Chrome browser opens to Index

[parydairy]

Hi,

So a couple weeks ago (Jun 13), I did an unfortunate thing and tried to find a free textbook for my college class, and ended up downloading something nasty instead. After a series of panicking, I downloaded malwarebytes which removed apparently 100+ Bad Things from my PC and allowed it to function again (the virus/adware would force my PC to run a bunch of random programs and then pull up a blue screen, forcing me to shut it down. But malwarebytes fixed that). However, I've noticed 2 things since then:

1. Opening Chrome browser no longer leads me to the google homepage. Instead, it leads to: Index of C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Chrome\Application\51.0.2704.103\

I've tried to fix this by changing the default homepage within Settings, but even though it says that it's set to Google, the above address comes up instead.

2. Whenever I do malware scans nowadays, it keeps finding the same type of things. They all begin with "PUP.Optional" and are followed by a series of words, like "Yontoo" or "CovertAd" or "DotDo", "SpringFiles" etc.

I don't know what these are but they seem to be there no matter how many times malwarebytes discovers them and I quarantine/remove them. Are they terrible? Or not?

 

Thanks in advance!

[kevinf80]

Hello parydairy and welcome to Malwarebytes, My screen name is kevinf80, i`m here to help clean up your system. Make sure to run all scans from accounts with Administrator status, continue as follows please: Anyone other than the original starter of this thread please DO NOT follow the instructions and advice posted as replies here, my help and advice is NOT related to your system and will probably cause more harm than good... Change the download folder setting in the default Browser so all tools we may use are saved to the Desktop: Google Chrome - Click the "Customize and control Google Chrome" button in the upper right-corner of the browser. Choose Settings. at the bottom of the screen click the "Show advanced settings..." link. Scroll down to find the Downloads section and click the Change... button. Select your desktop and click OK. Mozilla Firefox - Click the "Open Menu" button in the upper right-corner of the browser. Choose Options. In the downloads section, click the Browse button, click on the Desktop folder and the click the "Select Folder" button. Click OK to get out of the Options menu. Internet Explorer - Click the Tools menu in the upper right-corner of the browser. Select View downloads. Select the Options link in the lower left of the window. Click Browse and select the Desktop and then choose the Select Folder button. Click OK to get out of the download options screen and then click Close to get out of the View Downloads screen. NOTE: IE8 Does not support changing download locations in this manner. You will need to download the tool(s) to the default folder, usually Downloads, then copy them to the desktop. Change default download folder location in Edge -Boot to a user account with admin status, select start > file explorer > right click on "Downloads" folder and select "Properties" In the new window select "Location" tab > clear the text field box and type in or copy/paste %userprofile%\Desktop > select "Apply" then "OK" Be aware you are not changing the Browser download folder location, you are changing the user’s download directory location..... Next, Follow the instructions in the following link to show hidden files: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/show-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-vista/ Next, Download RKill from here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/rkill/ There are three buttons to choose from with different names on, select the first one and save it to your desktop.   Double-click on the Rkill desktop icon to run the tool. If using Vista or Windows 7/8/10, right-click on it and Run As Administrator. A black DOS box will briefly flash and then disappear. This is normal and indicates the tool ran successfully. A log pops up at the end of the run. This log file is located at C:\rkill.log. Please post this in your next reply. If you do not see the black box flash on the screen delete the icon from the desktop and go back to the link for the download, select the next button and try to run the tool again, continue to repeat this process using the remaining buttons until the tool runs. You will find further links if you scroll down the page with other names, try them one at a time. If the tool does not run from any of the links provided, please let me know. Next, Please open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.   On the Settings tab > Detection and Protection sub tab, Detection Options, tick the box "Scan for rootkits". Under Non-Malware Protection sub tab Change PUP and PUM entries to Treat detections as Malware Click on the Scan tab, then click on Scan Now >> . If an update is available, click the Update Now button. A Threat Scan will begin. When the scan is complete Apply Actions to any found entries. Wait for the prompt to restart the computer to appear (if applicable), then click on Yes. After the restart once you are back at your desktop, open MBAM once more. To get the log from Malwarebytes do the following:   Click on the History tab > Application Logs. Double click on the scan log which shows the Date and time of the scan just performed. Click Export > From export you have three options: Copy to Clipboard - if seleted right click to your reply and select "Paste" log will be pasted to your reply Text file (*.txt) - if selected you will have to name the file and save to a place of choice, recommend "Desktop" then attach to reply XML file (*.xml) - if selected you will have to name the file and save to a place of choice, recommend "Desktop" then attach to reply   Please use "Copy to Clipboard, then Right click to your reply > select "Paste" that will copy the log to your reply… If Malwarebytes is not installed follow these instructions first: Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop. Double-click mbam-setup and follow the prompts to install the program. At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to the following: Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware A 14 day trial of the Premium features is pre-selected. You may deselect this if you wish, and it will not diminish the scanning and removal capabilities of the program. Click Finish. Follow the instructions above.... Next, Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop. Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system (32 bit or 64 bit). 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. If your security alerts to FRST either, accept the alert or turn your security off to allow FRST to run. It is not malicious or infected in any way...   Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.(Windows 8/10 users will be prompted about Windows SmartScreen protection - click More information and Run.) Make sure Addition.txt is checkmarked under "Optional scans" Press Scan button to run the tool.... It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please copy and paste it to your reply. The tool will also make a log named (Addition.txt) Please attach those logs to your reply. Let me see those logs in your reply... Thank you, Kevin....

