PC infected with NEW and NASTY adware! NEED HELP ASAP

[emperoref]

My computer has been infected with something and I've tried every possible solution but still couldn't remove it.

After downloading something off kickasstorrent, I opened an .exe file which immediately lead to a bunch of programs installing themselves onto my computer, as well as a bunch of internet shortcuts/redirects appearing on my desktop.

The first thing I did was delete the internet shortcut from my desktop. Next I ran a scan with malwarebytes, then hitmanpro, then adwcleaner(in safe mode). This remove most of the stuff but obviously not all of it.

This is where the tricky part comes in. Whenever I tried so search up the words adware or adwcleaner using any browser(I've tried Chrome, IE and Firefox), my browser would automatically shut itself down. If I managed to make my way onto the adwcleaner website, my browser would again close itself. I had no problems going onto malwarebytes or other sort of anti-malware/virus websites.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-s...

Furthermore, I've followed every steps given by this website. I've managed to "remove" the malware, trojan etc by using the software they recommended. However, I'm still facing the same issue of whenever I search something with the word “adware” or “adwcleaner” my browser closes itself. Adwcleaner wouldn't work unless it's in safe mode. I tried to launch adwcleaner in normal mode but it closed itself every time almost instantly after opening. I scanned my PC with malwarebytes and hitman pro at least 5 times already. It also wouldn't let me use system restore. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[emperoref]

My computer has been infected with something and I've tried every possible solution but still couldn't remove it.

After downloading something off kickasstorrent, I opened an .exe file which immediately lead to a bunch of programs installing themselves onto my computer, as well as a bunch of internet shortcuts/redirects appearing on my desktop.

The first thing I did was delete the internet shortcut from my desktop. Next I ran a scan with malwarebytes, then hitmanpro, then adwcleaner(in safe mode). This remove most of the stuff but obviously not all of it.

This is where the tricky part comes in. Whenever I tried so search up the words adware or adwcleaner using any browser(I've tried Chrome, IE and Firefox), my browser would automatically shut itself down. If I managed to make my way onto the adwcleaner website, my browser would again close itself. I had no problems going onto malwarebytes or other sort of anti-malware/virus websites.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-s...

Furthermore, I've followed every steps given by this website. I've managed to "remove" the malware, trojan etc by using the software they recommended. However, I'm still facing the same issue of whenever I search something with the word “adware” or “adwcleaner” my browser closes itself. Adwcleaner wouldn't work unless it's in safe mode. I tried to launch adwcleaner in normal mode but it closed itself every time almost instantly after opening. I scanned my PC with malwarebytes and hitman pro at least 5 times already. It also wouldn't let me use system restore. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[emperoref]

My computer has been infected with something and I've tried every possible solution but still couldn't remove it.

After downloading something off kickasstorrent, I opened an .exe file which immediately lead to a bunch of programs installing themselves onto my computer, as well as a bunch of internet shortcuts/redirects appearing on my desktop.

The first thing I did was delete the internet shortcut from my desktop. Next I ran a scan with malwarebytes, then hitmanpro, then adwcleaner(in safe mode). This remove most of the stuff but obviously not all of it.

This is where the tricky part comes in. Whenever I tried so search up the words adware or adwcleaner using any browser(I've tried Chrome, IE and Firefox), my browser would automatically shut itself down. If I managed to make my way onto the adwcleaner website, my browser would again close itself. I had no problems going onto malwarebytes or other sort of anti-malware/virus websites.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-s...

Furthermore, I've followed every steps given by this website. I've managed to "remove" the malware, trojan etc by using the software they recommended. However, I'm still facing the same issue of whenever I search something with the word “adware” or “adwcleaner” my browser closes itself. Adwcleaner wouldn't work unless it's in safe mode. I tried to launch adwcleaner in normal mode but it closed itself every time almost instantly after opening. I scanned my PC with malwarebytes and hitman pro at least 5 times already. It also wouldn't let me use system restore. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello @emperoref and

 

Please run the following steps and post back the logs as an attachment when ready.

