Problems after removing files & apps suggested by AdwCleaner

[LunaVix]

Yesterday, I used AdwCleaner for the first time. It was recommended to remove hidden files left over on my device after recently having to deal with (I think it's called) browser highjacking virus. I used the AdwCleaner, and it identified some PUP files & bloatware (that came with my Lenovo laptop) that can be removed. After a restart, and then checking if there was any problems running my laptop (while those files & apps were quarantined), I then proceeded to permanently delete the files & apps from quarantine. 

 

I have since been having problems with updates.  Two separate issues: a)The Windows update page under "Settings" won't load (it just shows the blue "while busy loading" lines) for ages. 2)Even though I know there is updates available for several of my Microsoft apps, the store won't load any updates, even when I try to force it by pressing "get updates". 

 

I have never had these problems before, only since using AdwCleaner, so I assume something has been deleted that should not have been. Please help, I am totally panicking! I will add the log files from what processes I undertook while using AdwCleaner. 

Thanks in advance! 

*Please note: even though I am reasonably "tech savvy", I am far from being a technological/pc genius, so please use easily understandable instructions!

AdwCleaner[C00].txt AdwCleaner[C01].txt AdwCleaner[S00].txt AdwCleaner[S01].txt

[Malwarebytes]

***This is an automated reply***

Hi,

Thanks for posting in the AdwCleaner Help forum.
In order to help us assist you to resolve your issue, please post or attach your latest AdwCleaner log files with your post. https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039021593

Someone will reply shortly, but in the meantime here are a few resources which may help resolve your issue:

• Malwarebytes AdwCleaner guide
• A malicious element isn't being detected? Submit the sample here!
• Need help with another Malwarebytes product or malware removal?
  • Click here for home support
  • Click here for business support
  • Click here for malware removal help

Thanks in advance for your patience.

-The Malwarebytes Forum Team

 

 

 

 

[exile360]

Greetings,

I would suggest trying to use System Restore to recover the system to a point before the problems started.  Instructions on accessing System Restore can be found in this Microsoft support article.

Once you have the system recovered, make sure that Windows Update and that your Microsoft Store apps are now working and updating properly as well.

Once that is done, please follow the instructions in this topic, skipping any steps you are unable to complete, then create a new topic in our malware removal area by clicking here and a malware removal specialist will guide you in checking and cleaning your system of any threats.

[LunaVix]

I did a System Restore to a point before I used the app. Unfortunately I still have the same problem, and not all of the files deleted with AdwCleaner has been restored.

[Gt-truth]

@LunaVix have you read this ?

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-outage-breaks-sites-windows-store-xbox-and-other-services/

[LunaVix]

Thanks for that information! I certainly hope that explains some of my issues, because at the moment I am just panicking, and going through several "fixes" that doesn't seem to help.

[exile360]

That would seem to make a lot of sense given the timing, plus the fact that everything was fine for a while after you had ADWCleaner remove everything.

[jboursier]

Hello @LunaVix,

Thanks for using AdwCleaner :)

Do you confirm that your issue is gone, or is it still unresolved?

[LunaVix]

@exile360 - Everything was not "fine for a while after I used ADW Cleaner" - in fact, my problems started right after I used this tool. 

 

@jboursier - My issue is most assuredly NOT gone, and is still unresolved. Both issues I mentioned in the original post seems to boil down to the same thing- Windows Update Service has stopped, and nothing I have tried gets it going again. 

[exile360]

On 11/4/2020 at 2:29 AM, LunaVix said:

Yesterday, I used AdwCleaner for the first time. It was recommended to remove hidden files left over on my device after recently having to deal with (I think it's called) browser highjacking virus. I used the AdwCleaner, and it identified some PUP files & bloatware (that came with my Lenovo laptop) that can be removed. After a restart, and then checking if there was any problems running my laptop (while those files & apps were quarantined), I then proceeded to permanently delete the files & apps from quarantine.

 

2 hours ago, LunaVix said:

@exile360 - Everything was not "fine for a while after I used ADW Cleaner" - in fact, my problems started right after I used this tool.

Apologies; I was referring to the info above where you explained that initially everything seemed OK after having the items quarantined and restarting your system, not that you didn't subsequently see issues.

[exile360]

Since you are still having problems I would suggest following the instructions I posted above to post in our malware removal section.  They'll be able to use more advanced diagnostics and repair tools to attempt to address the issues you're still experiencing.  Here they are again if needed:

Please follow the instructions in this topic, skipping any steps you are unable to complete, then create a new topic in our malware removal area by clicking here and a malware removal specialist will guide you in checking and cleaning your system of any threats and attempting to address the remaining issues with your system.

[jboursier]

On 11/6/2020 at 9:46 PM, LunaVix said:

 

@jboursier - My issue is most assuredly NOT gone, and is still unresolved. Both issues I mentioned in the original post seems to boil down to the same thing- Windows Update Service has stopped, and nothing I have tried gets it going again. 

Thanks, I wasn't sure so I wanted to confirm. Please follow @exile360's recommendation so that we can support you until resolution.

[LunaVix]

As I explained already, I do not have any virus/malware on my laptop anymore, so there is nothing that needs to be removed, and that defeats the object of "starting a new post in the malware removal section".  I took my laptop in to a professional over the weekend, who found that the problem was that the "Windows Image" was damaged/missing. It was decided that the only solution was to do a clean install of Windows via USB & the BIOS menu, which I did. It took about a day (most of it to save my data), do the Windows reinstall, then reinstall all non-Microsoft apps & their settings. It took a lot of time, but it was relatively easy to do. 

[Porthos]

6 hours ago, LunaVix said:

so there is nothing that needs to be removed, and that defeats the object of "starting a new post in the malware removal section".  I took my laptop in to a professional over the weekend, who found that the problem was that the "Windows Image" was damaged/missing. It was decided that the only solution was to do a clean install of Windows via USB & the BIOS menu, which I did. It took about a day (most of it to save my data), do the Windows reinstall, then reinstall all non-Microsoft apps & their settings. It took a lot of time, but it was relatively easy to do. 

Although I am glad you got it fixed, The malware removal section is not only for malware removal, in fact your issue most likely could have been able to be fixed and we only do that in that section due to the fact that the tools needed can be downloaded only in that section. This section is blocked from user downloads.

I also suggest now that your computer is in working order that you start keeping image backups with Macrium Reflect Free so if any thing happens in the future you will be able to restore it with relative ease.