 

[parydairy]

Thanks so much for the response, kevin! Here are the logs as followed:

 

Rkill 2.8.4 by Lawrence Abrams (Grinler)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/
Copyright 2008-2016 BleepingComputer.com
More Information about Rkill can be found at this link:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic308364.html

Program started at: 07/01/2016 01:57:02 AM in x64 mode.
Windows Version: Windows 10 Home 

Checking for Windows services to stop:

 * No malware services found to stop.

Checking for processes to terminate:

 * C:\Windows\cSysSecure1.0.0.5\SysSecure.exe (PID: 2248) [WD-HEUR]

1 proccess terminated!

Checking Registry for malware related settings:

 * No issues found in the Registry.

Resetting .EXE, .COM, & .BAT associations in the Windows Registry.

Performing miscellaneous checks:

 * Windows Automatic Updates Disabled

   [HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU]
   "NoAutoUpdate" = dword:00000001

 * Windows Defender Disabled

   [HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender]
   "DisableAntiSpyware" = dword:00000001

 * Windows Defender Disabled

   [HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender]
   "DisableAntiSpyware" = dword:00000001

Checking Windows Service Integrity: 

 * No issues found.

Searching for Missing Digital Signatures: 

 * C:\WINDOWS\System32\dnsapi.dll : 686,976 : 04/12/2016 03:36 PM : a855860fc1c6dc40e0763ff55903f815 [NoSig]
 +-> C:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll : 535,080 : 04/12/2016 03:36 PM : 72e0ff96ec7e432072022a00c6311257 [Pos Repl]
 +-> C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.0_none_22114c18cd7ccd17\dnsapi.dll : 10,782 : 04/12/2016 06:16 PM : e4e48efbcf7df993a1377cb0518411bc [Pos Repl]
 +-> C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.212_none_02b4dd7d82149e68\dnsapi.dll : 686,976 : 03/29/2016 03:11 AM : 9a3e17cdb177913c2a111c80f3d0dbb4 [Pos Repl]
 +-> C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\wow64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.0_none_2c65f66b01dd8f12\dnsapi.dll : 17,780 : 04/12/2016 06:32 PM : 4c8c167b131ebe7a4d94504f82dad316 [Pos Repl]
 +-> C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\wow64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.212_none_0d0987cfb6756063\dnsapi.dll : 535,080 : 03/29/2016 02:28 AM : 6a7acabae92c837f5c1330188eae36ae [Pos Repl]

Checking HOSTS File: 

 * HOSTS file entries found: 

  107.178.255ices.com
  107.178.255ices.com
  127.0.0.1       down.baidu2016.com
  127.0.0.1       123.sogou.com
  127.0.0.1       www.czzsyzgm.com
  127.0.0.1       www.czzsyzxl.com
  127.0.0.1       union.baidu2019.com

