Slow browser

[Slowpomegranate]

I've deleted cookies and stuff, but its going back to its default pace of being slow.

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello   

My name is Maurice.  I will guide you.

Which web browser is this ?  Please be specific.

What version of Windows is this ?

Have you deleted the CACHE files on the browser?

Why do you suspect the situation to be a malware ?

Have you run your antivirus program to scan the system ?   What is the result ?

Does the pc have Malwarebytes for Windows ?  if so, what is the scan result ?

[Slowpomegranate]

Sorry, i didnt think to add the browser: opera. Windows 10 home. How do i do that specifically on the cache? Im just trying to figure things out really as i've looked at options. Yeah, i ran it on malware bytes and nothing came up. 

[Maurice Naggar]

Launch Opera.

Press Ctrl+Shift+Del to open your Clear browsing data options. Make sure Cached images and files is selected. Click Clear data.

[Slowpomegranate]

Done.

[Maurice Naggar]

You indicate your pc runs on Windows 10.  You should use EDGE browser as a work-around if Opera persists in being slow.  A slow browser does not equate to jumping to assumption of a malware being onboard.  For the latter, one needs a scan tool to actually find it & report it.

What is the installed / resident antivirus on this box?   Have you done a antivirus scan today ??

[Slowpomegranate]

Do you mean the antivirus, outside of downloaded softwares?

[Maurice Naggar]

Like Microsoft Defender antivirus  ( that is included with Windows 10 / 11   )

[Maurice Naggar]

I would encourage 1 Quick scan & 1 Custom scan of the C drive using MS Defender.

That way you can see the bottom line end results on screen as to whether today & now there are actual "current threats".

This is one way to do a manual scan using the Microsoft Defender antivirus, as well as to visually check protection status.

From the Start menu, select Settings, then select Update and Security.

Next, look at the left-side menu & select Windows Security

 

Next, In Windows Security section: Click on the grey button Open Windows Security

Now, click on the shield Virus and threat protection

By the way, when you see a green check-mark on your display, it means a good status and that protection is on.

 

 

On the next display, look at all the options.  Look down the list and see "Check for Updates" which I have highlighted with a blue icon.

You can click on that to have the system check for updates for Windows Defender.

Please also note that the Scan options (all) can be displayed by clicking on Scan options. ( You can do Quick, Full, or Custom).

NOTE: If you have the time / opportunity, select a Custom scan & scan the C drive   ( one time as a safety check ).

 

[Slowpomegranate]

no threats found

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello. Thank you. Be sure you let me know about the browser issue.

In order to begin to help you properly, I will need a diagnostic report in order to review & diagnose.
Specifically the FRST Farbar diagnostic report.  It is safe to get & use.
https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039025013-Run-Farbar-Recovery-Scan-Tool-to-gather-logs

Attach FRST.txt + Addition.txt with your reply.  You may if you wish, ZIP the 2 into a zip file & then attach.
{ just please do not copy, paste their contents in main body of reply box here.)

[Slowpomegranate]

Its loading fine as i closed it down now to try. I recall it took a while this morning. 

FRST.txt Addition.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Thank you for the Farbar FRST reports. I did find indications of malware infection. What follows is in the nature of housekeeping using a custom fix script.

[ 1  ]

Please  set File Explorer to SHOW ALL folders, all files, including Hidden ones.  Use OPTION ONE or TWO of this article

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/7078-turn-off-show-all-folders-windows-10-navigation-pane.html

[  2  ]

We will use FRST64.exe  on the Downloads\FRST-OlderVersion    folder to run a custom script.    The system will be rebooted after the script has run.

This custom script is for  Slowpomegranate  only / for this machine only.

This custom script has some specific things, plus some general aspect to help the system overall. This run hopefully will be under one hour run-time.

NOTE-1:  This script will  run a scan using System File Checker to check that all Microsoft operating system files are valid and not corrupt and attempt to correct any invalid files.  It will also run the Windows  DISM to check the system integruty. 

NOTE-2:  It will remove 1 scheduled task Opera scheduled assistant Autoupdate  (this is one of the 2 that exist)

It will remove 1 odd "Application Restart #2" auto start of chrome. It will remove 1 auto start of Opera Browser Assistant..

