I got infected and cannot install Malwarebytes

[MichaelSH]

Hello, I noticed that, when I boot up my pc, a command prompt window would open and immediately close, and that the task manager would also close by itself after a short time after being opened. I attempted to install Malwarebytes, but the installer would get blocked, so I renamed it to "explorer.exe", but it would be closed right after opening. I managed to get it working in safe mode, but the installation would only go up to 5%. After trying to figure out what was wrong for a while, I decided to use the offline installer, which also only worked in safe mode after being renamed, and it finished the installation, but Malwarebytes would not launch. I checked the file path on the desktop icon, which was "C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Anti-Malware", but there wasn't any such directory in the ProgramFiles.

So yeah, that's pretty much it, I've attached the Addition.txt and FIRST.txt files, as specified, will be waiting for a response

Addition.txt FRST.txt

[MKDB]

Hello  @MichaelSH  and 

 

My name is MKDB and I will assist you.

 

 

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

• Please follow the steps in the given order and post back the log files.
• Please attach all log files into your post.
• Before we start, please make sure that you have an external backup, not connected to this system, of all private data.
• Only run the tools I guide you to. Please don't run any other scans, download, install or uninstall any programs while I'm working with you.
• As English is not my native language, please do not use slang or idioms. It may be hard for me to understand.
• If you do not respond within 4 days, your topic will be closed.
• Cracked 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 a big source of current trojan infections. If you are running any kin of illegal software on your system, please uninstall them now, before we start the cleaning procedure.

 

 

First, we will use "AVBR":

Please download AV block remover, unzip it and rename it to AV-B-REM.exe.
Or you can use its random named version.
If the malware still blocks the utility, then try to run it in Safe Mode with Networking.
Follow the instructions. After reboot you'll receive AV_block_remove_date-time.log. Please attach it to your next post.

[MichaelSH]

On 4/11/2024 at 11:56 AM, MichaelSH said:

Hello, I noticed that, when I boot up my pc, a command prompt window would open and immediately close, and that the task manager would also close by itself after a short time after being opened. I attempted to install Malwarebytes, but the installer would get blocked, so I renamed it to "explorer.exe", but it would be closed right after opening. I managed to get it working in safe mode, but the installation would only go up to 5%. After trying to figure out what was wrong for a while, I decided to use the offline installer, which also only worked in safe mode after being renamed, and it finished the installation, but Malwarebytes would not launch. I checked the file path on the desktop icon, which was "C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes\Anti-Malware", but there wasn't any such directory in the ProgramFiles.

So yeah, that's pretty much it, I've attached the Addition.txt and FIRST.txt files, as specified, will be waiting for a response

Addition.txt 107.73 kB · 0 downloads FRST.txt 51.19 kB · 0 downloads

Hello, thank you for the quick response.

I managed to get AV block remover to run in Safe Mode. It prompted me to delete a user named John, whom I do not know, which I did. It also turned out that the malware was blocking access to Hosts files, which AV cleared as well. After restarting the PC the Malwarebytes directory appeared in ProgramFiles.

The log is attached as requested

AV_block_remove_2024.04.12-13.13.log

[MKDB]

@MichaelSH

Good job.

Next, rename FRST, which is C:\Users\User\Downloads\explorer.exe,  to FRSTEnglish.exe

 

Run a fresh scan with the renamed FRST in normal mode:

 

• Run C:\Users\User\Downloads\FRSTEnglish.exe again.
• Do not change any settings.
• Press the Scan button.
• FRST will create two logs now (FRST.txt + Addition.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
• Please attach these logfiles to your next reply.

Edited April 12 by MKDB

[MichaelSH]

On 4/12/2024 at 9:35 PM, MKDB said:

@MichaelSH

Good job.

Next, rename FRST, which is C:\Users\User\Downloads\explorer.exe,  to FRSTEnglish.exe

 

Run a fresh scan with the renamed FRST in normal mode:

 

• Run C:\Users\User\Downloads\FRSTEnglish.exe again.
• Do not change any settings.
• Press the Scan button.
• FRST will create two logs now (FRST.txt + Addition.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.
• Please attach these logfiles to your next reply.

I renamed it and ran the scan, here are the logs.

Addition.txt FRST.txt

[MKDB]

@MichaelSH

Next, we will run a fix with FRST as well as ESET.

 

 

1️⃣

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the location where you ran FRST from ( C:\Users\User\Downloads\ ).

