Windows Defender unable to update, gets turned off, no other antivirus

[Bluebomber4evr]

Hi, a few weeks ago I was having some trouble with MBAM and Win Defender working together: 

This was resolved and things seemed to be fine, until today. Now Windows Defender keeps getting shut off and can't update. I get the error 800106ba when I try to update Windows Defender. I have not reinstalled MBAM yet. Please help!

 

[Porthos]

47 minutes ago, Bluebomber4evr said:

I have not reinstalled MBAM yet. Please help!

Are you saying you did not install MB at the end of your last clean-up?

Reinstall and scan

https://downloads.malwarebytes.com/file/mb4_offline

Then do all of this again.

Please respond to all future instructions from your helper in a timely manner.

Please do the following so that we may take a closer look at your system for any possible infections.

Do these 2 steps FIRST so that files and folders 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/

Then please restart the computer and do the following.

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

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. The tool also downloads and runs a file called FRSTEnglish. Please allow it to run.
• 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 the Desktop or on the hidden Public desktop (usually C:\Users\Public\Desktop), please upload that file on your next reply
  
  Then be patient for the next expert to take your case.

Thank you

[Bluebomber4evr]

Okay, reinstalled MBAM and ran a scan. It did not find anything.

Below are the results of the MBST/FRST:

mbst-grab-results.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

The Event logs are not showing that error you speak of for Windows Defender.

They do show that Malwarebytes once again appears to be set to Register with the Security Center. Please go into the settings and undo that.

 

 

Please make the following change in Malwarebytes if you're using the Premium or Trial version

• Please open Malwarebytes. Click on the small gear icon to open the Settings and go to the Security tab.
• Then turn off "Always register Malwarebytes in the Windows Security Center"
• Restart the computer

 

It is highly unlikely that you need to setup exclusions for Windows Defender, however if you experience any issues, please see the following article and setup exclusions
between Malwarebytes and Windows Defender

Malwarebytes for Windows antivirus exclusions list
https://support.malwarebytes.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038522974-Malwarebytes-for-Windows-antivirus-exclusions-list

 

RESTART the computer and then run the following

Let's go ahead and run a couple of scans and get some updated logs from your system. Please read the entire post below before starting so that you're more familiar with the process

[ 1 ]

Please make the following system changes.

• Temporarily disable your antivirus real-time protection or other security software first only if it blocks or interferes with the scans or downloads.. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Temporarily disable Microsoft SmartScreen to download software below only if needed. Make sure to turn it back on once the scans are completed.
• Disable-Fast-Startup
• Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions

[ 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.

 

Thank you

[Bluebomber4evr]

Well after about a 20-hour scan, it found no viruses, malware, etc.

msert.log

[AdvancedSetup]

Frustrating yes, but we needed to know.

Please run the following for me again to get new fresh logs, but RESTART the computer before running them.

 

Scan with SecurityCheck by glax24
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/307301-scan-with-securitycheck-by-glax24/

Scan with FSS Farbar Service Scanner
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/306736-scan-with-fss-farbar-service-scanner/

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/306601-scan-with-farbar-recovery-scan-tool/

 

There should be 4 logs to return

 

[Bluebomber4evr]

So I had a Windows Update scheduled to run later today, so I went ahead and ran it after restarting.

Upon logging in, Windows Defender was completely restored and enabled, but it immediately flagged the securitycheck program as Trojan:Win32/Znyonm and removed it.

I went ahead and did scans with the Farbar tools, though:

FSS.txt FRST.txt Addition.txt

Edited March 1 by Bluebomber4evr
added logs

[AdvancedSetup]

The SecurityCheck tool is safe. Windows Defender and SmartScreen don't see the file signed and thus don't trust it.

The file is safe to download and use.

 

ATTENTION: System Restore is disabled (Total:476.18 GB) (Free:164.36 GB) (35%)

Please enable System Restore and create a NEW Restore Point

Turn On or Off System Protection for Drives in Windows 11
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/turn-on-or-off-system-protection-for-drives-in-windows-11.3598/

Create System Restore Point in Windows 11
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/create-system-restore-point-in-windows-11.3602/

 

 

 

 

Your DNS Servers: 192.168.1.254

Please consider changing your default DNS server settings. Please choose one provider only

DNS is what lets users connect to websites using domain names instead of IP addresses

Pick just one of these 5 providers. And be aware that you need to modify 1 time for IPv4 & a 2nd pass for IPv6

• Quad 9 Public DNS  IPv4  9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112  IPv6  2620:fe::fe  and  2620:fe::9  (one of the best for most users)
• Google Public DNS: IPv4   8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4   IPv6   2001:4860:4860::8888 and 2001:4860:4860::8844
• Cloudflare: IPv4   1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1   IPv6   2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001
• OpenDNS: IPv4   208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220  IPv6  2620:119:35::35 and 2620:119:53::53
• DNSWATCH: IPv4   84.200.69.80 and 84.200.70.40   IPv6  2001:1608:10:25::1c04:b12f and 2001:1608:10:25::9249:d69b

The Ultimate Guide to Changing Your DNS Server
https://www.howtogeek.com/167533/the-ultimate-guide-to-changing-your-dns-server/

Here is a YouTube video on Changing DNS settings if needed

 

 

 

Let me get a new fresh set of logs as well after doing the above and restarting the computer.

