I have searched the internet and have followed a ton

JohnJohn409 · January 2

I have followed a ton of tutorials and articles but I cant seem to take back control of my laptop. It has been compromised and when I try to delete what I dont want it tells me I dont have permission to do it. I do understand piracy is wrong. I just found out what a torrent was and I went on a frenzy. I do apologize and have learned my lesson about trying to get "free" content on the internet. I have tried several different tools to help me get rid of the rootkit and malware that has been installed. It has removed the ones that where found but there are still many I suspect that are hidden. I still can not open my google chrome. I still have my C: drive missing. I still cant access many of my folders. Alot of my files not look like this [#] Downloads [#] I was at the end of the line and I decided to try one last google search for " Virus is taking over my admin rights" and I came across a post from 2017. This person seemed to have had the same problem I am having and it was resolved. I am hoping to be able to get the same outcome. I have a few logs that I have generated out of the 100 tools that I have tried. I have tried killing the services running with process explorer to no avail. These are the log files I have generated. Any help is greatly appreciated and Thank You in advance.

FRST.txt Addition.txt Rkill.txt dism.log ProcessExplorer.txt

1PW · January 2

Hello @JohnJohn409 and :welcome: :

While you are waiting for the next qualified/approved malware removal expert helper to weigh in on your topic, and even though you may have run the following Malwarebytes utility, please carefully follow these instructions:

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 only Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your computer.
A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to the Public desktop, please upload that file on your next reply to this topic.

Thank you.

JohnJohn409 · January 2

Thank you I will do that now.

JohnJohn409 · January 2

My internet is super slow and upon downloading that software the original one i had disappeared so now I have to reinstall the normal Malwarebytes again.

JohnJohn409 · January 2

Ok It finally completed. It generated alot of files. It is not letting me upload the zip file even after extracting them..

JohnJohn409 · January 2

1 minute ago, JohnJohn409 said:

Ok It finally completed. It generated alot of files. It is not letting me upload the zip file even after extracting them..

Sorry for so many posts

mbst-check-results.txt mbst-clean-results.txt

1PW · January 2

Ping @AdvancedSetup

AdvancedSetup · January 3

Hello and :welcome: @JohnJohn409

My screen name is AdvancedSetup and I will assist you with your system issues.

Let's keep these principles as we proceed. Make sure to read the entire post below first.

Please follow all steps in the provided order and post back all requested logs
Please attach all log files to your post, unless otherwise requested
Temporarily disable your antivirus or other security software first. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans have been completed.
Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download the software below if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
Searching, detecting, and removing malware isn't instantaneous and there is no guarantee to repair every system.
Before we start, please make sure that you have an external backup, not connected to this system, of all private data.
Do not run online games while the case is ongoing. Do not do any free-wheeling or risky web-surfing.
Only run the tools I guide you to use. Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
Cracked, Hacked, or Pirated programs are not only illegal but also can make a computer a malware victim. Having such programs installed is the easiest way to get infected. It is the leading cause of ransomware encryption. It is at times also a big source of current Trojan infections. If there are any on the system you should uninstall them before we proceed.
Please be patient and stick with me until I give you the "all clear". We don't want to waste your time, please don't waste ours.
If your system is running Discord, please be sure to Exit it while this case is ongoing.

[ 1 ]

Please go to Control Panel, Programs, Programs and Features and uninstall the following

Wise Registry Cleaner 10.8.5

[ 2 ]

Please run the following fix

Once the fix has been completed, please attach the file FIXLOG.TXT to your next reply

Farbar program location: C:\Users\JohnJohn\Desktop\FRST64.exe

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to C:\Users\JohnJohn\Desktop\
NOTE. It's important that both files, C:\Users\JohnJohn\Desktop\FRST64.exe, 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 the Farbar program C:\Users\JohnJohn\Desktop\FRST64.exe with Admin rights 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) Please attach that log on 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

JohnJohn409 · January 3

Hell and thank you for your response. I had given up after 3 days battling the problem I was having and rested to factory settings. To be honest I still feel like I have a bunch of stuff running in the background I just can't seem to pin point it. I WAS downloading torrents to get cracked versions of applications. I learned my lesson and have completely put torrenting and downloading cracks. If you are still able to assist me any help would be very appreciated.

AdvancedSetup · January 3

Okay, go ahead then and run the following.

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

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.

RESTART THE COMPUTER Before running Step 3

STEP 02
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

JohnJohn409 · January 4

Ok everything was running smooth and then it just started acting up again. When I factory reset it everything was good at first I didn't download any torrent clients or any cracked software. Everything I have is freeware. I'm at a lost and I have tried everything. If it is possible to walk me through the process? I really want to learn about malware and cyber security to stay safe online. I'm a believer in closed mouths don't get fed nor if you are not willing to learn how are you going to learn? I appreciate all the help. I am about to download what is needed as I don't think I have the FRST anymore. I am downloading from my phone now because I'm trying to keep the laptop disconnected from the internet. It seems to me when it is connected that's when this thing spreads.

