Malware prevents antivirus installation

[BSYuudai]

I have a Windows 11 laptop. I believe I have some sort of malware in my device. Ever since yesterday, my laptop runs at unimaginably slow speeds, heats up very quickly, and every few minutes a command prompt window pops up. I tried installing Malwarebytes, but every single time it failed at 12%. I think the virus is the cause for this.
As you can see, Windows Defender does detect some sort of virus, but it literally cannot do anything but allow it. 

[1PW]

Hello @BSYuudai and :

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, or its subsets, please carefully follow these instructions:

1. Download the Malwarebytes Support Tool.
2. In your Downloads folder, open the mb-support-x.x.x.xxx.exe file.
3. In the User Account Control (UAC) pop-up window, click Yes to continue the installation.
4. Run the MBST Support Tool.
5. In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced.
6. In the Advanced Options, click only Gather Logs. A status diagram displays the tool is Getting logs from your computer.
7. A zip file named mbst-grab-results.zip will be saved to the Public desktop, please attach that file in your next reply to this topic. Please do NOT copy and paste.

For the short time between when you post the diagnostic logs, and when your helper weighs in, please take no further self-directed remedial actions that will invalidate the diagnostic logs you will have sent.

Thank you.

[BSYuudai]

Here it is

mbst-grab-results.zip

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello  

I will guide you along on looking for remaining malware. Lets keep these principles as we go along.

• Removing malware can be unpredictable
• Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• Only run the tools I guide you to.
• Do not run online games while case is on-going. Do not do any free-wheeling web-surfing.
• The removal of malware isn't instantaneous, please be patient.
• Cracked or or hacked or pirated programs are not only illegal, but also will make a computer a malware victim. Having such programs installed, is the easiest way to get infected. It is the leading cause of ransomware encryptions. It is at times also big source of current trojan infections. Please uninstall them now, if any are here, before we start the cleaning procedure.
• Please stick with me until I give you the "all clear".
• If your system is running Discord, please be sure to Exit out of it while this case is on-going.

Take these actions so that Windows 11 is set to show all hidden files and folders.
Open File Explorer from the taskbar.

Select View > Show > Hidden items.

Select View → Show → File name extensions

 

 

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 Scan Options & select  CUSTOM scan  & then select the C drive to be scanned.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. Once you start the scan & you see it started, then leave it be.  

• 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 screen display.  The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run.
• Again, any on-screen display about repeat 'infection' is not to be relied on.  Ignore those.
• We only rely on the end result that is on the log-report-file.

 

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

The log is named MSERT.log  

the log will be at  

Windows\debug\msert.log

Please attach that log with your reply. We will do more later.

[Maurice Naggar]

Do do the actions I listed above. I am just curious as to whether you took action on the DEFENDER GUI screen to click on the button

Start actions

to look at where the 3 MSIL threats were and to have Defender go forward and remove all three ??

[BSYuudai]

I did click on the Start Actions button, I should have taken a screenshot of what I saw after. The Ransom virus was removed and so was one of the Trojans. The other one remained in the device and I continued to get the command prompt popup every few minutes. The Trojan infected powershell.exe. I used the Malwarebytes Support Tool after all of this happened. I will not follow your instructions and provide the file once it is complete.

[Maurice Naggar]

ok. Just follow my guidance. Do not use the computer while the scan is on-going and close browsers during the scan.

[BSYuudai]

I tried installing the software three times but I kept getting this error, I am using a 64-bit system and I downloaded the corresponding software. The installation still failed. Please advise. 

[Maurice Naggar]

Please run the following custom script. Read all of this before you start. Please Close all open work.

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

Farbar program :  is FRSTENGLISH.exe

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to C:\Users\User\Downloads

Fixlist.txt < - - - -

NOTE. It's important that both files, FRSTENGLISH, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

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.

Use File Explorer to go to the Downloads folder

RIGHT-Click on   FRSTENGLISH and select

RUN as Administrator

and reply YES to allow it to go forward to start.

