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Laptop Very Slow - Need Help Please


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Hi.   :welcome:

The scan report from Malwarebytes for Windows is very good.   No malwares.   no P U P

Let me make a first suggestion:

I would  recommend that you run the Windows built-in CLEANMGR applet, which is the disk and system cleanup applet.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4026616/windows-10-disk-cleanup

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15 hours ago, Maurice Naggar said:

Hi.   :welcome:

The scan report from Malwarebytes for Windows is very good.   No malwares.   no P U P

Let me make a first suggestion:

I would  recommend that you run the Windows built-in CLEANMGR applet, which is the disk and system cleanup applet.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4026616/windows-10-disk-cleanup

Thank you, I have done this now.

What next?

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Hi.  I understand you to confirm that you ran the Cleanmgr.   By the way, you do not need to use the Quote button when starting a reply.

I can help you here if there is a actual malware.  You ran Malwarebytes for Windows before & it found no malware.

We can do one or two other scans to do follow-up checks.

 

The Microsoft Safety Scanner  is a free Microsoft stand-alone virus scanner that  can be used to scan for & remove malware or potentially unwanted software from a system.

The download links & the how-to-run-the tool are at this link at Microsoft

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/safety-scanner-download

 

Let me know the result of this.

The log is named MSERT.log 

the log will be at  %SYSTEMROOT%\debug\msert.log   which in most cases is

C:\Windows\debug\msert.log

Please attach that log with your reply.

 

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Hi,  That is a very excellent news.  That scan found 'no'  infections.

 

Let us just do one other one, as a precaution.

I would suggest a free scan with the ESET Online Scanner
Go to https://www.eset.com/us/home/online-scanner/

Look on the right side of the page.  Click Scan Now
It will start a download of "esetonlinescanner_enu.exe"
Save the file to your system, such as the Downloads folder, or else to the Desktop.

Go to the saved file, and double click it to get it started.
When presented with the initial ESET options, click on "Computer Scan".

Next, when prompted by Windows, allow it to start by clicking Yes

When prompted for scan type, Click on Full scan
Look at & un-tick   the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click on Start scan button.

Have patience.  The entire process may take an hour or more. There is an initial update download.
There is a progress window display.
You should ignore all prompts to get the ESET antivirus software program.   ( e.g.  their standard program).   You do not need to buy or get or install anything else.

When the scan is completed, if something was found, it will show a screen with the number of detected items.  If so, click the button marked “View detected results”.

Click The blue “Save scan log” to save the log.

If something was removed and you know it is a false finding, you may click on the blue ”Restore cleaned files”  ( in blue, at bottom).

Press Continue when all done.  You should click to off the offer for “periodic scanning”.

 

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Thanks for the log-report.  It found & removed 1 file

C:\Users\CHRIS\Dropbox\U1804.exe    a variant of Win32/UltraReach.AG potentially unsafe application    cleaned by deleting

Files scanned: 411178

.

Please do a new Scan on this machine, using Malwarebytes for Windows.

To run a Threat Scan, open Malwarebytes for Windows and click the blue Scan button.

Have patience during the run.

When the scan phase is done, be real sure you Review and have all detected lines items check-marked on each line on the left. That too is very critical.

Then click on Quarantine selected.

 

Then, locate the Scan run report;  export out a copy;  & then attach in with your  reply.

See https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038479194-View-Reports-and-History-in-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-v4

 

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Thank you for the scan report from Malwarebytes for Windows.   Excellent result.   No malware here & no P U P.

Let us do one deeper scan with a special tool to check deeper for adwares.

 

I  would suggest to download, Save, and then run Malwarebytes ADWCLEANER.

Please close Chrome and all other open web browsers after you have saved the Adwcleaner and before you start Adwcleaner scan.

Adwcleaner  detects factory Preinstalled applications too!

 

Please download  Malwarebytes AdwCleaner  https://downloads.malwarebytes.com/file/adwcleaner
 

Be sure to Save the file first, to your system.  Saving to the Downloads folder should be the default on your system.

 

Go to the folder where you saved Adwcleaner. Double click Adwcleaner  to start it.

At the prompt for license agreement, review and then click on I agree.

 

You will then see a main screen for Adwcleaner. ( if you do not see it right away, minimized the other open windows, so you can see Adwcleaner).

Then click on Dashboard button.

Click the blue button "Scan Now".

 

allow it a few minutes to finish the Scan.   Let it remove what it finds.

NOTE:  When it comes to the section "

Pre-installed applications

 

You can skip that.

Please find and send the Adwcleaner "C" clean report.

In Adwcleaner, click the "Reports" button.  Look at the list of reports for the latest date & type "Clean".

Double Click that line & it will open in Notepad.   Save the file to your system and then Attach that with your reply.

 

That C clean report will be the one with the most recent Date and time at folder  C:\AdwCleaner\Logs

Thanks.  Keep me advised.

 

 

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Thank you.  So after having run this & the other preceding scans, we can put aside the suspicion of infection.

