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Computer seems to always change, Malware?

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Porthos

Porthos

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@Positron

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

image.thumb.png.e208c182ff570799c53bcf57

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

 

Thank you

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Positron

Positron

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Thanks for your time and help Porthos. I will respond in order for clarity.

I created a restore point.

I could not find any smart screen. I checked in regedit and there was no hiberboot under keylocal machine\system etc etc to change

value, shut off.

There was no "change settings" so no fast startup on my computer that I could find.

My computer refused to let me open hidden files, folders, and drives even though I was able to check "show hidden files and folders

and uncheck "Hide Protected Operating System Files (recommended).

I ran ADWcleaner, Malwarebytes and then rebooted.

I then ran FRST.

Attached are the results.

Thanks again for your time and help.

pos

 

 

 

Malwarebytes 8-27-24.txt AdwCleaner[C00].txt FRST.txt Addition.txt

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Positron

Positron

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 I have some other problems after checking things out.

1. I powered off the computer and when I start the computer, the computer starts windows 7 with Icon and then goes

black screen, no cursor. I rebooted in "Safe Mode" and in msconfig I found "Selective Startup" instead of "Normal Startup". 

Every time I restart/reboot the computer, "Selective Startup" is checked.

After switching to "Normal Startup", all boots up ok until the next time I power on.

2. I also see "Hibernate" is next to "Sleep" button.

3. I checked my bios and found mouse was disabled to power on, I think from "Sleep" mode.

4. I checked the battery, which checked good, but still replaced it.

5. I see bios was now set to S3 and zero seconds for power button, so I reset.

6. I have tried several "Restore" Images from different times and the problem still persists.

 

Thanks again for your time and efforts.

pos

 

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JSntgRvr

JSntgRvr

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There is no evident malware in those logs. I will be running a script to remove temp files and reset some setting. Most of the script may not be compatible with your version of Windows.

 

Welcome smile.png
 
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. smile.png

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
  • Hosts file will be reset

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\Owner\Desktop\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
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JSntgRvr

JSntgRvr

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Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
There were no infected objects detected.

Since you're running Windows 7, it will be difficult to restore the store to replace those files found corrupted.

As far as Malware your system is clean.

I would suggest you register at SysNative to deal with problems with SFC and the store. I do not know if Windows 7 is supported at the forum. Here is the link:

Windows Update Forum Posting Instructions | Sysnative Forums

If you do let me know the link to your topic for follow-up.

Thanks.

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Positron

Positron

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Thanks once again JS. I have a couple of questions if I may.

1. I tried several system restore from actual images from as far back as 2018, since last sunday, from an outboard G drive,

which I had used before to successfully restore, but which did not fix my computer this time. Does that mean my backups 

are corrupted as well?  Can I use Malware Antimalware to check G drive?

 

2. I was up at 5 am this morning and powered on the computer. It still went as far as welcoming me and the win icon came on, and then

black screen only. So I rebooted into safe mode and opened msconfig and this time it was set to normal startup, an improvement. I

rebooted and normal windows came up. I just checked in normal windows and it still says ok.

3. I checked the link and it still says for win 7 among others, including lessers. I shall try them and see if they can repair the

corrupt files.

 

Thanks again and I shall report back what Windows Update Forum was able to do or not do.

pos

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Positron

Positron

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I saw a spot where it said win 10 and on, so I guess I cannot perform at least one task in order to

post.

Quick question.

Hopefully not dumb. Can I format my C: drive, ridding all on the drive, including corrupt files, and use my

Win 7 repair disk  to reinstall one of my Win 7 System Images on the C: drive?

pos

 

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Positron

Positron

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May I post again since I have found new information that might help with my problem?

 

I have found that using my System Image Backups, back to 2018, did not affect the problems.

I performed an experiment. I manually disconnected my internet ethernet cable form the computer, so the computer is not

connected in any way to the internet. I uninstalled C program, rid of firewall in and out for C rules, Performed search at start under

manufacturer, program name, version numbers etc, task scheduler and program does not list/show. C program appears gone.

 

I then installed C version 5.8 from different backups (I have three, two thumbs and one HD backup.), opened C program and version

5.8 came up as it should.

I then rebooted my computer and when I got windows opened,  I clicked and opened C version 5.8. The program opened as

upgraded 6.11 again. How is this possible?

So C program upgrade with any nefarious attachments are hidden on the HD? And System Image is not able to delete it?

Any programs to search out this hidden C upgrade on the HD?

Thanks again for time and help.

pos

 

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Positron

Positron

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Hi JS,

I found "Disk Cleanup" on my computer. Never ran it before with numbers listed below.

Thought this might help.

