Can my PC still be infected even after two clean installations of Windows?

[Best-Cap-910]

Last week I was hacked but luckily I managed to reinstall Windows without any losses, I changed all my passwords and activated two-factor verification on practically all the accounts I had. The problem is that just one day after doing this I logged into my PC and noticed that Windows Update had disabled the "block unwanted applications" option on its own and in the "Allowed Threats" tab there were several items that I did not allow or I didn't even download it. So I did another reinstallation of Windows and guess what? the same problem is this a normal windows thing? I'm getting paranoid?

 

[Maurice Naggar]

Hello. My name is Maurice. I will guide you.  Please allow me to suggest this as a first step.

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

Upon completion of the save, 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

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 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.

[Best-Cap-910]

msert.log

[Maurice Naggar]

Results Summary:
----------------
No infection found.
Successfully Submitted MAPS Report
Successfully Submitted Heartbeat Report

• Thanks for the report. MS Safety scanner reports finding no actual virus or malicious malware.
• Removing pesky malware ( if actually present) can be an involved set of tasks over separate runs. Have much patience. Follow my directions. 
• Please do not run any sort of "registry cleaner" while this case is active here
• 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.

  Do these 2 steps so that ALL folders & Files are set to SHOW, plus also, Turn OFF Windows Fast start.
  Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions
  https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299345-show-hidden-folders-files-extensions/

  Disable-Fast-Startup
  https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299350-disable-fast-startup/

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.  WARNING: Do Not click the Repair System under Advanced unless requested to by a Malwarebytes support agent or authorized helper.
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.

[Best-Cap-910]

Sir, I was unable to attach the file because it was on the desktop, I had to change its location, I hope this didn't interfere with anything.

mbst-grab-results.zip

[Maurice Naggar]

I do not believe that this system is in actuality "infected". I suspect it is really old ancient scan history that is the source of the display of OLD scans from prior setups. In any event, we need to do the following. Please do all that I list here.

Do these 2 steps so that ALL folders & Files are set to SHOW, plus also, Turn OFF Windows Fast start.
Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299345-show-hidden-folders-files-extensions/

Disable-Fast-Startup
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299350-disable-fast-startup/

Start Malwarebytes. Click Settings ( gear ) icon. Next, lets make real sure that Malwarebytes does NOT register with Windows Security Center

Click the Security Tab. Scroll down to

"Windows Security Center"

Click the selection to the left  for the line "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center".
{ We want that to be set as Off   .... be sure that line's  radio-button selection is all the way to the Left.  thanks. }

This will not affect any real-time protection of the Malwarebytes for Windows    😃.

Close Malwarebytes.

>

Please Close all open work before you actually do begin this run.

Farbar  FRSTENGLISH program location:   Downloads folder. The tool is already on system. That is what we will use.

Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to 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.

Right-click with your mouse on  FRSTENGLISH and select "Run as Administrator" and reply Yes and allow it to proceed when prompted. That is important.

next, press the Fix button just once and wait.

You will see a green-color scroll display while FRST is running.
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.

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

NORE: One more thing to point out. This system needs to insure it is fully UP-to-Date with Microsoft releases for this Windows.

I would highly suggest to insure that this pc is all up-to-date with security updates & cumulative updates on Windows. select the Windows Start  button, and then go to Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Update . and click Check for Updates.
Have much patience.

[Best-Cap-910]

Here's the file, and if you could answer one of my questions about your suspicion? Is there really a chance it could be an old scan log? Honestly, I suspected this but I found it very strange that it was there after a reinstallation because I thought that in theory there would be nothing left of the PC's previous state.

What about the "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center" tab, after finishing the entire process here, do I still need to keep it turned off?

Fixlog.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

Quote

What about the "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center" tab, after finishing the entire process here, do I still need to keep it turned off?

No. Leave that where it is. The Trial period of Malwarebytes will still have real-time protections during the trial.

We made the adjustment so that Microsoft Defender antivirus is on & protecting, alongside with Malwarebytes.

Whatever way you thought you did a new clean Windows setup obviously had a whole in it.  If it were done properly, there would have been zero Old history.

Different issue now> The run showed the past use of license evasion add-ons like RatiborusKMSTools01.07.2021.c.taiwebs.com and illegal Office software. We do not condone piracy on this forum. Make sure all pirated add-ons are uninstalled.