STEP 01

• If you're already running Malwarebytes 3 then open Malwarebytes and check for updates. Then click on the Scan tab and select Threat Scan and click on Start Scan button.
• If you don't have Malwarebytes 3 installed yet please download it from here and install it.
• Once installed then open Malwarebytes and check for updates. Then click on the Scan tab and select Threat Scan and click on Start Scan button.
• Once the scan is completed click on the Export Summary button and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find, and attach that log on your next reply.
• If Malwarebytes won't run then please skip to the next step and let me know on your next reply.

STEP 02

Please download AdwCleaner by Malwarebytes and save the file to your Desktop.

• Right-click on the program and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Accept the Terms of use.
• Wait until the database is updated.
• Click Scan.
• When finished, please click Clean.
• Your PC should reboot now if any items were found.
• After reboot, a log file will be opened. Copy its content into your next reply.

 

RESTART THE COMPUTER Before running Step 3

STEP 03
Please download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatible 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). If you've, run the tool before you need to place a check mark here.
• Please attach the Additions.txt log to your reply as well.

 

Thanks

Ron

 

[emperoref]

37 minutes ago, AdvancedSetup said:

Hello @emperoref and

 

Please run the following steps and post back the logs as an attachment when ready.

STEP 01

• If you're already running Malwarebytes 3 then open Malwarebytes and check for updates. Then click on the Scan tab and select Threat Scan and click on Start Scan button.
• If you don't have Malwarebytes 3 installed yet please download it from here and install it.
• Once installed then open Malwarebytes and check for updates. Then click on the Scan tab and select Threat Scan and click on Start Scan button.
• Once the scan is completed click on the Export Summary button and save the file as a Text file to your desktop or other location you can find, and attach that log on your next reply.
• If Malwarebytes won't run then please skip to the next step and let me know on your next reply.

STEP 02

Please download AdwCleaner by Malwarebytes and save the file to your Desktop.

• Right-click on the program and select Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Accept the Terms of use.
• Wait until the database is updated.
• Click Scan.
• When finished, please click Clean.
• Your PC should reboot now if any items were found.
• After reboot, a log file will be opened. Copy its content into your next reply.

 

RESTART THE COMPUTER Before running Step 3

STEP 03
Please download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

Note: You need to run the version compatible 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). If you've, run the tool before you need to place a check mark here.
• Please attach the Additions.txt log to your reply as well.

 

Thanks

Ron

 

Hi Ron, 

Thanks for the reply. As I mentioned in the post earlier, I could not access adwcleaner at all unless its in safe mode while using a USB. Whenever my PC detects the word "adware" or "adwcleaner", my browser would automatically close itself. Same applies to Farbar Recovery Scan Tool as I tried to click on the link just now. Should I still try to run both adwcleaner and FBSTin safe mode and copy/ attach its content on my next reply? 

Thanks

[AdvancedSetup]

Without any logs and based on your description it would seem to indicate that computer is "probably" infected with a rootkit. You will need access to another clean computer to fix it. If you don't have access to another computer then you may need to take it to a computer repair shop to get it fixed.

 

If your computer does not have the Windows Recovery Environment installed and available you can use the following method to run the Recovery Environment from a bootable USB disk.

NOTE: This USB disk needs to be created from a clean computer. You cannot use an infected computer for this process

NOTE: An 8GB USB 2.0 stick is required or at least recommended. In some cases a USB 3.0 disk can be used but some computers have issues booting from USB 3.0 disks.

Example drive (no endorsement implied, example only) - This drive example has not been tested by me. It is an older 2015 model with many good reviews though.
Amazon: Kingston 8GB DataTraveler 101 G2 USB 2.0 Flash Drive (DT101G2/8GBZ)
NewEgg: Kingston 8GB DataTraveler 101 G2 USB 2.0 Flash Drive (DT101G2/8GBZ)

STEP 1
Download a Windows 10 ISO image from Microsoft.

