Malwarebytes still won't install after several troubleshooting attempts

[cmfitzgerald]

Hello,

About a month ago my HP laptop (running Vista) fell to a bit of malware masquerading as "Vista Anti-Spyware 2011." After a bit of research, I downloaded and installed Malwarebytes and it worked beautifully.

However the same virus, or one just like it, has reappeared today. It's got all the same symptoms, plus a new one: Malwarebytes wouldn't run, and as I discovered shortly after, a new copy won't install.

Like last time, the malware won't let me access the internet through my browser. I've been sending myself links to downloads over instant messenger (which still works) and though every download of Malwarebytes finishes easily, upon trying to open the installer, I get a prompt asking "Do you want to run this file?" but once I click "Run," nothing more happens.

I tried changing the file name before downloading it, and after.

I tried changing the extension from .exe.

I tried it in Safe Mode.

I tried following these instructions(from back in 2008), but could not find the named driver.

I just ran a RootRepeal scan, as per this guide, but I don't see a single file with a .sys extension, which makes me feel like I'm going down the wrong path.

I feel confident that if I can figure out a way to get Malwarebytes to install, it'll take care of the malware. I hope there's another way!

If there's any more information I can provide, please let me know. Because Malwarebytes worked without a hitch last time I encountered this malware, I have zero experience troubleshooting.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Kenny94]

Hi cmfitzgerald

We need to look at some information about what is going on in your computer:

Please perform the following scan:

• Download DDS by sUBs from one of the following links. Save it to your desktop.
  • DDS.scr
    
  • DDS.pif
    

  [*]Double click on the DDS icon, allow it to run.

  [*]A small box will open, with an explanation about the tool.

  [*]When done, DDS will open two (2) logs

  1. DDS.txt

  2. Attach.txt

  [*] Save both reports to your desktop.

  [*] The instructions here ask you to attach the Attach.txt.

  

  [*]Instead of attaching, please copy/past both logs into your Thread

  [*]Close the program window, and delete the program from your desktop.

Please note: You may have to disable any script protection running if the scan fails to run.

After downloading the tool, disconnect from the internet and disable all antivirus protection.

Run the scan, enable your A/V and reconnect to the internet.

Information on A/V control HEREThen post your DDS (DDS.txt and Attach.txt