It will remove a whole slew of firewall rules for very obsolete, very old Opera versions 72.0 to 78.0. 

NOTE-3: As part of this fix all temporary files will be removed. If you have any open web pages that have not been bookmarked please make sure you bookmark them now as all open applications will be automatically closed. 

The following directories are emptied:

• Windows Temp
• Users Temp folders
• Edge, IE, FF, Chrome,  and Opera caches, HTML5 storages, Cookies and History
• Recently opened files cache
• Flash Player cache
• Java cache
• Steam HTML cache
• Explorer thumbnail and icon cache
• Recycle Bin

Important: items are permanently deleted. They are not moved to quarantine. If you have any questions or concerns please ask before running this fix.

Please be sure to Close any open work files, documents,  any apps you started yourself  before starting this.

 
If there are any CD / DVD / or USB-flash-thumb or USB-storage drives attached,  please disconnect any of those.

Please save the (attached file named) FIXLIST.txt   to the   Downloads\FRST-OlderVersion  folder   

Fixlist.txt

Start the Windows Explorer and then, to the  Downloads\FRST-OlderVersion  folder

RIGHT click on  FRST64.exe    and select RUN as Administrator and allow it to proceed.  Reply YES when prompted to allow to run.
  to run the tool. If the tool warns you the version is outdated, please download and run the updated version.
IF Windows prompts you about running this, select YES to allow it to proceed.

IF you get a block message from Windows about this tool......
click line More info information on that screen
and click button Run anyway on next screen.

on the FRST window:
Click the Fix button just once, and wait.

 

PLEASE have lots and lots of patience when this starts. You will see a green progress bar start. Lots of patience. 
If you receive a message that a reboot is required, please make sure you allow it to restart normally.
The tool will complete its run after restart.
When finished, the tool will make a log ( Fixlog.txt) in the same location from where it was run.

Please attach the FIXLOG.txt with your next reply later, at your next opportunity   

Please know this will do a Windows Restart.   Just let it run and finish.   I will look forward to getting the log.

[Slowpomegranate]

It restarted my pc, but it didn't give me a fixlog, on going into the folder their was fixlist.

Edited December 28, 2021 by Slowpomegranate

[Maurice Naggar]

Fixlog.txt should be on the same folder as where FRST64 is.  Let us look deliberately on the folder   Downloads\FRST-OlderVersion  folder

Take another look.  Please find and then attch the Fixlog.txt.   Much thanks.

[Slowpomegranate]

Fixlog.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Thank you for the log. The run is good overall.  How is the situation at this time ?

The Windows System File Checker Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

[Slowpomegranate]

On start up things were quite slow and then the browser was still a little bit slower

[Maurice Naggar]

Kindly do be aware that "slow-ness" might be due to factors other than a malware infection.

If you have a confirmed report by a trusted tool of a actual infection, do provide a copy of that.

As to laggy computers, there are several areas that you can look into.
Here are a few links to handy articles

• 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/

>

Let's do one scan with Malwarebytes Adwcleaner to check for adwares. Just before pressing that "scan" button, be sure that Chrome & Edge, or other web browser are Closed.

It will not take much time,

First download & save it

https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038520054-Download-and-install-Malwarebytes-AdwCleaner

 

Then be sure to close all web browsers.

Then go to where the EXE file is saved. Start Adwcleaner.  Then do a scan with Adwcleaner

https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038520114-Malwarebytes-AdwCleaner-scan-and-clean

Attach the clean log.

[Maurice Naggar]

One more thing.  Uninstall one very old, obsolete Java.

1. Press & hold  the Windows key on keyboard & then tap the R key   to open the Run box-window.
2. Type

appwiz.cpl

and tap Enter.
The Programs and Features window will appear.   Locate on the list "Java 8  Update 51".

Do a right-click on it.  Then choose Uninstall.   Let it proceed.

Exit Programs and Features, when done.

[Maurice Naggar]

Good morning. I hope you are doing well. Do you need further help?

[AdvancedSetup]

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Tips to help protect from infection

Thanks