Chrome opens by itself

[Platypus5]

Symptoms:

-Chrome suddenly goes to a blank tab over the tab I'm using.

-Chrome opens numerous new blank tabs on its own.

 

I've noticed that a lot of people already posted about a similar problem, but I've tried everything I could by myself AND already received help in a (trusty) Spanish forum.
The thing is that this problem started months ago. After following the instructions people gave me in the other forum, I did notice that AdwCleaner kept detecting the same threat, but I left it as it was because I didn't want to keep bothering them and there were no more symptoms, until this week.

 

What I tried so far (this time):
-Malwarebytes: found no threats.
-AdwCleaner: ran it several times, always finds the same two threats, even after removal. Removal does alleviate the symptoms for a while, but it keeps getting worse over the days. The threat is always some hohosearch thing.

 

Well, hope you can help me.

Bye.

[Platypus5]

Sorry for the doble post, didn't find how to edit. I'm attaching the reports from Farbar Recovery Scan Tool.

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

[kevinf80]

Hello Platypus5 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... Uninstall SpyBot Search and Destroy, it may hamper our efforts. > https://www.safer-networking.org/faq/how-to-uninstall-2/ > Reboot when complete... Next, Download attached fixlist.txt file (end of reply) and save it to the Desktop, or the folder you saved FRST into. "Do not open that file" NOTE. It's important that both FRST and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work. Open 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, Open Malwarebytes, select > "settings" > "protection tab" Scroll down to "Scan Options" ensure Scan for Rootkits and Scan within Archives are both on.... Go back to "DashBoard" select the Blue "Scan Now" tab...... When the scan completes deal with any found entries... Then select "Export Summary" then "Text File (*.txt)" name that log and save , you can copy or attach that to your reply... Next, Please download Zemana AntiMalware and save it to your Desktop.   Install the program and once the installation is complete it will start automatically. Without changing any options, press Scan to begin. After the short scan is finished, if threats are detected press Next to remove them. Note: If restart is required to finish the cleaning process, you should click Reboot. If reboot isn't required, please re-boot your computer manually.   Open Zemana AntiMalware again. Click on icon and double click the latest report. Now click File > Save As and choose your Desktop before pressing Save. Attach saved report in your next message. Next, Download Microsoft's " Malicious Software Removal Tool" and save direct to the desktop Ensure to get the correct version for your system.... 32 Bit version: https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/confirmation.aspx?FamilyId=AD724AE0-E72D-4F54-9AB3-75B8EB148356&displaylang=en 64 Bit version: https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/confirmation.aspx?FamilyId=585D2BDE-367F-495E-94E7-6349F4EFFC74&displaylang=en Right click on the Tool, select “Run as Administrator” the tool will expand to the options Window In the "Scan Type" window, select Quick Scan Perform a scan and Click Finish when the scan is done. Retrieve the MSRT log as follows, and post it in your next reply: 1) Select the Windows key and R key together to open the "Run" function 2) Type or Copy/Paste the following command to the "Run Line" and Press Enter: notepad c:\windows\debug\mrt.log The log will include log details for each time MSRT has run, we only need the most recent log by date and time.... Post those logs, also tell me if there are any remaining issues or concerns.... Thank you, Kevin....

fixlist.txt

[Platypus5]

There's been no symptoms after I did everything you indicated. BUT AwdCleaner keeps detecting a threat (same hohosearch thing) and this worries me given my previous history. I didn't try to remove it by the way, just ran a scan.

Thank you for the prompt response.

Bye.

2017.04.18-20.52.32-i0-t92-d4.txt

Fixlog.txt

Malwarebytes.txt

mrt.log

[kevinf80]

Thank s for the logs and information update, continue with the following...

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, Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.   Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts. (re-enable when done) Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista, 7, or 8; instead of double-clicking, right-mouse click JRT.exe and select "Run as Administrator". The tool will open and start scanning your system. Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications. On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open. Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next message. Let me see those two logs, also tell me if there are any remaining issues or concerns... Thank you, Kevin...