Files with check marks indicated by /.

 

Downloaded program files   /                 0 zero

Temporary internet files       /                  0

Game statistics files                                3.7 KB

Recycle bin                                               0

Service pack backup files                       0

System error memory dump files           2.3 MB

Temporary files                                          0

Temporary windows installation files      59.7 MB  

Thumbnails                            /                   1 MB

Windows update cleanup    /                    8.07 GB

View files,   No files listed

I have not deleted those numbers as I need your expert opinion on if you can use this information.

Thanks

pos

 

 

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JSntgRvr

JSntgRvr

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You need to update these:
 
HotFix KB3125574 Warning! Download Update
HotFix KB4012212 Warning! Download Update
HotFix KB4499175 Warning! Download Update
HotFix KB4565354 Warning! Download Update
HotFix KB4490628 Warning! Download Update
HotFix KB4539602 Warning! Download Update
 
Malwarebytes version 4.6.17.334 v.4.6.17.334 Warning! Download Update
 
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 (ARA) v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 (ITA) v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft Silverlight v.5.1.50907.0 Warning! This software is no longer supported.
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 (العربية) v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 (Deutsch) v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 (עברית) v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 (Italiano) v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
NVIDIA GeForce Experience 3.23.0.74 v.3.23.0.74 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 (DEU) v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7 (HEB) v.4.7.02053 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 v.12.0.6612.1000 Warning! This software is no longer supported. Please use latest Microsift Office, Office Online or LibreOffice
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015-2022 Redistributable (x64) - 14.32.31332 v.14.32.31332.0 Warning! Download Update
Microsoft Office 2007 Service Pack 3 (SP3) Warning! This software is no longer supported. Please use latest Microsift Office, Office Online or LibreOffice
----------------
Mozilla Firefox ESR (x64 en-US) v.115.14.0 Warning! Download Update
 
Having Windows 7 represent a problem as it is not supported anymore. Run this script to remove temp files:
 
Some of the command may not be compatible with Windows 7
 

FRST64 was saved as C:\Users\Owner\Desktop\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.

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Positron

Positron

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Hi JS,

I think I have accomplished about as much as I could with your directions. Thanks for your help and time.

Here is what I came up with.

Pertaining to Silverlight, should I delete it or keep it?

Malwarebytes premium has been updated

I could not download KB3125574 for some reason

I tried finding NET Framework 4.7 files but the numbers I found did not match ours. I searched in 4.71, 4.8 with the same results. My apology if I make a mistake of some sort.

I cannot afford new office suite, so I will continue with what I have.

Attached is the fixlog.txt file

Fixlog.txt

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JSntgRvr

JSntgRvr

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Lets cleanup:

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.

automatic.png

  • 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

Malwarebytes Browser Guard

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.

 
 
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Positron

Positron

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Thanks JS. Much appreciated.

I never really storied what happened last weekend. I had not added any programs for a long time. I run a couple of cleaning

programs, one was X (I don't want to get the company in trouble) version 5.8; had for years. Well, last weekend I simply powered

on the computer and when Win 7 "normally" opened, all I saw was X upgraded version 6.11 across the entire screen, and my computer

was locked up. I was blind sided for sure, I never opened X 5.8 program, it was just there across the entire screen. I could only power

off and attempt to get back in. All sorts of things were messed up; bios, settings etc, I still have to open in safe mode and then restart in order to

open win 7 normally.

 

If I simply power on, windows starts, Welcome and Icon forms and then screen goes all black.

This past week I found bios setting changed, msconfig normal boot was changed to "Selective Startup". I have forgotten the other settings that

changed.

 

What is quite interesting to me is that I performed an experiments several times this week. First I disconnect the ethernet cable so

No computer connection to the internet. Then I uninstall X cleaner, rid in scheduled tasks, searched under different names, even version

numbers and can't find X  in any drives and external backups. 

 

Then I installed version 5.8 from different external backups. Clicked and 5.8 pops up as it should. However, when I reboot the computer,

5.8 was "upgraded" to 6.11. That cannot occur unless 6.11 upgrade is hiding somewhere in my computer/backup system.

 

Amazing to me, when I performed several System Image Restores over the past week, (computer disconnected from the internet),

using System Images dating back to 2018, the same "upgrade" to 6.11 still occurred. So even a Restore from the System Image does

not get rid of the X upgrade to 6.11.

 

I know about a year ago, other individuals had the same upgrade occur without their permission. Why it took a year for me to

get it I don't know. Is it possible for malware etc to hide outside of any programs, including outside windows?

 

I am grateful to the staff here for their time and efforts. Much appreciated.

and efforts.

 

pos

Edited by Positron
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