Method A: Using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10
Download the Media Creation Tool: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

Follow the instructions displayed on the tool to download the Windows 10 ISO image.

In my testing I was not prompted for a license key to download the latest Windows 10 ISO image.
At the time of this writing 2017/12/21 there was only one ISO image offered. Windows 10

32-bit x86  or  64-bit x64

Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system.
You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit
 

Method B: If Method A: above is not working for you then you can try the following method
Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool (this is not an authorized Microsoft tool, but appears to be legal)
https://www.heidoc.net/joomla/technology-science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-and-office-iso-download-tool
Download: https://www.heidoc.net/php/Windows%20ISO%20Downloader.exe

STEP 2
If you were unable to use the Windows Media Creation Tool in STEP 1 to create a USB disk then you can use this tool to burn the Windows 10 ISO image from STEP 1 above.

Download the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool from Gitbub and save to your computer.
English version: https://github.com/mantas-masidlauskas/wudt/raw/master/Downloads/Windows7-USB-DVD-Download-Tool-Installer-en-US.exe

Then install the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool and run it to burn a bootable USB disk from the ISO image. Browse to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO image in STEP 1
Note: This tool should work on XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 10 - it is simply used to make a bootable USB disk. Remember, all of this needs to be done on a clean computer.

 
STEP 3
Please download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop or other location you know where it's saved to. Then copy it to the USB disk you just created.

Note: You need to run the version compatible with your system.
You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

STEP 4
Shut down the infected computer. Do Not insert the USB disk you created until the infected computer has been shut down.
Once the computer is shut down then insert the newly created Windows 10 USB disk into the infected computer and power it back on and press the appropriate key to bring up the boot menu. The link below will help show you which key for various computers manufacturers is used to bring up the boot menu. Most will be either USB or UEFI depending on hardware and settings. If the computer boots up into the Normal Windows instead of the USB stick it may become infected and need to be completely redone again. Make sure you select the correct boot option.

How to Boot Your Computer from a USB Flash Drive

STEP 5
Once the computer starts to boot up from the USB disk, follow the screens and directions below.

You will need to open NOTEPAD.EXE to help find out which drive is your Windows drive and which drive is your USB disk drive you just created

For the more advanced user you could also use DISKPART to help locate which drive is mapped to your USB disk. In most cases the USB disk will be either D: or E: but depending on hardware the drive could be a much higher level such as H: or higher.

Example only - your hardware will look different

DISKPART> list volume
	  Volume ###  Ltr  Label        Fs     Type        Size     Status     Info
  ----------  ---  -----------  -----  ----------  -------  ---------  --------
  Volume 0     Z                       DVD-ROM         0 B  No Media
  Volume 1     C                NTFS   Partition    931 GB  Healthy    System
  Volume 2     Q   SEA-USB-4.0  NTFS   Partition   3725 GB  Healthy
  Volume 3     D                NTFS   Removable   7636 MB  Healthy

Go back to the DOS Command Prompt (if you used DISKPART type in Exit and press the Enter key) and type in the following and press the Enter key.

CD /D  D: (or E: or whichever drive letter the USB stick is on)

Then type in CD\
and press the Enter key to get to the root or top of the USB disk.

Then type in FRST   or   FRST64  (depending on which version your computer uses) and click the Scan button.

A log called FRST.txt will be saved on your USB Flash Drive. Attach it in your next reply.

If all went well you should now be able to boot into Normal Mode and run Malwarebytes and run a Threat Scan to have it finish the removal process.

 

[emperoref]

42 minutes ago, emperoref said:

Hi Ron, 

Thanks for the reply. As I mentioned in the post earlier, I could not access adwcleaner at all unless its in safe mode while using a USB. Whenever my PC detects the word "adware" or "adwcleaner", my browser would automatically close itself. Same applies to Farbar Recovery Scan Tool as I tried to click on the link just now. Should I still try to run both adwcleaner and FBSTin safe mode and copy/ attach its content on my next reply? 