[Platypus5]

Well, well, everything looks clear now. Again, given the persistency of this problem in the past, I'd appreciate if you could still take a look at the logs and see if there's anything out of place.

As for me, this appears to be completely solved. I'm very grateful for your help and disposition.

AdwCleaner[C11].txt

JRT.txt

[kevinf80]

Thanks logs and information update, good to hear your system is back to normal.... Continue with the following:

Uninstall Zemana http://www.askvg.com/how-to-completely-uninstall-remove-a-software-program-in-windows-without-using-3rd-party-software/ Next, Download "Delfix by Xplode" and save it to your desktop. Or use the following if first link is down: "Delfix link mirror" If your security program alerts to Delfix either, accept the alert or turn your security off. Double Click to start the program. If you are using Vista or higher, please right-click and choose run as administrator Make Sure the following items are checked:   Remove disinfection tools <----- this will remove tools we have used. Purge System Restore <--- this will remove all previous and possibly exploited restore points, a new point relative to system status at present will be created. Reset system settings <--- this will reset any system settings back to default that were changed either by us during cleansing or malware/infection Now click on "Run" and wait patiently until the tool has completed. The tool will create a log when it has completed. We don't need you to post this. Any remnant files/logs from tools we have used can be deleted… Next, Read the following links to fully understand PC Security and Best Practices, you may find them useful.... Answers to Common Security Questions and best Practices Do I need a Registry Cleaner? Take care and surf safe Kevin...

[Platypus5]

Hi again.

I'm sorry to report that the problem reappeared during the weekend. Chrome opened and got on foreground on its own, several times (even when running other programs on full screen).

Is there still something to be done about it?

[kevinf80]

Lets go for clean install of Chrome...If your Chrome Bookmarks are important do this first:

Go to this link: http://www.wikihow.com/Export-Bookmarks-from-Chrome follow the instructions and Export your Bookmarks from Chrome, save to your Desktop or similar. Note the instructions can also be used to Import the bookmarks..... Continue for a clean install: Download Chrome installer and save to install later: https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html Remove all synced data from Chrome go here: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6386691?hl=en-GB follow those instructions... It is essntial that any/all synced data is removed when the browser is hijacked or exploited in anyway... Uninstall Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95319?hl=en-GB follow those instructions, ensure the option to "Also delete your browsing data" is selected. <<--- Very important!! Navigate to C:\Users\Your user name\Appdata\Local from that folder delete the folder named Google (you will need to show hidden files/folders to see the folder Appdata) For XP that will be My Computer > C:\ Documents and Settings\Your User Name\Application Data\Roaming How to show hidden files and folders for windows: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/show-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-vista/ Install Google Chrome : Install Adblock Plus to Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-plus/cfhdojbkjhnklbpkdaibdccddilifddb Install DrWeb Link Ant-virus Link Checker: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/drweb-anti-virus-link-che/aleggpabliehgbeagmfhnodcijcmbonb?hl=en Does that help...?

[Platypus5]

Sorry to report it didn't work. I tried it yesterday but I'm already having the same problem today.

[kevinf80]

I`m very surprised that a clean install of Chrome has not made any difference... Continue with the following:

Download and save RogueKiller to your Desktop from this link: https://www.fosshub.com/RogueKiller.html/setup.exe Right click setup.exe and select Run as Administrator to start installing RogueKiller. At the next window Checkmark "Install 32 and 64 bit versions, then select "Next" In the next window skip Licence I.D. and Licence Key, select "Next" In the next window make no changes and select "Next" In the next window leave both "Additional Shortcuts" checkmarked, then select "Next" In the next window make no changes and select "Install" RogueKiller will extract and complete installation, in the new window leave "Launch Roguekiller" checkmarked, then select finish. RogueKiller will launch. Accept UAC, then read and accept "User Agreements" In the new window the "Home" tab should already be selected, Change by selecting "Scan" tab, then select "Start Scan" When the scan completes select "Open Report" In the new Window select "Export text" name that file RK.txt, save to your Desktop and attach to your reply   let me see that log in your reply....