As far as free disc space, the FRST report showed the C drive had 834.2 GB  of free space.

So, the issue of space can be put to rest.

 

This procedure will use the Windows System File Checker tool  ( SFC ).

 

Open an elevated command prompt window i.e. run Command Prompt as an administrator .

It is best to use the Windows Copy ( CTRL+ C )  and paste  ( CTRL+V )  for the whole line, as-is

To Get the elevated command prompt, press Windows-key + X key  and then selected Command prompt ( Admin )

On that command prompt,  Copy & Paste this command

sfc /scnnow

and tap Enter-key.   Have patience as this runs.   You may be advised that this can only be done offline.   If so, accept that prompt to have the task run at the next Windows restart.

and if that is so, then go ahead and do a Windows restart.

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Did you happen to see the result it displayed  ?

Please start the Windows File Explorer  and go to the folder  C:\Windows\Logs\CBS

You will find the log-file CBS.log

with your mouse, click it one time so it has focus on the file.   Then do a right-click with the mouse on CBS.log and select "Send to Compressed Files folder".

It will show a message to the effect that the zip file will be created on the DESKTOP.

Proceed with the selection.   When done,  CBS.zip will be on Desktop.

Please attach the CBS.zip file with your reply.

.

Now then, there seems to be no signs of infection at this  point.   I am going to recommend a few help articles that address "slow pc" tips.  I would like for you to look, study them, and apply the appropriate suggestions.

Please know that a slow condition can be due to non-infection factors.

See  https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/2746761/how-to-speed-up-your-slow-computer

See Miekiemoes blog article on slow computer situation

https://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/help-my-computer-is-slow.html

also, at Bleepingcomputer

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/87058/slow-computerbrowser-check-here-first;-it-may-not-be-malware/

,

This next section here is to help to cleanup old files from old Windows 10 build past updates.

Open an elevated command prompt window i.e. run Command Prompt as an administrator .

It is best to use the Windows Copy ( CTRL+ C )  and paste  ( CTRL+V )  for the whole line, as-is

To Get the elevated command prompt, press Windows-key + X key  and then selected Command prompt ( Admin )

On that command prompt,  Copy & Paste this command

cleanmgr.exe /AUTOCLEAN

press Enter-key to proceed forward.

 

The following folders will be removed:

C:\$Windows.~BT\*
C:\$Windows.~LS\*
C:\$Windows.~WS\*
C:\ESD\Download\*
C:\ESD\Windows\*
C:\$WINDOWS.~Q\*
C:\$INPLACE.~TR\*
C:\Windows.old\*
C:\Windows\Panther

.

Next suggestion:

what this machine needs is to upgrade to the Windows 10 build 1909.  You should be able to manually get it thru Windows Update.

It may take repeated tries with Windows Update till your pc is able to see that Update.  You should make a try each day, from here on out, till you see it offered.

The suggestion I have is to go to the Start menu, click the Windows Settings icon. Select Update & Security.  Click on Windows Update.

The Windows Update ( eventually) will have a display when it shows up.

image.png.db7cbbbdd1464f573b1bf3b20be2a209.png

Note that the display will show the new build in a new way, in the middle of the display.  You will need to click on the blue line marked "Download and install now"  when ready.

 

 

 

Getting that Windows build update will put this pc in a better position for a more secure operating system.

 

This build is metered and controlled by Microsoft.  If you do not get offered 1909, do keep trying.   I'd suggest trying every day or every other day, at the top of the hour.

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Hearty congratulations.   That is the best thing for your system, other than security software.

Backuo your system.   Backup is your best friend.   Make regular backups of the system on external removable media.

 

I think we can plan to wrap up this case.

I relayed tro you a set of 3 articles that have good tips about slow-pc-symptoms   on the post  https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/256981-laptop-very-slow-need-help-please/?do=findComment&comment=1364807

 

 

If you have a regular old-fashioned disc  ( non-SSD)   you may want to consider getting and running the Piriform Defraggler  to defragment the disc storgae

https://support.piriform.com/hc/en-us/articles/204044014-How-do-I-download-Defraggler-

 

.

The first best practice of computer safety is to have backups of the system.  Make regular periodic backups to offline removable media.

Backup is your best friend.

 

It is not enough to just have a security program installed. Each pc user needs to practice daily safe computer and internet use.

 

Best  practices & malware prevention:
Follow best practices when browsing the Internet, especially on opening links coming from untrusted sources.
First rule of internet safety: slow down & think before you "click".

Never click links without first hovering your mouse over the link and seeing if it is going to an odd address ( one that does not fit or is odd looking or has typos).


Free games & free programs are like "candy". We do not accept them from "strangers".


Never open attachments that come with unexpected ( out of the blue ) email no matter how enticing.
Never open attachments from the email itself. Do not double click in the email. Always Save first and then scan with antivirus program.

 

 

Pay close attention when installing 3rd-party programs. It is important that you pay attention to the license agreements and installation screens when installing anything off of the Internet. If an installation screen offers you Custom or Advanced installation options, it is a good idea to select these as they will typically disclose what other 3rd party software will also be installed.
Take great care in every stage of the process and every offer screen, and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next".