Thanks

Hi Ron,

I've done what you asked me to do but in safe mode instead. Here are the files you've asked me to attached. 

1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are five different threat scan(in order) I did with malwarebytes premium. AC[S12] is the log file from adwcleaner. Once again, thanks for your reply and help. I really, really appreciate it. In somewhat of a desperate state right now. I do not wish to do a full wipe and reinstall everything again.  

 

1.txt

2.txt

3.txt

4.txt

5.txt

AC[S12].txt

FRST.txt

Addition.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Please restart the computer one more time. Then run Malwarebytes Threat Scan from Normal mode again and post back that log. Hopefully that log should be clean now.
 

Also, run FRST again and post back new logs for it from Normal Mode.

Thanks

 

[emperoref]

There were no threats found just like 5.txt

However, the same issue remains. I still couldn't search adware or related subjects on any browser, the browser automatically close itself. Or run adwcleaner and FRST on normal mode, the program closes as soon as it start up. Furthermore, I could not reset my internet settings either. The window also automatically closes as soon as I press reset.  

[AdvancedSetup]

No problem. Let's try resetting your browsers.

 

Please visit each of the following sites and let's reset all of your browsers back to defaults to prevent unexpected issues.
If you are not using one of the browsers but it is installed then you may want to consider uninstalling it as older versions of some software can pose an increase in the potential for an infection to get in.

Internet Explorer
How to reset Internet Explorer settings

Microsoft Edge
How to Reset Microsoft Edge in Windows 10

Firefox
Click on Help / Troubleshooting Information then click on the Refresh Firefox button.

Chrome
Reset Chrome back to defaults to completely clear out issues with Chrome.

• First, go to >> Google Sync << and sign into your account. Make sure you know your password as this will clear it from the browser.
• Scroll down until you see the   "reset sync" button to clear your data from the server and remove your passphrase.
• Now, close all Chrome windows. Chrome cannot be running for the next step. If needed, print this information or use another browser to read the information.
• Press the Windows key + R at the same time, to bring up the run dialog box.
  • 
• Type in (or copy/paste) the following and press Enter:     %localappdata%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\

1. Press Ctrl + A to select all the files and folders.
2. Hold down Ctrl + A and click once on the files "Bookmarks" and "Bookmarks.bak". This will unselect them.
3. With all the files selected (except for your Bookmarks), press the Delete key and click Yes to delete the files and folders.
4. Example of all files and folders selected, except Bookmarks

 

Restart your computer now and make sure there are no longer any redirects or other browser issues. 

 

[emperoref]

5 hours ago, AdvancedSetup said:

No problem. Let's try resetting your browsers.

 

Please visit each of the following sites and let's reset all of your browsers back to defaults to prevent unexpected issues.
If you are not using one of the browsers but it is installed then you may want to consider uninstalling it as older versions of some software can pose an increase in the potential for an infection to get in.

Internet Explorer
How to reset Internet Explorer settings

Microsoft Edge
How to Reset Microsoft Edge in Windows 10

Firefox
Click on Help / Troubleshooting Information then click on the Refresh Firefox button.

Chrome
Reset Chrome back to defaults to completely clear out issues with Chrome.

• First, go to >> Google Sync << and sign into your account. Make sure you know your password as this will clear it from the browser.
• Scroll down until you see the   "reset sync" button to clear your data from the server and remove your passphrase.
• Now, close all Chrome windows. Chrome cannot be running for the next step. If needed, print this information or use another browser to read the information.
• Press the Windows key + R at the same time, to bring up the run dialog box.
  • 
• Type in (or copy/paste) the following and press Enter:     %localappdata%\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\

1. Press Ctrl + A to select all the files and folders.
2. Hold down Ctrl + A and click once on the files "Bookmarks" and "Bookmarks.bak". This will unselect them.
3. With all the files selected (except for your Bookmarks), press the Delete key and click Yes to delete the files and folders.
4. Example of all files and folders selected, except Bookmarks

 

Restart your computer now and make sure there are no longer any redirects or other browser issues. 