[Platypus5]

Here's the log.

RKlog.txt

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the log, continue with the following:   Right click on RogueKiller.exe and select "Run as Administrator" to start the tool, accept UAC.. In the new window the "Home" tab should already be selected, Change by selecting "Scan" tab, then select "Start Scan" When the scan completes Checkmark (tick) the following against Registry entries, ensure that all other entries are not Checkmarked [PUP.HackTool|VT.HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS] (X64) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ControlSet001\Services\Service KMSELDI (C:\Program Files\KMSpico\Service_KMS.exe) -> Encontrado [PUP.HackTool|VT.HackTool:Win32/AutoKMS] (X64) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ControlSet002\Services\Service KMSELDI (C:\Program Files\KMSpico\Service_KMS.exe) -> Encontrado Checkmark (tick) the following against Files entries, ensure that all other entries are not Checkmarked [Tr.Gen0][Archivo] C:\Users\Araceli\AppData\Roaming\uTorrent\updates\3.4.5_41712\utorrentie.exe -> Encontrado [Tr.Gen0][Archivo] C:\Users\Araceli\AppData\Roaming\uTorrent\updates\3.4.6_42094\utorrentie.exe -> Encontrado [Tr.Gen0][Archivo] C:\Users\Araceli\AppData\Roaming\uTorrent\updates\3.4.7_42330\utorrentie.exe -> Encontrado [Tr.Gen0][Archivo] C:\Users\Araceli\AppData\Roaming\uTorrent\updates\3.4.9_42973\utorrentie.exe -> Encontrado [PUP.HackTool][Archivo] C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\KMSpico\AutoPico.lnk [LNK@] C:\PROGRA~1\KMSpico\AutoPico.exe -> Encontrado [PUP.HackTool][Archivo] C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\KMSpico\Log KMSpico.lnk [LNK@] C:\PROGRA~1\KMSpico\scripts\Log.cmd -> Encontrado [PUP.HackTool][Archivo] C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\KMSpico\Uninstall KMSpico.lnk [LNK@] C:\PROGRA~1\KMSpico\UninsHs.exe /u0=KMSpico -> Encontrado [PUP.HackTool][Carpeta] C:\Program Files\KMSpico -> Encontrado Checkmark (tick) the following against Web Browser entries, ensure that all other entries are not Checkmarked [PUM.SearchEngine][Firefox:Config] j9ripwb0.default : user_pref("browser.search.selectedEngine", "Yahoo®"); -> Encontrado [PUM.SearchEngine][Firefox:Config] j9ripwb0.default : user_pref("browser.search.defaultenginename", "Yahoo®"); -> Encontrado Hit the Delete button, when complete select "Open Report" in the next window select "Export txt" the log will open. Save to your Desktop for reference, also attach to next reply.   Next,   Please download Gmer from Here by clicking on the "Download EXE" Button.   Double click on the randomly named GMER.exe. If asked to allow gmer.sys driver to load, please consent. If it gives you a warning about rootkit activity and asks if you want to run scan...click on NO. In the right panel, you will see several boxes that have been checked. Uncheck the following ... Sections IAT/EAT Show All ( should be unchecked by default )   Leave everything else as it is. Close all other running Programs as well as your Browsers. Click the Scan button & wait for it to finish. Once done click on the Save.. button, and in the File name area, type in "ark.txt" or it will save as a .log file which cannot be uploaded to your post. Save it where you can easily find it, such as your desktop. Please post the content of the ark.txt here. **Caution** Rootkit scans often produce false positives. Do NOT take any action on any "<--- ROOKIT" entries **If GMER crashes** Follow the instructions here and disable your security temporarily… Post those logs... Thank you, Kevin

[Platypus5]

I'm attaching the logs. Thanks for your patience! 

ark.txt

RKillerLog.txt

[kevinf80]

GMER log is clean, what is happening with your PC, any issues or concerns...

