Help with "wincloudservice.com"

[Kenatl]

Malwarebytes keeps stopping windows powershell from connecting to the website "wincloudservice.com" and after much searching I cannot find what is causing it and Malwarebytes doesn't tell me. Any help is appreciated and thanks in advance. 

Ken

[AdvancedSetup]

Good day, @Kenatl and

 

Please run the following steps and post back the logs as an attachment when ready.
Temporarily disable your antivirus or other security software first. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download software below if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
If you still have trouble downloading the software please click on Reveal Hidden Contents below for examples of how to allow the download.
 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

When downloading with some browsers you may see a different style of screens that may block FRST from downloading. The program is safe and used hundreds of times a week by many users.

Example of Microsoft Edge blocking the download

 

STEP 01

• If you already have Malwarebytes installed then open Malwarebytes and click on the Scan button. It will automatically check for updates and run a Threat Scan.
• If you don't have Malwarebytes installed yet please download it from here and install it.
• Once installed then open Malwarebytes and select Scan and let it run.
• Once the scan is completed make sure you have it quarantine any detections it finds.
• If no detections were found click on the Save results drop-down, then the Export to TXT  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 there were detections then once the quarantine has completed click on the View report button, Then click the Export drop-down, then the Export to TXT  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 the computer restarted to quarantine you can access the logs from the Detection History, then the History tab. Highlight the most recent scan and double-click to open it. Then click the Export drop-down, then the Export to TXT  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 in your next reply that the scanner would not run.

STEP 02

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

• Double-click to run the program
• Accept the End User License Agreement.
• Wait until the database is updated.
• Click Scan Now.
• When finished, if items are found please click Quarantine.
• Your PC should reboot now if any items were found.
• After reboot, a log file will be opened. Attach or 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 each time
• Please attach the Additions.txt log to your reply as well.
• On your next reply, you should be attaching frst.txt and additions.txt to your post, every time.

 

Thanks

[Kenatl]

Thanks for the reply. Attached are the requested files.

 

7-7.txt AdwCleaner[S01].txt Addition.txt FRST.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Did you set up or create these shortcuts for Google Chrome on purpose?

 

google-base-url=hxxps://customsearchbar.me

There are three of them and all three have similar details that don't appear to be common.

Please uninstall the following

• CCleaner
• CCleaner Browser
• CCleaner Update Helper

 

 

Then run the following fix

When done, please attach the FIXLOG.txt file on your next reply.

 

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop or location where you ran FRST from.
NOTE. It's important that both files, FRST or FRST64, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

Please make sure you disable any real-time antivirus or security software before running this script. Once completed, make sure you re-enable it.

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system that cannot be undone.

Run FRST or FRST64 and press the Fix button just once and wait.
If the tool needs a restart please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) or wherever you ran FRST from. Please attach or post it to your next reply.

Note: If the tool warned you about an outdated version please download and run the updated version.

NOTE-1:  This fix will run a scan to check that all Microsoft operating system files are valid and not corrupt and attempt to correct any invalid files. It will also run a disk check on the restart to ensure disk integrity. Depending on the speed of your computer this fix may take 30 minutes or more.

NOTE-2: 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. Also, make sure you know the passwords for all websites as cookies will also be removed. The use of an external password manager is highly recommended instead of using your browser to store passwords.

NOTE-3: As part of this fix it will also reset the network to default settings including the firewall. If you have custom firewall rules you need to save please export or save them first before running this fix.

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
• Discord cache
• Java cache
• Steam HTML cache
• Explorer thumbnail and icon cache
• BITS transfer queue (qmgr*.dat files)
• 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.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run.

fixlist.txt

Thanks

 

[Kenatl]

I did as you asked and the log is attached. I did not make the shortcuts you asked about. Is CCleaner browser not a good alternative?

Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

No, most computer experts no longer recommend the CCleaner program or browser.

Once we're done here I'll provide you with some recommendations.

From the logs:

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.

 

Please save this updated FIXLIST.txt file to the same location as the Farbar program as before.
Then run the Farbar program and click on the FIX button.

fixlist.txt

When done and the computer restarts, then run the Farbar program again and click on the SCAN button and post back all 3 new logs

 

FIXLOG.TXT
FRST.TXT
ADDITION.TXT

 

Thanks

 

 

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Can you also restart the computer. Then temporarily exit out of Malwarebytes and find and zip the following folder.

