hixeno Posted December 29, 2023 ID:1607977 Share Posted December 29, 2023 These files known as "GoogleUpdateTaskMachineQC" and "updater.exe" are bitcoin miners and I cant get remove them, and if I try they just reappear. It appears to have something to do with the registry editor as well. Countless scans and removals and still nothing. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Naggar Posted December 29, 2023 ID:1607981 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Hello. My name is Maurice. I will guide you. Removing pesky malware can be an involved set of tasks over separate runs. Have much patience. Follow my directions. 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. 1. Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299345-show-hidden-folders-files-extensions/ 2. Disable-Fast-Startup https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/299350-disable-fast-startup/ 3. First some housekeeping, and then one Scan. There will be more later after all this. Start Malwarebytes. Click Settings ( gear ) icon. Next, let us 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 😃. now Click the General tab. Under Application updates, click the Check for updates button. 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. Let me know how that goes. Next, the Malwarebytes scan 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 ( 4 ) 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 guide & download link Then be sure to close all web browsers after the download & before launching the tool. Then go to where the EXE file is saved. Start Adwcleaner. Then do a scan with Adwcleaner Guide article NOTE: IF Adwcleaner in the results shows "no items" flagged, then please click on the button marked "Run Basic Repair" Attach the clean log from Adwcleaner when all completed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hixeno Posted December 29, 2023 Author ID:1607983 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Hello Maurice, sorry for the wait. Here are both the logs provided for you:Malwarebytes Scan Report 2023-12-29 175638.txtAdwCleaner[C00].txt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Naggar Posted December 29, 2023 ID:1607989 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Both runs are good. I do believe a good chunk of the infection has been squashed. Here a few more things. I want to be real sure this machine has the very latest Malwarebytes version. Next some housekeeping, and then one Scan. Start Malwarebytes. Click Settings ( gear ) icon. Next, let us 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 😃. now Click the General tab. Under Application updates, click the Check for updates button. 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. Let me know how that goes. Next, the Malwarebytes scan 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. NEXT, I would like a report set for review. This is a report only. Please download MALWAREBYTES MBST Support Tool Be sure it is SAVEd. Do a RIGHT-click on mb-support-1.9.5.9nn,exe & select "Run as administrator" and reply YES and ALLOW it to proceed. click Advanced >>> then Gather Logs Have patience till the run has finished. It may take several minutes to fully generate the report. Attach the mbst-grab-results.zip from the Desktop to your reply.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hixeno Posted December 29, 2023 Author ID:1607991 Share Posted December 29, 2023 mbst-grab-results.zipHere you go. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Solution Maurice Naggar Posted December 29, 2023 Solution ID:1607997 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Please run the following custom script. Read all of this before you start. The meaning of the "Fix button" operation here is just to run a custom script just for this particular machine. NOTE-1: This custom 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 attempt to run some scans with Microsoft Defender antivirus. It will attempt to clear Cache files of web browsers. It will attempt to clear temporary file areas. Depending on the speed of your computer this fix may take 50-55 minutes or more. Please Close all open work before you actually do begin this run. 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. NOTICE: For potential outside readers, This script was written specifically for this user, for use on this particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause harm. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hixeno Posted December 29, 2023 Author ID:1608004 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Heres the FIXLOG: Fixlog.txt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Naggar Posted December 29, 2023 ID:1608020 Share Posted December 29, 2023 Thank you. The custom run is a big help. 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. If upon launching the Esetonlinescanner, there is a windows-message box displaying A driver cannot load on this device. Driver ehdrv.sys then, please, TICK the check-box "Don't show this message again" and then, click the Close button on that window-box. The ESET scan will proceed forward. 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 NEXT I need you to run 2 new reports. Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download the next software below ( Two ) Download Farbar's Service Scanner utility and Save to your Desktop. Right-Click on fss.exe and select Run As Administrator. Answer Yes to ok when prompted. If your firewall then puts out a prompt, again, allow it to run. Once FSS is on-screen, be sure the following items are check-marked: Internet Services Windows Firewall System Restore Security Center/Action Center Windows Update Windows Defender Other services Click on "Scan". It will create a log (FSS.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach that file. ( three ) 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 Do stick with me. I believe there is more to be covered. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hixeno Posted December 30, 2023 Author ID:1608140 Share Posted December 30, 2023 Sorry I took so long, heres the files you need: SecurityCheck.txtFSS.txtESETlog.txt Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Naggar Posted December 30, 2023 ID:1608190 Share Posted December 30, 2023 (edited) ESET scan all fine. FSS report good. Microsoft 365 - en-us v.16.0.17029.20068 Warning! Download Update How Install Office updates? Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) - 14.36.32532 v.14.36.32532.0 Warning! Download Update Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) - 14.36.32532 v.14.36.32532.0 Warning! Download Update Edited December 30, 2023 by Maurice Naggar Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hixeno Posted December 31, 2023 Author ID:1608259 Share Posted December 31, 2023 So my computers fine and safe? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Naggar Posted December 31, 2023 ID:1608261 Share Posted December 31, 2023 This computer should be free of malicious malware. You can do a new scan with Malwarebytes. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Root Admin AdvancedSetup Posted January 3 Root Admin ID:1608862 Share Posted January 3 Hello @hixeno How are things going? Do you still need further assistance? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Naggar Posted January 3 ID:1609050 Share Posted January 3 Hello Hixeno. I was simply looking for the result of a new scan with Malwarebytes. I do believe your Windows is good-to-go. This here is about cleanup of tools I had you use. 👌💢 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. After that is all done, Delete mb-support-1.9.5.999.exe Delete mbst-grab-results.zip on the Desktop. Your system is good-to-go. 😎 Sincerely. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maurice Naggar Posted January 5 ID:1609512 Share Posted January 5 We're glad that we were able to assist you. The following information will help you to keep your computer and data safer as well as improve your overall privacy 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/780233/best-password-manager/ Make sure you're backing up your files https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/136226-backup-software/ Keep all software up to date - PatchMyPC - https://patchmypc.com/home-updater#download https://patchmypc.com/about-us 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 Further tips to help protect your computer data and improve your privacy: https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/258363-tips-to-help-protect-from-infection/ 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'd 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. Please tell your friends and family if they too need assistance with malware removal 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 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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