Stuck in an endless loop of quarantine

[skovinsky]

For the last week or so, every time I run a malwarebytes scan (scheduled and additional), the following 6 potential threats are found:

PUP.Optional.Searching.ShrtCln, C:\USERS\OWNER\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\Default\Web Data, No Action By User, [16384], [454819],1.0.3268
PUP.Optional.Searching.ShrtCln, C:\USERS\OWNER\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\Default\Web Data, No Action By User, [16384], [454819],1.0.3268
PUP.Optional.Searching.ShrtCln, C:\USERS\OWNER\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\Default\Web Data, No Action By User, [16384], [454819],1.0.3268
PUP.Optional.SearchModule, C:\USERS\OWNER\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\Default\Web Data, No Action By User, [675], [458372],1.0.3268
PUP.Optional.Searching.ShrtCln, C:\USERS\OWNER\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\Default\Web Data, No Action By User, [16384], [454819],1.0.3268
PUP.Optional.Searching.ShrtCln, C:\USERS\OWNER\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\Default\Web Data, No Action By User, [16384], [454819],1.0.3268

Every time these show up, I quarantine and restart - and the next time I scan, the exact same 6 files are there.

I don't even use Chrome on that computer (it's installed, but I never use it for anything).

Any help would be appreciated!

[kevinf80]

Hello skovinsky and welcome to Malwarebytes, Follow the instructions at this link: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/214325-chrome-secure-preferences-detection-always-comes-back/ Let me know if that clears the problem.. Thank you, Kevin...

[skovinsky]

Hi!

In order to access the sync, it looks like I need to create a chrome "person". I'm not actually signed into chrome, so right now there's nothing to sync. If nothing is actually being synched, could that really be the issue?

I'll create a person and go through those steps, just seems like a lot of work to do something that's more likely to cause problems than to fix anything! (The computer with the problem is older, so it takes 10 minutes every time I reboot it.)

Edited November 16, 2017 by skovinsky

[kevinf80]

Hello skovinsky,

If you do not have sync enabled in Chrome then that should not cause the recurrent problem... Looking at the Malwarebytes log entries that you listed there is a user named "owner" that uses Chrome...?

C:\USERS\OWNER\APPDATA\LOCAL\GOOGLE\CHROME\USER DATA\Default\Web Data

 

[skovinsky]

I'm the only user of the computer - I think that's just the way windows configured it.

I just rebooted and rescanned and those files are once again showing up.

[kevinf80]

If you do not use Chrome it may aswell be uninstalled, when complete run Malwarebytes again....

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) How to show hidden files and folders for windows: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/show-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows-vista/

[skovinsky]

I followed the later instructions in the referenced thread - removing some search engines seems to have fixed the problem!

Thanks

[kevinf80]

Thanks for the update skovinsky, good to hear you`ve solved the current problem..

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...

[kevinf80]

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!