Adware.Elex.Shrtcln keeps coming back

[catchTwentythree]

I have the exact same issue as in this resolved topic. Unfortunately, I apparently lack the permission to actually see the solution in that topic, which means that although the question has been answered, I... have to ask it again, I'm afraid.

 

Similarly, despite having never acquired the Ask toolbar and having no idea where this came from, every time I open chrome, PUP.Optional.ASK comes back in force.

 

Scan results included.

mwbscanres.txt

[kevinf80]

Hello catchTwentythree and welcome to Malwarebytes,

Your issue appears to be related to Chrome browser, use the instructions at the following link:

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258886-chrome-secure-preferences-detection-always-returns/

Does that help..?

Thanks,

Kevin...

[catchTwentythree]

I am afraid not. I was really thinking this would be the solution, but after turning off and resetting sync and running malwarebytes to remove them on both devices, when I turn on chrome, it comes back again anyway.

[catchTwentythree]

Update: Weirdly, the tablet device, which was a hand-me-down I used on vacation and from which I assumed it migrated to my desktop, is clean, but my desktop still seems to be restoring the things when chrome opens.

[kevinf80]

The Chrome reset and desync has to be done on all devices before retrying Chrome..

[catchTwentythree]

I have not tried to re-sync yet and I've had to quarantine multiple times since.

[kevinf80]

Sync needs to be turned off on all devices so sync data is cleared from Google servers, if that is not done it will always sync back data, both good and bad.

[catchTwentythree]

I did it on my desktop. Then I went to my tablet to do it there, and saw that it had already happened because the accounts are linked, so in order to do that, I would have to re-sync, then reset AGAIN. And after it all didn't work, I did that.

 

Now, having done that, my tablet is clean, but on my desktop, as soon as I open chrome, it happens again. So something else about chrome is doing it, because sync is off.

[kevinf80]

Probably now is the time to reinstall Chrome cleanly on your Desktop...

Make clean install of Google Chrome, see if that clears the issue... 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..... For your Passwords go here: https://www.intowindows.com/how-to-backup-saved-passwords-in-google-chrome-browser/ 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 https://www.google.com/intl/en_usa/chrome/browser/desktop/index.html Next, Open Chrome and sign into your account, open a new tab and type or copy paste chrome://settings/syncSetup hit enter... In the new window that opens "Sync everthing" will probably be selected, scroll down to and select "Managed sync data on Google Dashboard" A new window will open, scroll down to and select "Reset Sync" that will clear synced data from Google Server... Continue to next step to completely Uninstall Chrome.... Next. 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/ Next, Install Google Chrome : Next, Import your Bookmarks... (instructions in the first step) Import Passwords... (instructions in second step above) Next, Install Malwarebytes Browser Extension (Free) https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes-browser-exte/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee Next, Install uBlock Origin for Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm?hl=en Does that help

[catchTwentythree]

Looks like that did it! Thanks. No idea why it latched on so hard but the clean reinstall killed it.

[kevinf80]

Hiya catchTwentythree,

Thaks for the update, good to hear the issue has cleared.

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.

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