deleted
:: Winsock settings cleared

*************************

C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[C1].txt - [1769 bytes] - [09/05/2016 06:14:54]
C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[S1].txt - [2090 bytes] - [09/05/2016 06:12:11]

########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner\AdwCleaner[C1].txt - [1915 bytes] ##########


 

ESET results were as follows

 

C:\Windows\Installer\MSIF1C3.tmp    a variant of Win32/Bundled.Toolbar.Ask.M potentially unsafe application
 

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

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  • Root Admin

Please visit the following site and run the fixit tool from Microsoft to repair your Windows Search. The logs show that it's broken.
Fix Windows Desktop Search when it crashes or not showing results

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop.
NOTE. It's important that both files, FRST or FRST64 and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system.

Run FRST or FRST64 and press the Fix button just once and wait.
If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt). Please attach or post it to your next reply.

Note: If the tool warned you about an outdated version please download and run the updated version.

 

fixlist.txt

 

Thanks

 

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  • Root Admin

Please click on START and type in CMD.EXE and when it shows on the menu right click over it and choose "Run as administrator"

Then type in the following.

CHKDSK   C:   /R

It will say the following:

Quote

The type of the file system is NTFS.
Cannot lock current drive.

Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another
process.  Would you like to schedule this volume to be
checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)

Press the Y key and thee Enter key to have it run after restart. Then go ahead and restart it and let it run. It can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a couple hours or more to complete depending on the size of the drive and the power of the computer.

Once it's done then run a new MBAM threat scan and post back that log and let me know how the computer is running now.

 

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Hi,

Done and done. I haven't noticed any perceptible change in system performance at the moment. My system clock is still displaying the incorrect time, I'll report back in an hour or so as to whether I am forced to reset or not.

 

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 09/05/2016
Scan Time: 06:13
Logfile: 
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.1.1043
Malware Database: v2016.05.14.01
Rootkit Database: v2016.05.06.01
License: Premium
Malware Protection: Enabled
Malicious Website Protection: Enabled
Self-protection: Disabled

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

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 295129
Time Elapsed: 3 min, 57 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)

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I'll do that.

 

I was actually in the process of editing my prior comment.

It would appear as though my CAM software is no longer activating automatically. It had started doing this yesterday after I activated it myself to check CPU load/temps etc. It would activate twice, once upon reset and once at the time I believe corresponded to the time I first activated it yesterday.

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Hi again,

 

Unfortunately I'm still having the same issues. When I powered on today the clock was reading 8.10am, which was the current time when I applied the changes to the clock settings. I'm also still experiencing system lock up every 90 minutes which necessitates a restart.

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  • Root Admin

This is probably a PC issue and not a malware issue. Let me have you create a new topic in this forum and see if someone there can assist you in looking into this issue.

It does sound like the computer probably needs a new CMOS battery though

https://forums.malwarebytes.org/forum/6-general-pc-help/

Thanks

Ron

 

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  • Root Admin

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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Thanks once again, I've followed your instructions and deleted all remaining software.

As for your suggestion regarding the battery potentially needing a replacement. Well, I removed the battery a little earlier in order to get a look at it, determine the voltage and any other relevant details I might need to purchase a substitute. I then replaced it and booted up my PC, noticed the date was showing as some time in 2008 so reset again to enter BIOS and correct it. Rebooted one more time and since then my clock has displayed perfectly with no system lock up, that was over 6 hours ago now so it appears you were right on the money. Not sure why re-setting it has done the trick but I'll purchase a replacement regardless just to be sure.

 

Much appreciation for your time and effort.

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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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