C:\FRST\Quarantine

Then attach here

Thank you @Kenatl

[Kenatl]

Here are the files, but when I try to Zip the Quarantine folder I get the attached error.

FRST.txt Addition.txt Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Yes, you would need to restart the computer. Then temporarily exit out of Malwarebytes and then open an Elevated Admin zipping.

I can use Farbar to actually do it for us

Let me review your other logs first

 

[AdvancedSetup]

You appear to have a CSV of possibly passwords here?

 

C:\Users\kenat\Desktop\CCleaner Browser Passwords.csv

C:\Users\kenat\Desktop\.~lock.CCleaner Browser Passwords.csv#

Please double-check and rename that file or delete it. It is very insecure to save passwords in a text file. If it's really a text file you can open it with Notepad to read it.

 

 

Please run the following updated FIXLIST as before. It will try to zip up the Quarantine folder for us. It should make a new zip file on your desktop based on Date and Time .zip  please attach that file.

fixlist.txt

Thanks

 

 

 

 

[Kenatl]

I know about the txt file. I just exported my passwords from CCleaner browser so I can import them into another browser. It won't take the folder the fix created. Says a file was larger than 87.89 mb and skipped. Then nothing is attached

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Please try the following to send the file @Kenatl

 

 

Upload File(s) to WeTransfer:

• Visit WeTransfer.com
• Click on I Agree
  
  
   
• Click on Manage Cookies
  
  
   
• Uncheck all the cookies and other Ad settings
  
  
   
• Click the triple dots for more options
  
  
   
• Select the Link option "Get transfer link" - then click the Message and enter a message.
  
  
   
• Click on +Add Files - Browse to the location of the file and double-click on it or click once on it and select Open
  
  
   

• Click on Get a link to send the file and get the link to post back
  
  
   
• Once the transfer completes, click on Copy link
  
  
  
   
• Once you receive the Copied! message please save in notepad so you can post the link into your next reply
  
   

 

 

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Next, let me have you run the following.

At this time the PowerShell alerts should have stopped by now. Are you seeing any signs of an infection?

 

 

Microsoft Safety Scanner

Please make sure you Exit out of any other program you might have open so that the sole task is to run the following scan.   
That goes especially for web browsers, make sure all are fully exited out of and messenger programs are exited and closed as well
 

STEP 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

STEP 2

I suggest a new scan for viruses & other malware. This may take several hours, depending on the number of files on the system and the speed of the computer.

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

 

Look on the Scan Options & select the FULL scan.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. It may take several hours.

• Once you see it has started, take a long long break;  walk away.  Do not pay credence if you see some intermediate early flash messages on the screen display.  The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run.
• The scan will take several hours.  Leave it alone. It will remove any other remaining threats as it goes along.  Take a very long break, do your normal personal errands .....just do not use the computer during this scan.

This is likely to run for many hours as previously mentioned  ( depending on the number of files on your machine & the speed of the hardware.)

The log is named MSERT.log  and the log will be at C:\Windows\debug\msert.log

Please attach that log with your next reply.

 

 

It is normal for the Microsoft Safety Scanner to show detections during the scan process. It is scanning for basically all bread crumbs or traces of files and registry entries that "might" be or have been part of some infection or previous infection.

That DOES NOT mean the computer is infected. Once the scan has been completed it uploads the log to their Cloud service which then uses Artificial Intelligence to determine if in fact any of the traces are an infection or not.

Then it writes into the log on your computer what it found.

 

 

[Kenatl]

The powershell alerts have stopped. I have not had one since we started this. Here is the link for the Quarantine folder.........https://we.tl/t-MsOGMwS5we

I am going to wait till I retire to start the Microsoft Safety Scanner since it takes so long. I will post the log in the AM. Thanks for the help and have a good evening. I will talk to you tomorrow.

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you for the Quarantine file. I will check back tomorrow for the log from Microsoft. Have a good night

 

[Kenatl]

Good morning,

       Seems the MS tool found something. The log is attached. I hope I am clean now. I don't know how I got these things in the first place. I use Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender. Do I need more? Thanks.

msert.log

[AdvancedSetup]

Thanks @Kenatl

Can I get a new set of logs to make sure all is going well

 

 

NOTE: The tools and the information obtained are safe and not harmful to your privacy or your computer, please allow the programs to run if blocked by your system.

• Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool
• In your Downloads folder, open the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file
• In the User Account Control pop-up window, click Yes to continue the installation
• Run the MBST Support Tool
• In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced
• In the Advanced Options, click Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your machine
• A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to your desktop, please upload that file on your next reply

Thank you

 

[Kenatl]

Thanks. Here is the zip.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

Great, that looks good. Malwarebytes looks to be running and updating properly.

Please temporarily exit out of Malwarebytes and run the following

 

SecurityCheck by glax24              

I would like you to run a tool named SecurityCheck to inquire about the current security update status of some applications.

• Download SecurityCheck by glax24: https://tools.safezone.cc/glax24/SecurityCheck/SecurityCheck.exe
• If Microsoft SmartScreen blocks the download, click through to save the file
• This tool is safe.   Smartscreen is overly sensitive.
• If SmartScreen blocks the file from running click on More info and Run anyway
• Right-click  with your mouse on the Securitycheck.exe  and select "Run as administrator"  and reply YES to allow to run & go forward
• Wait for the scan to finish. It will open a text file named SecurityCheck.txt Close the file.  Attach it with your next reply.
• You can find this file in a folder called SecurityCheck, C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt

 

 

Thank you

 

 

[Kenatl]

Here is the file.

SecurityCheck.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Please uninstall, update, or otherwise address the following as appropriate for your system.

 

-------------------------------- [ Media ] --------------------------------

VLC media player v.3.0.16 Warning! Download Update

--------------------------- [ AdobeProduction ] ---------------------------

Asian Language And Spelling Dictionaries Support For Adobe Acrobat Reader v.22.001.20085 Warning! This software is no longer supported. Please uninstall it and use Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

 

----------------------------- [ EmailClient ] -----------------------------

Mozilla Thunderbird (x64 en-US) v.91.11.0 Warning! Download Update

 

---------------------------- [ UnwantedApps ] -----------------------------

Winaero Tweaker v.1.40.0.0 Warning! Suspected demo version of anti-spyware, driver updater or optimizer. If this program is not familiar to you it is recommended to uninstall it and execute PC scanning using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Possible you became a victim of fraud or social engineering. Computer experts no longer recommend this program.

CCleaner Update Helper v.1.8.1208.2 Warning! Suspected demo version of anti-spyware, driver updater or optimizer. If this program is not familiar to you it is recommended to uninstall it and execute PC scanning using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. Possible you became a victim of fraud or social engineering. Computer experts no longer recommend this program.

----------------------------- [ End of Log ] ------------------------------

 

 

Then click on Start Search and type in "Check for updates" and allow Windows to scan for and install any updates it finds

 

Thanks

 

[Kenatl]

Ok, I have done all that you asked and PC is free from the original problem. I guess I am clean now.  I use Malwarebytes and Microsoft Defender. Do I need more? Thanks for all your time and help.

[AdvancedSetup]

Yes, looks good. @Kenatl

 

Let's go ahead and do some clean-up work and remove the tools and logs we've run.

Please download KpRm by kernel-panik and save it to your desktop.

• right-click kprm_(version).exe and select Run as Administrator.
• Read and accept the disclaimer.
• When the tool opens, ensure all boxes under Actions are checked.
• Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
• Once complete, click OK.
• A log will open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.
• Please attach that file to your next reply. (not compulsory)

 

1. Recommend using a Password Manager for all websites, etc. that require a password. Never use the same password on more than one site.
   https://www.howtogeek.com/240255/password-managers-compared-lastpass-vs-keepass-vs-dashlane-vs-1password/
2. Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/
3. Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download
4. Keep your Operating System up to date and current at all times - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-update-faq-8a903416-6f45-0718-f5c7-375e92dddeb2
5. Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258363-tips-to-help-protect-from-infection/ 
6. Please consider installing the following Content Blockers for your Web browsers if you haven't done so already. This will help improve overall security

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

•   Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/malwarebytes-browser-guar/ihcjicgdanjaechkgeegckofjjedodee
•   Microsoft Edge: https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413298736787-Install-Malwarebytes-Browser-Guard-on-Microsoft-Edge-browser
•   Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/malwarebytes/

uBlock Origin

• Google Chrome: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm 
• Microsoft Edge: https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak 
• Mozilla Firefox: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin

 

Further reading if you like to keep up on the malware threat scene: Malwarebytes Blog  https://blog.malwarebytes.com/

Hopefully, we've been able to assist you with correcting your system issues.

Thank you for using Malwarebytes

 

 

 

[AdvancedSetup]

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.

Please review the following to help you better protect your computer and privacy Tips to help protect from infection

Thank you