Program finished at: 07/01/2016 01:59:40 AM
Execution time: 0 hours(s), 2 minute(s), and 38 seconds(s)
 

-----------

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 7/1/2016
Scan Time: 2:01 AM
Logfile: 
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.2.1.1043
Malware Database: v2016.07.01.02
Rootkit Database: v2016.05.27.01
License: Free
Malware Protection: Disabled
Malicious Website Protection: Disabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 10
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: Captain Shrek-it

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 430814
Time Elapsed: 57 min, 16 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)

 

FRST.txt    

Addition.txt

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the those logs, continue as follows:

Download attached fixlist.txt file (end of reply) and save it to the Desktop, or the folder you saved FRST into. NOTE. It's important that both FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work. Run FRST and press the Fix button just once and wait. The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or the folder it was ran from. Please post it to your reply. Next, Go here: https://www.zemana.com/Download download and install Zemana Anti-malware. Allow a shortcut to be saved to your Desktop.. The tool will be active with a 15 day trial.... Right click on Zemana Antimalware and select "Run as Administrator" From the GUI select "Settings" In the new window Select 1. Updates, when complete Select 2. Real Time Protection. In the next window make sure 1. all boxes are checkmarked and the action is "Quarantine" and then " 2. Select the home icon. In the new window select "Scan" When the scan completes check each found entry (if any). For "Suspicious Browser Settings" choose REPAIR for all other entries choose QUARANTINE then select the "Next" tab The action complete window will open, from there select the "Back" tab. That will take you back to the home screen... On that screen select the "Reports" tab. (Looks like 3 chimneys) On that screen select and highlite the scan details line, then select "Open Report" Copy and paste that log to your reply... Next, Download AdwCleaner by Xplode onto your Desktop.   Double click on Adwcleaner.exe to run the tool. Click on the Scan in the Actions box Please wait fot the scan to finish.. When "Waiting for action.Please uncheck elements you want to keep" shows in top line.. Click on the Cleaning box. Next click OK on the "Closing Programs" pop up box. Click OK on the Information box & again OK to allow the necessary reboot After restart the AdwCleaner(C*)-Notepad log will appear, please copy/paste it in your next reply. Where * is the number relative to list of scans completed... Next, Download Sophos Free Virus Removal Tool and save it to your desktop.   Double click the icon and select Run Click Next Select I accept the terms in this license agreement, then click Next twice Click Install Click Finish to launch the program Once the virus database has been updated click Start Scanning If any threats are found click Details, then View log file... (bottom left hand corner) Copy and paste the results in your reply Close the Notepad document, close the Threat Details screen, then click Start cleanup Click Exit to close the program If no threats were found please confirm that result.... Let me see those logs, also give an update on any remaining issues or concerns.... Thank you, Kevin....

 

 

Fixlist.txt

[parydairy]

Hello, I seem to have encountered an error of sorts that will not let me access the internet anymore, so I'm typing this from my phone.

 

I got as far as the fixlist, though. I clicked "fix" and it went on for a while, but an error came up in the beginning that I took a screenshot of. I clicked OK, and the program continued onwards until it was finished and created a fixlog.txt and asked me to restart my PC. However, after restarting, a similar error keeps popping up every minute, only this one is labeled "flux.exe - Bad Image" at the top. I can also no longer go to any website, even though I am technically connected to the internet and trouble shooter finds nothing wrong.

Hmm, it seems the screenshot on my phone isn't supported by the forums so I can't upload it, but here is what it says:

 

flux.exe - Bad Image

C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DNSAPI.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try installing the program again using the original installation media or contact your system administrator or software vendor for support. Error status 0xc000012f. 

[kevinf80]

Hold down the Shift key and boot your PC. Windows should open to the "Choose an Option" window....

From that window select "Troubleshoot" from the next window select "Advance Options" from  there select "System Restore" from there follow the prompts to run System Restore to any date prior to this issue happening..

Let me know if your connections is restored.....

 

[parydairy]

36 minutes ago, kevinf80 said:

Hold down the Shift key and boot your PC. Windows should open to the "Choose an Option" window....