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

• Close all open programs and save your work.
• Run FRST again.
• Press the FIX button only once and wait.
• Please be patient and do not interfere, even if FRST does not respond for some time. That's nothing to worry about.
• Please note: This Fix will remove all temporary files, empty recycle bin and will remove cookies and may result in some websites indicating they do not recognize your computer. It may be necessary to receive and apply a verification code.
• Please note: This step resets your Firewall settings and you may be asked later to grant permission for legitimate programs to pass through the Firewall. If you recognize the program, agree to the request.
• If the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
• FRST will create one log now (Fixlog.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach this logfile to your next reply.

 

 

2️⃣

Let me have you run a different scanner to double-check.

I would suggest a free scan with the ESET Online Scanner

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 Full scan. 
• Look at & tick  ( select )   the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click on the 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 should ignore all prompts to get the ESET antivirus software program.  (e.g. their standard program). You do not need to buy or get or install anything else.
• When the scan is completed, if something was found, it will show a screen with the number of detected items.  If so, click the button marked “View detected results”.
• Click The blue “Save scan log” to save the log.
• If something was removed and you know it is a false finding, you may click on the blue ”Restore cleaned files”  (in blue, at the bottom).
• Press Continue when all done.  You should click to off the offer for “periodic scanning”.

Note: If you do need to do a File Restore from ESET please follow the directions below

[KB2915] Restore files quarantined by the ESET Online Scanner version 3

https://support.eset.com/en/kb2915-restore-files-quarantined-by-the-eset-online-scanner

 

 

 

fixlist.txt

[MichaelSH]

22 hours ago, MKDB said:

@MichaelSH

Next, we will run a fix with FRST as well as ESET.

 

 

1️⃣

• Please download the attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the location where you ran FRST from ( C:\Users\User\Downloads\ ).

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

• Close all open programs and save your work.
• Run FRST again.
• Press the FIX button only once and wait.
• Please be patient and do not interfere, even if FRST does not respond for some time. That's nothing to worry about.
• Please note: This Fix will remove all temporary files, empty recycle bin and will remove cookies and may result in some websites indicating they do not recognize your computer. It may be necessary to receive and apply a verification code.
• Please note: This step resets your Firewall settings and you may be asked later to grant permission for legitimate programs to pass through the Firewall. If you recognize the program, agree to the request.
• If the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally and let the tool complete its run after restart.
• FRST will create one log now (Fixlog.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach this logfile to your next reply.

 

 

2️⃣

Let me have you run a different scanner to double-check.

I would suggest a free scan with the ESET Online Scanner

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 Full scan. 
• Look at & tick  ( select )   the radio selection "Enable ESET to detect and quarantine potentially unwanted applications"   and click on the 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 should ignore all prompts to get the ESET antivirus software program.  (e.g. their standard program). You do not need to buy or get or install anything else.
• When the scan is completed, if something was found, it will show a screen with the number of detected items.  If so, click the button marked “View detected results”.
• Click The blue “Save scan log” to save the log.
• If something was removed and you know it is a false finding, you may click on the blue ”Restore cleaned files”  (in blue, at the bottom).
• Press Continue when all done.  You should click to off the offer for “periodic scanning”.

Note: If you do need to do a File Restore from ESET please follow the directions below

[KB2915] Restore files quarantined by the ESET Online Scanner version 3

https://support.eset.com/en/kb2915-restore-files-quarantined-by-the-eset-online-scanner

 

 

 

fixlist.txt 3.91 kB · 1 download

Here are the logs

Fixlog.txt Scanlogs.txt

[MKDB]

@MichaelSH

Well done!

 

Let's check your programs/apps if they are up to date.

 

I would like you to run a tool named SecurityCheck to inquire about the current security update status of some applications.

• Download SecurityCheck by glax24: https://tools.safezone.cc/glax24/SecurityCheck/SecurityCheck.exe
• If Microsoft SmartScreen blocks the download, click through to save the file
• This tool is safe.   Smartscreen is overly sensitive.
• If SmartScreen blocks the file from running click on More info and Run anyway
• 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 a text file named SecurityCheck.txt Close the file.  Attach it with your next reply.
• You can find this file in a folder called SecurityCheck, C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt

[MKDB]

Hi @MichaelSH,

do you still need help? If so, please follow my instructions and post the logfiles.

Thank you.

[MichaelSH]

On 4/15/2024 at 9:53 PM, MKDB said:

@MichaelSH

Well done!

 

Let's check your programs/apps if they are up to date.

 

I would like you to run a tool named SecurityCheck to inquire about the current security update status of some applications.