That is important so that this run has Elevated Administrator rights !!

NEXT 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 Downloads folder (Fixlog.txt) . 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 custom script 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 reset the Winsock and Hosts file. It will remove several scheduled tasks that are trojans.  It will attempt to clear all Cache and history on web browsers. Depending on the speed of your computer this fix may take 40-50 minutes or more.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run. Attach FIXLOG.txt with next reply.

A request please 

I would like to get a copy of what we placed in Quarantine, from the runs I had you do. Please. 

• Using Windows File Explorer, Navigate to C:\FRST folder on your system. Expand the folder so you see all contents.
• Right click on Quarantine > Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder
• Upload the archive in your next reply
• If archive is too big you can upload here > https://wetransfer.com/

NEXT:

Do a new scan with Malwarebytes for Windows.

Do a Check for Update using the Malwarebytes Settings >> General tab.

See this Support Guide https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360042187934-Check-for-updates-in-Malwarebytes-for-Windows

When it shows a new version available, Accept it and let it proceed forward.  Be sure it succeeds.

If prompted to do a Restart, just please follow all directions. 

Next, in Malwarebytes 

Then click the Security tab.  Scroll down and lets be sure the line in SCAN OPTIONs for

"Scan for rootkits" is ON 👈   Click it to get it ON if it does not show a blue-color .

Next, click the small x on the Settings line to go to the main Malwarebytes Window.   Next click the blue button marked Scan.

 

When the scan phase is done, be real sure you Review and have all detected lines items check-marked on each line on the left. That too is very critical.

>>>>>>      👉      You can actually click the topmost left  check-box  on the very top line to get ALL lines  ticked   ( all selected).         <<<<     💢

 

Please double verify you have that TOP  check-box tick marked.   and that then, all lines have a tick-mark

 

Then click on Quarantine  button.

 

Then, locate the Scan run report;  export out a copy;  & then attach in with your  reply.
See https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038479194-View-Reports-and-History-in-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-v4

[BSYuudai]

After the fix was complete I was still unable to install Malwarebytes. 

Fixlog.txt Quarantine.zip

[Maurice Naggar]

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them

NOTE: After the completion of the custom-script fix, my expectation is that the Microsoft Defender antivirus will then be fully ON and in better state.  Indeed, the Fixlog report shows that Defender antivirus is in good shape. There was a scheduled task "Online_KMS_Activation_Script-Renewal" which was removed. Such "KMS" items are typically packed along with crack / hacked dodgy applications or add-ons & are often found in infections such as the ones here.
Make very very sure that this machine has no cracked / hacked illegal add-ons, also including any such "games".
Hidden risks in pirated software
https://news.microsoft.com/apac/2019/01/08/hidden-risks-in-pirated-software/

Why You Shouldn't Use Pirated Software
https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/trends/why-you-shouldnt-use-pirated-software

 Do a custom scan with Microsoft Defender Antivirus 

Just want to do a visual check in Windows Security to see (visually) that Microsoft Defender is on , and to do a Custom scan.

From the Windows 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

Look to see that Microsoft Defender is shown & available for use.

On the next display, look at all the options.  Look down the list and see "Check for Updates" .

You should click on that to have the system check for updates for Windows Defender.  Watch & wait for that to complete.

Please also note that the Scan options (all) can be displayed by clicking on Scan options.   Click that & select CUSTOM scan & then pick the C drive  & have it go forward.

Once it has started the scan phase, you can go take a long break.   Let me know the results. We will do more, later, including looking at Malwarebytes.

[BSYuudai]

Here are the results.

[Maurice Naggar]

That is excellent. MS Defender antivirus shows "no current threats". 😀

As a next step, I suggest the following:

This is for a scan with ESET Onlinescanner (free). ESET is a well-respected, well-known entity and tool.

This here you can start & once it is under way, you can leave the machine alone & let it run over-night. No need to keep watch once it starts the actual scan run.