[Platypus5]

Same as before: numerous new tabs and new windows of Chrome opening randomly. Actually, now that I'm forced to use Firefox, I began to notice the same problem with it too (but only new tabs, no new windows).

Anyway, I think I have received too much of your good will. I'd better go see a technician or something.
Thanks for your time and your patience!

[kevinf80]

Try one more indepth scan, see if we can find root cause..

Download Sophos Free Virus Removal Tool and save it to your desktop. If your security alerts to this scan either accept the alert or turn off your security to allow Sophos to run and complete..... Please Do Not use your PC whilst the scan is in progress.... This scan is very thorough so may take several hours...   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.... The Virus Removal Tool scans the following areas of your computer: Memory, including system memory on 32-bit (x86) versions of Windows The Windows registry All local hard drives, fixed and removable Mapped network drives are not scanned. Note: If threats are found in the computer memory, the scan stops. This is because further scanning could enable the threat to spread. You will be asked to click Start Cleanup to remove the threats before continuing the scan. Thank you, Kevin..

[Platypus5]

The Sophos scan was clear, no threats found. As expected, the problem remains the same (except for the fact that I've learned that it affects Internet Explorer as well).

So, at this point, you tell me if there's something else we can try.

[kevinf80]

Run FRST one more time, ensure all boxes are checkmarked under "Whitelist" but only Addition.txt under "Optional scan" Select scan, when done post the new logs. "FRST.txt" and "Addition.txt"

 

[Platypus5]

Here they are!

Addition.txt

FRST.txt

[kevinf80]

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

Open 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.

Does Chrome work correctly now...?

 

fixlist.txt

[Platypus5]

I'm sorry to say it doesn't. 
Don't know if this is useful information, but it did go without problems (since Tuesday) until now, but today I experienced the tab in usage turning into a blank tab sudden and frequently, again.

Fixlog.txt

[kevinf80]

Give this a try: (It will check and reset Chrome to like new apparently) 1. Download and run this tool (Software removal tool), immediately it will start searching for suspicious programs on your computer and then shows a message how many programs it found. https://www.google.com/chrome/srt/ 2. Click ‘Remove suspicious programs ‘and wait for the tool to show ‘removal complete’ message. 3. Click ‘Continue’ to quit the tool (you may be prompted to restart your computer, do so) 4. After that, Chrome will automatically open and asks to reset browser settings, click ‘Reset’. <<<--- make sure reset is used even if no issues were found Do we see any change/improvement??

[Platypus5]

d

Edited May 8, 2017 by Platypus5

[Platypus5]

Could you believe that I just reformatted and reinstalled Windows and the problem came back?
I decided to do that yesterday because it was getting totally out of control (it affected all of my browsers and it got to a point where new Chrome windows opened every time I pressed the delete or control key!).

Well, that's happening right now, again. I think it started a few minutes after I reinstalled google sync (but I can't be sure if it's related).
To be very specific:
I reformatted and installed Windows yesterday (Saturday).
Reinstalled Malwarebytes and AVG before anything else.
Copied most of my documents to the PC again, also yesterday.

Today I started using Chrome with my account.
Also today I installed some of my common-use programs (nothing risky like UTorrent or Jdownloader, and I did download everything from the provider page).Installed google sync, started to synchronize some documents from work and was checking out a google sheet (on Chrome) when I noticed the tab went blank.
Ignored it, reloaded the sheet, but it went blank again and after a minute numerous new tabs and new Chrome windows started to pop up.

Some keys appear to trigger it (control, delete, ') but I'm positive it also happens on its own, when I'm not using the keyboard or even the mouse.

I have no idea what to do now, but at this point I'm totally willing to give up my stupid google chrome acount haha or even my documents, if that's somehow causing the problem.

Edited May 8, 2017 by Platypus5