 

I tried all the solutions you've mentioned in the quote above. The same problem still exists. Browsers close whenever searching for adware related content, could not run any adware removal software or FRST on normal mode.  Whenever I tried to reset IE settings, the window closes on its own. The attachment 6.txt below is the latest scan I did with Malwarebytes. 

6.txt

[emperoref]

Not sure what is going on but Adwcleaner and FRST works in normal mode when I turned off my internet connection. Furthermore, here's a log report from zemana anti malware. Not sure if it would be helpful or not. My PC had troubles restarting after zemana 'repaired' most of these but the window couldn't shut down properly. When it finally rebooted. I can search adware related content and access adwcleaner for a short period of time without any trouble then back to the same old issues. I also notice that svchost.exe came up a lot of times during all the scans I've done. Could that be the root of all this? 

2018.04.10-14.28.12-i0-t92-d12.txt

[emperoref]

I ran a scan with zemana again, the same two svchost.exe came up as hollow process. No matter how many times I repaired or quarantine it. It keeps on reappearing over and over again. 

2018.04.10-17.24.10-i0-t92-d2.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

 

Please try running the following

Ron

 

[emperoref]

It says no malware found but the same issue remains. I can search for adware related content or uses adware removal software after I repaired the svchost.exe on Zemana anti malware but could not get rid of it no matter what. Once I reboot my PC, the same issues come back. 

[emperoref]

Hi, it seems like the issue only occurs when I connect to the internet. When I disconnect with the internet, I can run adwcleaner and FRST without any issue. Whenever I run adwcleaner after I repaired svchost.exe with zemana, the blue screen of death occurs and nothing get fix. The issue sometimes comes up as tracert.exe instead of just svchost.exe

Edited April 11, 2018 by emperoref

[AdvancedSetup]

Please open an elevated Admin prompt and type in the following and post back what it says when it's done runninng.

SFC   /SCANNOW

Thanks

 

[emperoref]

The window closes automatically as soon as I open it. Furthermore, I mentioned that I think it could be an internet connection issue. I were wrong. I rebooted my PC earlier with no internet connection, the issue remains the same. 

Edited April 11, 2018 by emperoref

[AdvancedSetup]

Please try running this scanner from Kaspersky from both Normal Mode and Safe Mode and let me know what it finds.

 

Please download and run the following tool to remove any found threats

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

[emperoref]

During the first scan, it found an AdWare.Win32.BHO.bgon, file under C:\Users\Public\Documents\xbho.dll

When the PC attempts to reboot, the blue screen of death occurs again. Nothing were successfully removed. 

[AdvancedSetup]

Between BSOD and Instability of the computer itself, it looks like you're going to need to do a repair install at the least. Each tool or method we're using is failing and I'm pretty sure you have a compromised Windows System file but without being able to replace it with a valid one we may have to try a Repair Install. If that also does not work then you might have to resort to saving all your data, then format and reinstall Windows.

Do you have access to another computer that is not infected?

 

[emperoref]

I ran another scan with KVRT in safe mode. Nothing was found this time.. 

and yes, I have a macbook that I can use that isn't infected I think

[AdvancedSetup]

No, you're going to need access to a Windows 7 Home PC or the installation DVD for Windows 7 Home. Do you have that?

 

[emperoref]

15 hours ago, AdvancedSetup said:

No, you're going to need access to a Windows 7 Home PC or the installation DVD for Windows 7 Home. Do you have that?

 

Unfortunately, I couldn't find the disk. Is there an alternative? I might be able to gain access to another window 7 PC, what should I do if I can? 

[emperoref]

These two popped up when I tried to boot my PC. When I pressed cancel, the PC shut itself down..