.exe files will not stay associated

[iiiBoneZiii]

So, I'm repairing someone's laptop that had the XP Antimalware or XP Security type trojan. SAS mobile detected and deleted the files, and Avast detected the rest and quarantined that file also (randomName.exe).

The .exe file associations will only stay for the current session with the reg fix, but when the computer is restarted, the .exe file associations become unassociated again and need to be redone.

At this point, MBAM is not detecting any malware, AVG is not detecting anything, and SAS is only detecting System.BrokenFileAssociation with 2 files listed:

HKCR\.exe

HKCR\exefile\shell\open\command

If I have SAS fix these, then they return on the next reboot.

So, MBAM, Avast, and SAS are not detecting anything on this laptop except the broken file association reg entries that keep manifesting every boot. There's got to be something somewhere that these programs didn't detect that keeps unassociating .exe files. That, or there's got to be a permanent way to do the .exe file association fix.

This is on an IBM laptop with Windows XP Pro SP3.

[daledoc1]

Hello, and welcome to Malwarebytes, iiiBoneZiii:

It sounds as if you might still have malware traces or the lingering effects thereof.

I know there are some tools that can be run to try to restore those file associations.

However, we cannot work on malware detection/removal in this part of the General MBAM forum.

The following information will help you get started on the cleaning process.

Excellent, self-help troubleshooting info for getting MBAM to run on an infected machine can be found here - I think there's a tool or two there that deals with the exe file issue.

And there are specific, self-help malware removal instructions here.

If you would like expert assistance with cleaning your system, there are 3 support options from which to choose:

• Option 1 -- Free, Expert advice in the Malware Removal Forum
  
• Option 2 -- Free support for paying customers using MBAM PRO -- Contact MBAM Support via email
  
• Option 3 -- Premium, Fee-Based Support
  

OPTION 1

As we don't deal with malware removal in this General Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Forum, you need to start a topic in the Malware Removal forum so that a qualified helper can help you fix any malware related problems/infections you may have.

• First, please print out, read and follow the directions here, skipping any steps you are unable to complete.
  
• If the infection has so crippled the computer that you cannot follow most/all of the requested steps, then please just proceed as advised below:
  
• Then please post a NEW topic in the Malware Removal forum.
  
• When posting your new thread, please make sure that, under "options", you select Track this topic and choose Immediate Email Notification, so that you're alerted when someone has replied to your post.
  
• One of the expert helpers there will give you free, one-on-one assistance when one becomes available.
  
• Please do NOT make any further changes to your computer such as (Install/Uninstall programs; use special fix tools; delete files; edit the registry; OR use temp file cleaners, etc...) unless advised by a malware removal helper. Doing so can result in system changes which may hinder the attempts by a helper to clean your machine.
  

IMPORTANT NOTE:Please DO NOT post back to your topic or "bump" it within the first 48 hours.

Replying to your own posts changes the post count from zero. Helpers are looking for topics with zero replies. If you reply to your own post, helpers may think that you're already being helped and thus may overlook your post. This will only delay your obtaining assistance.

• 
  o If there is no reply from any experts after 48 hours, you can reply to the topic, asking for help again.
  Or
  o You may send a Private Message to a Moderator asking for assistance.
  

OPTION 2

Alternatively, as a paying customer using MBAM PRO, you can contact the help desk at support@malwarebytes.org or here.

OPTION 3

If you would like to use the Malwarebytes Premium Services (Comprehensive solutions to all your computer support needs -- from installation and set-up to troubleshooting and tune-ups), please go to the Malwarebytes Premium Services support site.

Please be patient -- someone will assist you as soon as it is possible.

Thanks very much!

daledoc1

PS: Please use the button instead of other ones when you reply here and at the other forums, so that it will be easier to read.

NOTE: If you are a reseller, affiliate, technician, corporate, business, educational, government or non-profit customer then please contact corporate-support@malwarebytes.org and include full contact details along with your Reference # when you do, in order to ensure that you receive prompt assistance.