• Download SecurityCheck by glax24: https://tools.safezone.cc/glax24/SecurityCheck/SecurityCheck.exe
• If Microsoft SmartScreen blocks the download, click through to save the file
• This tool is safe.   Smartscreen is overly sensitive.
• If SmartScreen blocks the file from running click on More info and Run anyway
• 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 a text file named SecurityCheck.txt Close the file.  Attach it with your next reply.
• You can find this file in a folder called SecurityCheck, C:\SecurityCheck\SecurityCheck.txt

 

2 hours ago, MKDB said:

Hi @MichaelSH,

do you still need help? If so, please follow my instructions and post the logfiles.

Thank you.

Hello, yes, sorry I was a little busy.
I downloaded and ran SecurityCheck as specified, but the log files are in Russian, I tried changing my systems language to English, but that didn't help it.
I do not know how to change the language of the log files, but have attached them anyway, if that is helpful.

Thank you for your patience

SecurityCheck.txt

[MKDB]

@MichaelSH

Thanks for your feedback and your logfile.

You're right... Russian is really not mine... 😇 😅 But I'm pretty sure that you can take care of these software components that needs to be updated.

 

You should update some programs (if your still need them) or uninstall them (if you don't need them anymore) or otherwise adresse these:

Расширенная поддержка закончилась Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Корпоративные версии обновляются установкой с DVD или Flash-носителя соответствующей редакции. На устройстве может отсутствовать возможность получать обновления, если его оборудование несовместимо, на нем нет актуальных драйверов или истек срок его поддержки, предоставляемой поставщиком вычислительной техники (OEM).^
Internet Explorer 11.113.18362.0 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Контроль учётных записей пользователя включен (Уровень 3)
Автоматическое обновление отключено
HotFix KB4592449 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Malwarebytes version 4.6.12.323 v.4.6.12.323 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Git v.2.40.0 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Notepad++ (64-bit x64) v.8.4.2 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 - en-us v.16.0.10827.20138 Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Инструкция по обновлению Microsoft Office.^
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 - en-us.proof v.16.0.10827.20138 Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Инструкция по обновлению Microsoft Office.^
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 - ru-ru v.16.0.10827.20138 Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Инструкция по обновлению Microsoft Office.^
Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 - ru-ru.proof v.16.0.10827.20138 Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Инструкция по обновлению Microsoft Office.^
NVIDIA GeForce Experience 3.27.0.112 v.3.27.0.112 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Node.js v.18.17.1 Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Если Вам нужна LTS версия, проверьте обновления на странице скачивания вручную.^
GitHub Desktop v.3.3.3 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Microsoft Visual Studio Code (User) v.1.87.2 Внимание! Скачать обновления
SumatraPDF v.3.1.2 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Microsoft OneDrive v.19.002.0107.0005 Внимание! Скачать обновления
7-Zip 19.00 (x64 edition) v.19.00.00.0 Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Удалите старую версию, скачайте и установите новую.^
Discord v.0.0.309 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Telegram Desktop v.4.16.6 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Skype, версия 8.45 v.8.45 Внимание! Скачать обновления
uTorrent v.3.5.5.45231 Внимание! Клиент сети P2P с рекламным модулем!.
Java 8 Update 45 (64-bit) v.8.0.450 Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Удалите старую версию и установите новую (jre-8u401-windows-x64.exe - Windows Offline (64-bit))^
VLC media player v.3.0.6 Внимание! Скачать обновления
Adobe Flash Player ActiveX & Plugin 64-bit v.32.0.0.192 Данная программа больше не поддерживается разработчиком. Рекомендуется деинсталлировать ее.
Opera GX Stable 107.0.5045.89 v.107.0.5045.89 Внимание! Скачать обновления
^Проверьте обновления через меню О программе!^
Кнопки сервисов Яндекса на панели задач v.3.7.9.0 Внимание! Приложение распространяется в рамках партнерских программ и сборников-бандлов. Рекомендуется деинсталляция. Возможно Вы стали жертвой обмана или социальной инженерии.

 

 

 

Thank you for your cooperation. You can use KpRm to remove FRST and other tools.

 

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, select Delete Tools under Actions.
• Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
• Once complete, click OK.
• A log may open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.  I do not need it. Just close Notepad if it shows up.

 

A few final recommendations can be found here:

 

 

Further reading if you 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.

[MKDB]

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 for Tips to help protect from infection.

Thank you.

 

As this topic seems to be solved, I do not follow it any longer.

Take care!

[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.

Please review the following to help you better protect your computer and privacy Tips to help protect from infection

Thank you