Next, This will be a check with ESET Onlinescanner for viruses, other malware, adwares, & potentially unwanted applications.

Go to https://download.eset.com/com/eset/tools/online_scanner/latest/esetonlinescanner.exe

It will start a download of "esetonlinescanner.exe"

• Save the file to your system, such as the Downloads folder, or else to the Desktop.
• Go to the saved file, and double click it to get it started.

 

• When presented with the initial ESET options, click on "Computer Scan".
• Next, when prompted by Windows, allow it to start by clicking Yes
• When prompted for scan type, Click on CUSTOM scan  and select C drive to be scanned
• Look at & tick ( select ) the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"
• and click on Start scan button.

Have patience. The entire process may take an hour or more. There is an initial update download.
There is a progress window display. You may step away from machine &. Let it be. That is, once it is under way, you should leave it running. It will run for several hours.

• At screen "Detections occurred and resolved" click on blue button "View detected results"
• On next screen, at lower left, click on blue "Save scan log"
• View where file is to be saved. Provide a meaningful name for the "File name:"
• On last screen, set to Off (left) the option for Periodic scanning
• Click "save and continue"
• Please attach the report file so I can review

[BSYuudai]

Here are the results.

scan results.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

The ESET scan result is all very very good. 👈☀️

3/17/2023 6:09:39 AM
Files scanned: 463095
Detected files: 0
Cleaned files: 0
Total scan time: 01:43:18
Scan status: Finished

Now, look for any prior saved download file named 

MSERT.exe

If present, then Delete MSERT.exe

 

The Microsoft Safety Scanner is a free Microsoft stand-alone virus scanner that can be used to scan for & remove malware or potentially unwanted items from a system. This tool does not install. It is run on-demand.

This link is for the 64-bit version of MSERT.exe . Be sure you save the file first

https://definitionupdates.microsoft.com/download/DefinitionUpdates/safetyscanner/amd64/MSERT.exe

Upon completion of the save, Launch MSERT.exe
Accept the agreement terms of Microsoft
Select CUSTOM scan
Look on Scan Options & select CUSTOM scan & then select the C drive to be scanned.

Then start the scan. Have lots of patience. Once you start the scan & you see it started, then leave it be.

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 screen display. The only things that count are the End result at the end of the run.
Again, any on-screen display about repeat 'infection' is not to be relied on. Ignore those.
We only rely on the end result that is on the log-report-file.

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

The log is named MSERT.log

the log will be at

Windows\debug\msert.log
Please attach that log with your reply

It is normal for the Microsoft Safety Scanner to show detections during the scan process on the screen itself.

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 on-screen display DOES NOT mean the computer is infected.

Edited March 17 by Maurice Naggar

[BSYuudai]

Here are the results.

 

 

msert.log

[Maurice Naggar]

Only 1 file was tagged & 'removed' by the MS Safety Scanner. But it was already in the Quarantine area of FRST so that this is not a new "infection". No new malware was found by this run. By the way, the classification by Microsoft of the trojan we removed on the first custom-script is

Trojan:Win32/Nibtse.F!tsk

I do have a new quick/short custom-script here.

Please run the following custom script. Read all of this before you start. Please Close all open work.

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

Farbar program :  is FRSTENGLISH.exe

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to C:\Users\User\Downloads

Fixlist.txt< - - - -

NOTE. It's important that both files, FRSTENGLISH, and fixlist.txt are in the same location or the fix will not work.

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.

Use File Explorer to go to the Downloads folder

RIGHT-Click on   FRSTENGLISH and select

RUN as Administrator

and reply YES to allow it to go forward to start.

That is important so that this run has Elevated Administrator rights !!

NEXT 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 Downloads folder (Fixlog.txt) . 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 custom script will remove 1 inert leftover registry entry. It will also do a new run of Windows System File Checker.

The system will be rebooted after the fix has run. Attach FIXLOG.txt with next reply.