Use a Standard user account rather than an administrator-rights account when "surfing" the web.
See more info on Corrine's SecurityGarden Blog http://securitygarden.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_7.html
Dont remove your current login. Just use the new Standard-user-level one for everyday use while on the internet.

 
Do a Windows Update.

Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12373/windows-update-faq




Keep your system and programs up to date. Several programs release security updates on a regular basis to patch vulnerabilities. Keeping your software patched up prevents attackers from being able to exploit them to drop malware.

For other added tips, read "10 easy ways to prevent malware infection"

.

You may delete the ESET download  file    "esetonlinescanner_enu.exe"

 

To remove the FRST64 tool & its work files, do this.  Go to your DESKTOP.  Do a RIGHT-click on FRST64.exe & select RENAME & then change it to UNINSTALL.

Then run that ( double click on it)  to begin the cleanup process.

 

Adwcleaner you may keep and run periodically to check for adwares.

Any other files I had you download, you may delere.

 

This system does not now have a infection.   It is past that suspicion.  It has the latest Windows 10 build.

I am happy to have helped you.

 

 

See this article on our Malwarebytes Blog
https://blog.malwarebytes.com/security-world/technology/2019/01/browser-push-notifications-feature-asking-abused/

 

You want to disable the ability of each web browser on this machine from being able to allow "push ads". That means Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser (on Windows 10), or on Opera.

Scroll down to the tips section "How do I disable them".

 

If this pc has the Google Chrome browser, or the Brave browser, I suggest you install the Malwarebytes Browser guard for Chrome.

To get & install the Malwarebytes Browser Guard extension for Chrome,

 

Open this link in your Chrome   browser: 

https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee

 

Then proceed with the setup.

.

If the pc has Mozilla Firefox, to get & install the Malwarebytes Browser Guard  Firefox extension.

Open this link in your Firefox browser:   

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/malwarebytes/

Then proceed with the setup.

That link is for English US.   There are other language version.  Just go to the very bottom right of the page and look at “Change language” list drop down.

 

 

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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 topic 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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  • 1 month later...

Hi.   Tha Malwarebytes for Windows scan of 28 April reports no malware / no P U P.

[     1     ]

I would like you to do a new scan with Malwarebytes for Windows.  One of the major goals here is to have it remove all that it detects.  If it finds anything that is.

Start Malwarebytes from the Windows  Start menu.
Click Settings ( gear icon)   at the top right of Malwarebytes window.   We want to see the SETTINGS window.
Then click the Security tab.   Look for the section "Automatic Quarantine".   Be sure it is clicked On   ( to the far right side)

Then scroll down to the section Potentially Unwanted items.   We need the next 2 lines   ( for P U P  & for P U  M)  to be set to "Always ( Recommended) ".
You can make the change by clicking on the down-arrow selection list-control.   We want all P U P  &  P U M to be marked for removal.

Next, click the small x on the Settings line   to go to the main Malwarebytes Window.
Next click the blue button marked Scan.
When the scan phase is done, be real sure you Review and have all detected lines items check-marked on each line on the left. That too is very critical.
Then click on Quarantine selected.
Then, locate the Scan run report;  export out a copy;  & then attach in with your  reply.

See https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038479194-View-Reports-and-History-in-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-v4

 

[   2   ]

The Microsoft Safety Scanner  is a free Microsoft stand-alone virus scanner that  can be used to scan for & remove malware or potentially unwanted software from a system. 
The download links & the how-to-run-the tool are at this link at Microsoft 
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/intelligence/safety-scanner-download
  
Let me know the result of this.
The log is named MSERT.log  
the log will be at  %SYSTEMROOT%\debug\msert.log   which in most cases is
C:\Windows\debug\msert.log
Please attach that log with your reply.
 

[   3   ]

I would suggest a free scan with the ESET Online Scanner
Go to https://www.eset.com/us/home/online-scanner/

Look on the right side of the page.  Click Scan Now
It will start a download of "esetonlinescanner_enu.exe"
Save the file to your system, such as the Downloads folder, or else to the Desktop.
Go to the saved file, and double click it to get it started.
When presented with the initial ESET options, click on "Computer Scan".
Next, when prompted by Windows, allow it to start by clicking Yes
When prompted for scan type, Click on Full scan

Look at & tick  ( select )   the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click on Start scan button.

 

Have patience.  The entire process may take an hour or more. There is an initial update download.
There is a progress window display.
You should ignore all prompts to get the ESET antivirus software program.   ( e.g.  their standard program).   You do not need to buy or get or install anything else.
When the scan is completed, if something was found, it will show a screen with the number of detected items.  If so, click the button marked “View detected results”.
Click The blue “Save scan log” to save the log.

If something was removed and you know it is a false finding, you may click on the blue ”Restore cleaned files”  ( in blue, at bottom).
Press Continue when all done.  

You should click to off the offer for “periodic scanning”.
 

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