See https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/97700-piracy/

[Best-Cap-910]

Regarding the program detected, it was used to generate the key for Windows, it was used right after the reinstallation, my friend who did the entire process for me, he is an IT technician. sorry about that...

[Best-Cap-910]

About the program, it's very unlikely that it's still present. I made a point of checking the control panel and checking all the installed applications and I didn't find anything.

[Maurice Naggar]

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. ESET Onlinescanner checks for viruses, other malware, adwares, & potentially unwanted applications.
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.

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

[Best-Cap-910]

Hello sir, I have doubts about the personalized verification option of this program because as you can see, in addition to the options you mentioned to activate there are two extras "operational memory" and "automatic start locations" should I leave both activated too?

[Best-Cap-910]

Here is the file, I checked it without activating the two options I mentioned previously, please let me know if it is necessary to redo the scan so that I can send the file again only in the correct way.

importantlog.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

The scan result is all good and well.  Disregard the concern you had before. The result indicates no virus, no threat was detected by ESET.

Before this I had you run the Microsoft Safety Scanner, plus one custom-script.

[ 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.

[Best-Cap-910]

I did the check as requested and it didn't give any positive results, I'm attaching an image.

[Maurice Naggar]

If you look very very closely, just under Ameacas atuais

you see the line that indications that zero virus, zero threat was reported !

0 ameacas encontradas

This is a positive report indicating no virus, no trojan, no threat.

[Best-Cap-910]

That was exactly what I said in the previous comment, maybe I expressed myself poorly in the previous comment, sorry about that. So is there any further process that needs to be done to continue here or can it be said that the case has been resolved?

[Maurice Naggar]

Yes, I do believe your original issue is resolved. But just one other scan.

One other scan here.

TrendMicro HouseCall scan
from this Link

First, Download & Save to your Downloads folder the appropriate HouseCallLauncher
Once the download is complete, go to where the Housecalllauncher is saved & double-click it to start it.

The program will check with TrendMicro & do a update run.

Next it will show the Disclosure window.

Click Next to proceed.

The end user license agreement is presented.   Click the Accept radio button & click Next to proceed.

I suggest a CUSTOM scan on C drive.

IF you wish a Full scan or a Custom scan, first click on the Settings

then you can select which drives you want to include in the scan.

The default is a Quick scan.

Click Scan now when ready.

The scan progress will then be displayed.   Monitor the progress or just leave it alone until it finishes this phase.

When the scan phase has completed, if any items are tagged, you will see a list, showing  the file & its location, the classification of the threat, the type, risk, and Action option.

If you see an item that you know is safe, you can click the Action  , and select Ignore.

When all done & ready, click the Fix now button.
The "Summary" at the end at "Review Results" is what matters.

[Best-Cap-910]

[Maurice Naggar]

Hi, Thanks. That is great. We are done with TrendMicro Housecall. Now we shift to some general final check.

I would recommend getting a readout report as to update status of some key apps.
Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download the next software below 

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

[Best-Cap-910]

SecurityCheck.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

SecurityCheck report has highlighted these applications for your action & follow-up.
Google Drive v.1.0  Warning! Download Update

WinRAR 5.40 (64-bit) v.5.40.0  Warning! Download Update

K-Lite Mega Codec Pack 12.4.4 v.12.4.4  Warning! Download Update

Real Alternative 2.0.2 v.2.0.2  Warning! This software is no longer supported.

Adobe Acrobat Reader MUI v.23.001.20064  Warning! Download Update
^Please run Acrobat Reader DC and go Help - Check for updates...^
 
 

👌💢 Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download the next software below

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_2-15.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.
• You may attach that file to your next reply. (not compulsory)
• Delete mb-support-1.9.2.982.exe
• Delete mbst-grab-results.zip on the Desktop.

Your system is good-to-go.
Sincerely.

[Best-Cap-910]

kprm-20230918150718.txt

[Maurice Naggar]

That is all good.  Delete mb-support-1.9.2.982.exe
Delete mbst-grab-results.zip on the Desktop.

I am marking this case for closure.
I wish you all the best. Stay safe.
Sincerely.

Maurice

[Maurice Naggar]

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