From that window select "Troubleshoot" from the next window select "Advance Options" from  there select "System Restore" from there follow the prompts to run System Restore to any date prior to this issue happening..

Let me know if your connections is restored.....

 

It worked! I am now completing the rest of the steps, starting with the Zemana Anti-malware scan. Will report back shortly.

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the update...

[parydairy]

The "Suspicious Browser Setting" seems to have been taken care of, however this showed up...

[kevinf80]

Yes that was the fix that was done with FRST to replace dnsapi.dll.....  We need to stop now and run the following;

Run FRST one more time:

Type the following in the edit box after "Search:".

dnsapi.dll

Click Search button and post the log (Search.txt) it makes to your reply.

[parydairy]

Here it is:

 

Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (x64) Version: 29-06-2016
Ran by Captain Shrek-it (2016-07-01 13:46:07)
Running from C:\Users\Captain Shrek-it\Desktop
Boot Mode: Normal

================== Search Files: "dnsapi.dll" =============

C:\Windows\WinSxS\wow64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.212_none_0d0987cfb6756063\dnsapi.dll
[2016-04-12 15:36][2016-03-29 02:28] 0535080 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 6A7ACABAE92C837F5C1330188EAE36AE [File is digitally signed]

C:\Windows\WinSxS\wow64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.0_none_2c65f66b01dd8f12\dnsapi.dll
[2015-10-30 00:18][2016-04-12 18:32] 0017780 ____A () 4C8C167B131EBE7A4D94504F82DAD316 [File not signed]

C:\Windows\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.212_none_02b4dd7d82149e68\dnsapi.dll
[2016-04-12 15:36][2016-03-29 03:11] 0686976 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 9A3E17CDB177913C2A111C80F3D0DBB4 [File is digitally signed]

C:\Windows\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.0_none_22114c18cd7ccd17\dnsapi.dll
[2015-10-30 00:18][2016-04-12 18:16] 0010782 ____A () E4E48EFBCF7DF993A1377CB0518411BC [File not signed]

C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll
[2016-04-12 15:36][2016-04-12 15:36] 0535080 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) 72E0FF96EC7E432072022A00C6311257 [File not signed]

C:\Windows\System32\dnsapi.dll
[2016-04-12 15:36][2016-04-12 15:36] 0686976 ____A (Microsoft Corporation) A855860FC1C6DC40E0763FF55903F815 [File not signed]

====== End of Search ======

[kevinf80]

Thanks for that log, continue....

Download attached fixlist.txt file (end of reply) and save it to the Desktop, or the folder you saved FRST into.
NOTE. It's important that both FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Run FRST and press the Fix button just once and wait.
The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or the folder it was ran from. Please post it to your reply.

 

fixlist.txt

[parydairy]

So it seems that every time I run the "fix" action, I get the Bad Image error. Well, this is only the second time we tried it, but yeah, the error from earlier that killed the internet has popped up again. It says the same thing as last time, but now it's called: "ipconfig.exe - Bad Image"

 

The fixlist is on the Desktop with the FRST folder, where I moved it. Should I put the fixlist INSIDE of the folder instead? Maybe that's what's causing the error?

[kevinf80]

FRST should not be inside a folder, it should be on the DESKTop... The fix file fixlist.txt should be sitting on the Desktop, if FRST and fixlist.txt are not together then the fix cannot work.....

Look at the image, that is how they sit, Then you run FRST when open select "fix"

[parydairy]

Yeah, that's exactly how they've been sitting on the desktop, so I guess their positioning isn't the problem, then. 

Other than the lost internet connection and error pop-up, the fix seems to work as it's running. It has finished and generated a log, so I clicked OK to restart. However, just like before, there are error pop-ups and I can't post the log because of the lost connection. :-(

[kevinf80]

Can you use System Restore and go back prior to the original issue happening...

[kevinf80]

Hold off on System Restore, I want to try FRST with a different command in the fix file... is that ok

[parydairy]

Hmm now it seems that system restore has a problem with me, too... It says:

"System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer's system files and setting ls were not changed. 