 

 

To begin, please do the following so that we may take a closer look at your installation for troubleshooting:

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 the Public desktop, please upload that file on your next reply

Thank you

 

[Bluebomber4evr]

Yes, I saw that system restore was turned off. That is a little disturbing, because I never turned it off. I have re-enabled it and created a new restore point.

As for the DNS servers, unfortunately AT&T, the maker of my router, does not allow those settings to be changed: https://forums.att.com/conversations/att-fiber-equipment/dns-settings-on-bgw320505/5f57cb2d35f40c3919f414d4

The new MBST logs are attached

mbst-grab-results.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

The Changes to DNS are within Windows - not your router. If you point it to another DNS then your system should honor those settings

About to take lunch. Let me check your logs when I get back and follow up with you

 

 

[Bluebomber4evr]

47 minutes ago, AdvancedSetup said:

The Changes to DNS are within Windows - not your router. If you point it to another DNS then your system should honor those settings

 

 

 

Ah okay, I went ahead and did that, then, using the Quad9 Public DNS

Also, I just learned that the reason system restore was turned off was because the windows update I ran earlier was an upgrade.

Edited March 1 by Bluebomber4evr
updated info

[AdvancedSetup]

Please follow the steps below

[ 1 ]

Are you sure you want this enabled or allowed? Push Notifications on your browser appear to be enabled.

CHR Notifications: Default -> hxxps://www.reddit.com

https://blog.malwarebytes.com/security-world/technology/2019/01/browser-push-notifications-feature-asking-abused/

Turn notifications on or off - Google Chrome

Web Push notifications in Firefox

 

[ 2 ]

Please run the following fix

 

NOTE: Please read all of the information below before running this fix.

• 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.

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

Farbar program:   FRSTEnglish.exe

Save the attached file:  FIXLIST.TXT to this folder C:\Users\blueb\Downloads\

NOTE. It's important that both files, FRSTEnglish.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.

 

Run the Farbar program with Admin rights and press the Fix button just once and wait.

The fix may possibly take up to 60 minutes to complete

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 named Fixlog.txt in the same folder you ran the Farbar program from. Please attach that log on your next reply.

 

1. NOTE:  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.
2. NOTE: 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 may be automatically closed.
               Also, make sure you know the passwords for all websites as cookies may possibly be removed in some cases, but not all cases.
3. NOTE: 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

 

[Bluebomber4evr]

Notifications have been turned off in Chrome.

Here is the log:

Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Great, the log looks good.

Please do the following now. Deactivate Malwarebytes first then do the clean removal and reinstall

 

 

Can you please do the following?

• 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 the CLEAN button and follow the onscreen instructions to reinstall Malwarebytes
• NOTE: Please have patience as it can take a while to remove and reinstall.
• RESTART the computer after the reinstall

After the restart please do the following

• 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

 

[Bluebomber4evr]

Okay, all done. Here's the log:

mbst-grab-results.zip

[AdvancedSetup]

Please download and run the folloiwng

Patch My PC Home Updater
https://patchmypc.com/home-updater

 

Then check for Windows Updates and install any found.

Let me know if there are any other unresolved issues

 

[Bluebomber4evr]

Okay, updated a couple of apps (IrfanView and Winamp), Windows update and a security update for Windows Defender, which it successfully downloaded and installed.

It looks like everything is working again. I think this may have been a bad Windows Insider update, but I'm thankful you were willing to go through these logs just make sure.

Once again, thank you SO much! :)

[AdvancedSetup]

You're quite welcome @Bluebomber4evr

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)

 

 

[Bluebomber4evr]

And here's the log. Thanks again!

kprm-20240301155016.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

All good. I'll go ahead and close your topic now and wish you well.

Will give you the same closing speech as before - please make sure you setup a backup routine and try to follow some of this advice.

Cheers

 

[AdvancedSetup]

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

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/780233/best-password-manager/
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     https://patchmypc.com/about-us
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

 

Imagine a world without malware. We do
https://www.malwarebytes.com/why-upgrading-matters-ceo

 

Cybersecurity basics & protection
Everything you need to know about cybercrime
https://www.malwarebytes.com/cybersecurity

 

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.

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Thank you