( 2 )

Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download the next software below 

I would recommend getting a readout report as to update status of some key apps.
Download SecurityCheck by glax24 from here

and save the tool on the desktop.

                   If Windows's  SmartScreen block that with a message-window, then
                         Click on the MORE INFO spot and over-ride that and allow it to proceed.

                             This tool is safe.   Smartscreen is overly sensitive.

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 in a text file named SecurityType.txt. Close the file.  Attach it with your next reply.
You can find this file in a folder called SecurityCheck, C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt

When all done, you may go back to turn ON the EDGE Smartscreen protection.

[BSYuudai]

These are the new results.

 

 

Fixlog.txt SecurityCheck.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Per the SecurityCheck, here are the programs that need your attention & follow-up Action.
NVIDIA GeForce Experience 3.25.0.84 v.3.25.0.84  Warning! Download Update

WinRAR 5.20 (64-bit) v.5.20.0  Warning! Download Update
 
Discord v.0.0.309  Warning! Download Update

WhatsApp v.2.2206.9  Warning! Download Update

Zoom v.5.10.1 (4420)  Warning! Download Update

qBittorrent 4.2.5 v.4.2.5  Warning! Download Update

Java 8 Update 51 (64-bit) v.8.0.510  Warning! Download Update
Uninstall old version and install new one (jre-8u361-windows-x64.exe).

VLC media player v.3.0.8  Warning! Download Update

Adobe Creative Cloud v.5.4.1.534  Warning! Download Update

Mozilla Firefox 77.0.1 (x64 en-US) v.77.0.1  Warning! Download Update

NOTE: 
I meant to ask, Have you now got the Malwarebytes program installed ?  Let me know. In any event, I believe this system is good-to-go.

Edited March 20 by Maurice Naggar

[BSYuudai]

I've updated everything successfully but I'm still unable to install malwarebytes.

 

 

[Maurice Naggar]

I would like a new/fresh report set for review. This is a report only.

Please download MALWAREBYTES MBST Support Tool

Once you start it click Advanced >>> then Gather Logs

Have patience till the run has finished.
Upload an archive once it is done. Attach the mbst-grab-results.zip from the Desktop to your reply..

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello @BSYuudai Are you still needing help ? Are you still with us ?

[BSYuudai]

Apologies for the delayed response, here is the followup to your last message, the results have been attached.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[Maurice Naggar]

Thank you for finally sending the new Malwarebytes support tool report. In order to go about attempting to setup the Malwarebytes program, we will be doing some different series of steps. Just one at a time & a bit at a time. Much patience is required.
First, be sure to save any open edits or open on-going work and SAVE your work. Close your work programs.
We want to run this as a single standalone run.

The support tool is named mb-support-1.8.7.918 (1).exe & it is on your Downloads folder.
Launch ( start ) mb-support-1.8.7.918 (1).exe
Reply YES when prompted whether to allow the program to proceed or to make changes. YES so that it proceeds forward.

1. In the Malwarebytes Software License Agreement pop-up window, check the box (  ) next to Accept License Agreement after consenting to the agreement terms.
2. Click Next to complete the installation. The Malwarebytes Support Tool automatically opens.
3. In the left navigation pane of the Malwarebytes Support Tool, click Advanced.
4. In the Advanced Options, click Clean.
5. In the Malwarebytes Cleanup pop-up window, click Yes. A pop-up window indicating the loading of the cleanup appears. Before the next step, make sure all your work is saved in the background.
6. In the Malwarebytes Cleanup pop-up window, click OK to restart your computer.
7. Once your computer restarts, in the pop-up window, click Yes. A pop-up window appears indicating a Post reboot cleanup.
8. In the Reinstall Malwarebytes for Windows pop-up window, click NO
9. We want the tool to stop after that. We do not want it to do anything else. So EXIT the tool
10. After all this has finished, reply and let me know about it. I will later give you next steps.

[Maurice Naggar]

@BSYuudai Do you still need help? Are you still with us ?