On 1/2/2023 at 8:08 PM, AdvancedSetup said:

Okay, go ahead then and run the following.

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.

Hide contents

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.

RESTART THE COMPUTER Before running Step 3

STEP 02
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

Ok everything was running smooth and then it just started acting up again. When I factory reset it everything was good at first I didn't download any torrent clients or any cracked software. Everything I have is freeware. I'm at a lost and I have tried everything. If it is possible to walk me through the process? I really want to learn about malware and cyber security to stay safe online. I'm a believer in closed mouths don't get fed nor if you are not willing to learn how are you going to learn? I appreciate all the help. I am about to download what is needed as I don't think I have the FRST anymore. I am downloading from my phone now because I'm trying to keep the laptop disconnected from the internet. It seems to me when it is connected that's when this thing spreads.

JohnJohn409 · January 4

Also if possible I'm trying I find a link I see a 14 day trial for Premium + VPN. I'm looking into getting a VPN anyways so I might as well get an all in one. I don't know if you are on the affiliate program with MB or not but if possible to provide me with your link to the trial that way you can make you some commission.

AdvancedSetup · January 4

You do not need to purchase or buy anything. All of the links provided will run free software. The Malwarebytes will offer a 14 day free trial of the premium version but for the purposes of scanning and cleaning it does not matter.

Please follow the steps as requested.

JohnJohn409 · January 4

yes sir It is downloading as I type this.

JohnJohn409 · January 4

Ok here you go sir FRST.txt Addition.txt MBSCAN.txt

AdvancedSetup · January 4

When you say it's acting up, what do you mean?

The current logs don't seem to indicate there is an obvious infection.

Run your Avira antivirus software, check for updates and do a Full System scan and let me know if it finds anything

JohnJohn409 · January 4

Ok doing that now. Another thing is my I.P. was changed I don't even have the same I.P. that I originally had before I got that malware.

AdvancedSetup · January 4

ISP (Internet Service Providers) often change user's IP. Providing a fixed IP is rare for any ISP.

JohnJohn409 · January 4

Ok you are the one who knows how to read those logs lol I trust you. So what about that FIX.txt file you generated for me? I went through the code for reseting my internet clearing all the cache and all that good stuff. Would it hurt to run it anyways? And I truly appreciate your help. I think I will stick around for a while. Like I said I want to learn so Ill be around the forum.

AdvancedSetup · January 4

It's a generic clean up script. It may not fix anything specific but it can clean up items and check system file integrity, etc.

JohnJohn409 · January 7

You wouldn't happen to have any tips on manually cleaning up my registry? I see that a bunch of stuff is still in there after removing them including malware. It could explain why they keep coming back. Some of these things are set to automatically launch when I start up my computer.

AdvancedSetup · January 7

A few recommended articles to read on registry cleaners:

Registry cleaners are not supported by Microsoft

"Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the use of a registry cleaning utility can be solved. Issues caused by these utilities may not be repairable and lost data may not be recoverable"

Microsoft support policy for the use of registry cleaning utilities
An often posted and quoted article (Ed no longer hosts the site but did mention again on Twitter), Ed Bott's Why I don't use registry cleaners
miekiemoes' Blog Registry Cleaners and System Tweaking Tools
Registry cleaner - From Wikipedia

In most cases regardless of which Registry Cleaning tool you use it's not going to outright break Windows from booting or running. Normally the damage done is rarely seen or even attributed to the cleaning. How it can sometimes manifest itself is with an application simply not behaving as it used to, a program feature that no longer launches. In some cases on a computer with detailed auditing enabled it can show errors that were not there prior to the cleaning, but again these are typically things that would be nearly impossible to know after the fact what caused it.

Bottom line is WHY are you cleaning the Registry? The system can typically read through the entire Registry in under a minute, but that is not how software reads, writes to the Registry. It makes a specific call to a location where it expects its configuration to be or where it needs to possibly interface with other COM objects to complete an operation and can typically make that read in milliseconds. Reading all the keys for my HKCU hive took 249 ms with a total of 21047 keys. So how is removing a dozen or a few dozen going to really help speed up my computer?

If you can show proof positive 100% that some value in the Registry is actually causing an issue then change or remove THAT entry. Not hundreds or dozens of entries because someone that has been programming for a few years now somehow feels they or their team know the Billions of possible values and every single one that is good or bad and can automate fixing it. Sorry but I call BS, no one knows every single entry and what it means let alone if its good or bad.

While you're reading about Registry Cleaners you might also want to read the following article

The complexity of finding, preventing, and cleanup from malware

Please go ahead and run the FIX below