AdwCleaner is detecting adware files but not fixing them.

[NikolaKazlarov]

Hi, I noticed my cpu usage is high and I saw the most of it was by file explorer and service host:device setup manager, so I tried to resolve the problem by using the malwarebytes scanner. It found like 20 malware files and fixed them, the next day everything was okay, so I though it was gone, but today I encountered the same problem. I ran Adwcleaner, because everything was fine in Malwarebytes and I saw that 2 adware files from the type "Mindspark" are detected, but not fixed. They were labeled as Chrome extensions, so I removed all of them, but nothing changed. Does anyone have an idea how to fix the high cpu usage?

[NikolaKazlarov]

Here is the log file.

# -------------------------------
# Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 8.4.2.0
# -------------------------------
# Build:    03-04-2024
# Database: 2024-03-04.1 (Cloud)
# Support: https://www.malwarebytes.com/support
#
# -------------------------------
# Mode: Scan
# -------------------------------
# Start:    05-08-2024
# Duration: 00:00:04
# OS:       Windows 10 (Build 19045.4291)
# Scanned:  32091
# Detected: 2

***** [ Services ] *****

No malicious services found.

***** [ Folders ] *****

No malicious folders found.

***** [ Files ] *****

No malicious files found.

***** [ DLL ] *****

No malicious DLLs found.

***** [ WMI ] *****

No malicious WMI found.

***** [ Shortcuts ] *****

No malicious shortcuts found.

***** [ Tasks ] *****

No malicious tasks found.

***** [ Registry ] *****

No malicious registry entries found.

***** [ Chromium (and derivatives) ] *****

Adware.Mindspark                eocnnoackodjagdbaoddhjbkpjabimed
Adware.Mindspark                pbneiecbhikjapoihjpemfmpaalkafkh

***** [ Chromium URLs ] *****

No malicious Chromium URLs found.

***** [ Firefox (and derivatives) ] *****

No malicious Firefox entries found.

***** [ Firefox URLs ] *****

No malicious Firefox URLs found.

***** [ Hosts File Entries ] *****

No malicious hosts file entries found.

***** [ Preinstalled Software ] *****

No Preinstalled Software found.

AdwCleaner[C01].txt - [1605 octets] - [08/05/2024 17:49:12]
AdwCleaner[C00].txt - [1727 octets] - [08/05/2024 17:52:49]
AdwCleaner[C02].txt - [1849 octets] - [08/05/2024 17:55:43]
AdwCleaner[C03].txt - [1971 octets] - [08/05/2024 18:15:12]

########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner\Logs\AdwCleaner[S04].txt ##########
 

[AdvancedSetup]

Hello @NikolaKazlarov

 

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

Then follow each step in the order provided. Unless otherwise asked, please attach all logs

 

Please make the following system changes:

• If you have not done so already - Enable System Protection and create a NEW System Restore Point
• 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 downloads are completed
• Disable-Fast-Startup
• Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions

Please run the following scans:

1. Click the following link and run a  Scan with AdwCleaner
2. Click the following link and run a  Scan with Malwarebytes 
      RESTART the computer
3. Click the following link and run a  Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 
    

Example image of where to click to attach files when posting your reply

 

Thank you

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

The high cpu usage might be caused by a miner virus. Here are the logs.

AdwCleaner[S08].txt Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-05-08 181105.txt FRST.txt Addition.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Please do the following

[ 1 ]

Please go to Control Panel, Programs, Programs and Features, Uninstall a program

Then right-click and uninstall the following

• Avast Free Antivirus
   

[ 2 ]

At least temporarily: Uninstall EasyAntiCheat and EasyAntiCheat_EOS

From an elevated admin level command prompt you can run the following

SC.EXE DELETE EasyAntiCheat

SC.EXE DELETE EasyAntiCheat_EOS

Then restart the computer and delete the following folders

"C:\Program Files (x86)\EasyAntiCheat"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\EasyAntiCheat_EOS"

 

[ 3 ]

Clean up Google Chrome

Please follow the directions from the following topic for a more extensive article on cleaning Google Chrome

Resetting Google Chrome to clear unexpected issues
 

[ 4 ]

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 General 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

 

 

[ 5 ]

Once you have completed the above tasks, RESTART the computer again and run the following

 

Please download and run the following Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 and save it to your Desktop.

(Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool version 20.0.10.0 was released on November 9, 2021)

Download: Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

https://devbuilds.s.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/KVRT/latest/full/KVRT.exe

How to run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020
https://support.kaspersky.com/15674

How to run Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 in the advanced mode
https://support.kaspersky.com/15680

How to restore a file removed during Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool 2020 scan
https://support.kaspersky.com/15681

 

Select the     Windows Key and R Key together, the "Run" box should open. Drag and Drop KVRT.exe into the Run Box. C:\Users\{your user name}\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe will now show in the run box. add -dontencrypt   Note the space between KVRT.exe and -dontencrypt C:\Users\{your user name}\DESKTOP\KVRT.exe -dontencrypt should now show in the Run box.   That addendum to the run command is very important, when the scan does eventually complete the resultant report is normally encrypted, with the extra command it is saved as a readable file. Reports are saved here C:\KVRT2020_Data\Reports and look similar to this report_20210123_113021.klr Right-click direct onto that report, select > open with > Notepad. Save that file and attach it to your reply. To start the scan select OK in the "Run" box. A EULA window will open, tick all confirmation boxes then select "Accept" In the new window select "Change Parameters" In the new window ensure all selection boxes are ticked, then select "OK" The scan should now start... When complete if entries are found there will be options, if "Cure" is offered leave as is. For any other options change to "Delete" then select "Continue" When complete, or if nothing was found select "Close" Attach the report information as previously instructed...   Thank you

 

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

Im sorry for the delayed answer. The program found two malicious files. If there isn't anything else to do ill update if the problem is fixed. Here's the report. It wouldn't allow me to drop it as its original file type(klr), so i sent it as a txt, inform me if there is an issue with that. Also im not quite sure if the scan finished properly, because at the last stage it seemed that it was going to last several hours but it ended in 2.

report_2024.05.09_17.56.50.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Let me have  you run this again, please

 

 

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

Then follow each step in the order provided. Unless otherwise asked, please attach all logs

 

Please make the following system changes:

• If you have not done so already - Enable System Protection and create a NEW System Restore Point
• 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 downloads are completed
• Disable-Fast-Startup
• Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions

Please run the following scans:

1. Click the following link and run a  Scan with AdwCleaner
2. Click the following link and run a  Scan with Malwarebytes 
      RESTART the computer
3. Click the following link and run a  Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 
    

Example image of where to click to attach files when posting your reply

 

Thank you

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

I noticed for some reason device manager would not open. That didn't affect the scan, but im curious why and how can I fix it. AdwClieaner still finds 2 files, but does not fix them.

Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-05-10 125051.txt AdwCleaner[S09].txt Addition.txt FRST.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Please start Farbar again with Admin rights. In the top portion of the program copy and paste the following

 

SearchAll: eocnnoackodjagdbaoddhjbkpjabimed;pbneiecbhikjapoihjpemfmpaalkafkh

 

Then click the Search Files button

When done, please attach that new Search.txt log

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

Couldn't understand if the thing i did is the same you wanted me to do, so let me know if im attaching the right files. 

Addition.txt FRST.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Thank you but need you to copy and paste the string above as shown. Then click the Search Files button

When done it will create a file named:  SEARCH.TXT   please attach that file when done

 

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

Its clearer now.

Search.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

Please save the attached file to the same location as the Farbar program

fixlist.txt

Then run Farbar with Admin rights and click the FIX button.

When done it will create a FIXLOG.TXT file. Please attach that on your next reply

 

 

 

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Open Google Chrome and verify all of your Extensions are valid good ones that you want

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Are you still with us @NikolaKazlarov

Please post back the log. I'll be off work soon and limited posting over the weekend

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

Im sorry it was 1 am in my country and I didn't saw any posts so I went to sleep.

Fixlog.txt

[AdvancedSetup]

The logs says the entries were removed.

Please restart the computer one more time. Then get me all new, fresh logs.

 

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/

 

Then run a new AdwCleaner scan

Scan with AdwCleaner
https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/304822-scan-with-adwcleaner/

 

Thanks

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

FSS.txt SecurityCheck.txt Addition.txt FRST.txt AdwCleaner[C10].txt

[AdvancedSetup]

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\user\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

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

Here is the fixlog

Fixlog.txt

[NikolaKazlarov]

Is everything okay @AdvancedSetup?

[AdvancedSetup]

That fix ran well.

 

Please uninstall, update, or otherwise address the following as appropriate for your computer

• Discord v.1.0.9028 Warning! Download Update
• Microsoft Teams v.1.6.00.35961 Warning! Download Update
• Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x86) - 14.32.31332 v.14.32.31332.0 Warning! Download Update
• Viber v.21.8.0.0 Warning! Download Update
• WinRAR 6.22 (64-bit) v.6.22.0 Warning! Download Update

Then RESTART the computer and check for Windows Updates and install any found. Let me know if there are issues running Windows Updates.

Let me know how the computer is running now and if there are still any signs of infection or any other unresolved issues.

Thanks

 

[NikolaKazlarov]

I think everything with the cpu usage is alright, the only problem I encounter is device manager not responding. The main problem is fixed, so thank you very much and could you tell me which reply should I mark as most helpful?

[NikolaKazlarov]

Update: After half an hour of gaming it started again, the process Service Host: Device setup manager still uses a lot of my cpu, the problem occurs only when I'm gaming.

[NikolaKazlarov]

Basically the probrem comes back, but only when I'm playing games. Also file explorer uses 20% of the cpu.