MalwareBytes not detecting PC virus

[princessjazzy]

I know that my PC is infected with malware, but after multiple scans, MalwareBytes continuously finds nothing. May I get some help with this?

[Porthos]

@princessjazzy

Although I will not be directly assisting you, a malware removal expert will be along to assist after you do the following.

Let's get the info to get the process started. Be aware it will take many steps and scans to fully remove malware.

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

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: Please pay close attention the the instructions in all of the following links.

• If you have not done so already - Enable System Protection and create a NEW System Restore Point  <<<<< Important.
• 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 <<<<< Important.
• Show-Hidden-Folders-Files-Extensions

Please run the following scans: Please pay close attention the the instructions in all of the following links.

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 <<<<< Important.
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

Then be patient for the next expert to take your case. <<<<< Important.

 

Thank you

[princessjazzy]

Thank you for your reply! Here are all the logs I've saved throughout the process: 

Addition.txt FRST.txt AdwCleaner[C00].txt AdwCleaner[S00].txt Malwarebytes Scan Report 2024-07-20 175929.txt

[JSntgRvr]

Welcome 
 
I'll be helping you with your computer.
 
Please read this post completely before beginning. If there's anything that you do not understand, please don't hesitate to ask before proceeding.
 
Please take note of the guidelines for this fix:

• Please note that I am a volunteer. I do have a family, a career, and other endeavors that may prevent immediate responses that meet your schedule. Do note that the differences in time zones could present a problem as well. Your patience and understanding will be greatly appreciated.
• First of all, the procedures we are about to perform are specific to your problem and should only be used on this specific computer.
• Do not make any changes to your computer that include installing/uninstalling programs, deleting files, modifying the registry, nor running scanners or tools of any kind unless specifically requested by me.
• Please read ALL instructions carefully and perform the steps fully and in the order they are written.
• If things appear to be better, let me know. Just because the symptoms no longer exist as before, does not mean that you are clean.
• Continue to read and follow my instructions until I tell you that your machine is clean.
• If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask before performing the task that I ask of you, and please wait for my reply before you proceed.
• Scanning with programs and reading the logs do take a fair amount of time. Again, your patience will be necessary. 

Let's begin... 

The following Fix will empty these folders:

• 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.

FRST64 was saved as C:\Users\sherr\Downloads\FRSTEnglish.exe

• Download the enclosed file  Fixlist.txt
• Save it in the same location FRST64 is saved. (FRSTEnglish.exe)
• Start FRST (FRST64) with Administrator privileges
• This time around Press the Fix button and wait
• When finished, a log file (Fixlog.txt) will pop up and saved in the same location the tool was ran from.

Please attach this file in your next reply.

Dr.Web CureIt!

Please download the Dr.Web CureIt! anti-virus utility
https://free.drweb.com/

You will need to send them an email to obtain a link to download the scanner, please do so

• The downloaded file will normally have a unique name such as:  q7a9tr4p.exe
• Close all open applications and locate the downloaded file and double-click to run it
• The program will take a moment to launch and bring up the License and Update screen
• Place a check mark to agree to the terms and then click on the Continue button
• Click the underlined link Select objects for scanning
• On the top left click the Scanning objects that should automatically check all objects
• Click the small wrench and make sure there is a check on Automatically apply actions to threats
• Then click the large button on bottom right Start scanning
• Once the scan has completed there will be a link named Open report click that and a log named cureit.log should open in Notepad
• The log is saved in the folder named Doctor Web in the top of your user profile folders
• Please attach that log on your next reply

[princessjazzy]

Thanks for your help! Things are looking better as I'm no longer being told that my browser is managed. However, I'm still wary as the malware continues to return. Here are the required logs: 

cureit.log Fixlog.txt

[JSntgRvr]

Windows Resource Protection found corrupted files and successfully repaired them. 
There were no infected objects detected during the scan.

How do you confirm the malware continues to return?

[princessjazzy]

Thank you so much for your help with this!!

In terms of the malware returning, I used to remove it by deleting the Chrome policy through the Registry Editor or doing a scan with MalwareBytes and quarantining. After a couple weeks or so, I would notice my browser being marked as "managed by my organization" again. Another sign it came back is my Google searches being redirected to Bing or Yahoo even though Chrome is my default. My Chrome would also crash, and I'd have to restart my computer. The last time it came back, I couldn't even delete the Chrome policy from the Registry Editor. I'm glad to have found a fix here.

[JSntgRvr]

Is the issue now resolved?

You can also follow these steps to reset Chrome:

 

Edited July 21 by JSntgRvr

[JSntgRvr]

I guess it is.

Congratulations.

Please download KpRm by Kernel-panik and save to your Desktop.

• Click on KpRm.exe to run the tool.

Vista/Windows 7/8/10/11 users right-click and select Run As Administrator.

• Put a check mark next to these items:

- Delete tools

- Delete Restore Points

- Create Restore Point

- Delete now

• Click the "Run" button.

• When the tool has finished, it will create and open a log report and delete itself.

A few final recommendations:
 
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

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

Regards.

[princessjazzy]

Thank you for your advice! This has been very helpful. I will be sure to follow these steps.