Details:

An unspecified error occurreed during System Restore. (0x80070002)

You can try System Restore again and choose a different restore point. If you continue to see this error, you can try an advanced recovery method."

[kevinf80]

What is the current status of your system, do you have a connection.... See if you can run the following:

Download attached fixlist.txt file (end of reply) and save it to the Desktop, or the folder you saved FRST into.
NOTE. It's important that both FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Run FRST and press the Fix button just once and wait.
The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or the folder it was ran from. Please post it to your reply.

 

fixlist.txt

[parydairy]

3 minutes ago, parydairy said:

Hmm now it seems that system restore has a problem with me, too... It says:

"System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer's system files and setting ls were not changed. 

Details:

An unspecified error occurreed during System Restore. (0x80070002)

You can try System Restore again and choose a different restore point. If you continue to see this error, you can try an advanced recovery method."

The internet works again, though. 

[kevinf80]

Can you run the new fix, i`ve given different action to renew the patched dnsapi.dll files... Can you create a restore point before running the fix....

[parydairy]

Whoops, I'm sorry I'm going too fast! I didn't see your recent post and ran the fix without creating a new store point... however, this time it ran without error and allowed me to restart. The error from before hasn't shown up again, and my connection is still here. I'll be posting the log in just a moment.

[parydairy]

2 minutes ago, parydairy said:

Whoops, I'm sorry I'm going too fast! I didn't see your recent post and ran the fix without creating a new store point... however, this time it ran without error and allowed me to restart. The error from before hasn't shown up again, and my connection is still here. I'll be posting the log in just a moment.

Fix result of Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (x64) Version: 29-06-2016
Ran by Captain Shrek-it (2016-07-01 15:09:33) Run:3
Running from C:\Users\Captain Shrek-it\Desktop
Loaded Profiles: Captain Shrek-it (Available Profiles: Captain Shrek-it & DefaultAppPool)
Boot Mode: Normal
==============================================

fixlist content:
*****************
Start
CreateRestorePoint:
CloseProcesses:
Move: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll.old
Move: C:\Windows\WinSxS\wow64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.212_none_0d0987cfb6756063\dnsapi.dll C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll
Move: C:\Windows\System32\dnsapi.dll C:\Windows\System32\dnsapi.dll.old
Move: C:\Windows\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.212_none_02b4dd7d82149e68\dnsapi.dll C:\Windows\System32\dnsapi.dll
end

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

Restore point was successfully created.
Processes closed successfully.
"C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll" moved successfully to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll.old
"C:\Windows\WinSxS\wow64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.212_none_0d0987cfb6756063\dnsapi.dll" moved successfully to C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll
"C:\Windows\System32\dnsapi.dll" moved successfully to C:\Windows\System32\dnsapi.dll.old
"C:\Windows\WinSxS\amd64_microsoft-windows-dns-client-minwin_31bf3856ad364e35_10.0.10586.212_none_02b4dd7d82149e68\dnsapi.dll" moved successfully to C:\Windows\System32\dnsapi.dll

The system needed a reboot.

==== End of Fixlog 15:09:35 ====

[kevinf80]

Well we made good progress that time, the patched files were moved and renamed, good files were used as replacements. I`d like to remove the renamed patched files so they are gone for sure....

Open Notepad, select "Format" from the menu bar, make sure "Word Wrap" is not checked. Copy the text from the code box below to Notepad.

@echo off
del /f /s /q "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\dnsapi.dll.old"
del /f /s /q "C:\Windows\System32\dnsapi.dll.old"
del %0

Save the Notepad file on your desktop...as delfile.bat... save type as "All Files"
It should look like this: <--XP <--vista or windows 7/8
Double click on delfile.bat to execute it.
A black CMD window will flash, then disappear...this is normal.
The files and folders, if found...will have been deleted and the "delfile.bat" file will also be deleted.

Next,

Run Zemana and post the log....Also give an upate on any remaining issues or concerns....

Thank you,

Kevin

[parydairy]

Zemana is nearly finished, but I have a question about the options listed. I noticed that it says "Repair" for everything instead of "Quarantine." 

Is that supposed to be this way?