DLLHost.Exe COM SURROGATE bogging down computer

[CincyKid]

I see that there are several recent post regarding this topic. I am not sure if I should follow the directions that you gave someone else or create my own topic... but assuming my problem may be unique, here goes.

Last Friday my computer blue screened several times. My IT dept suggested that I run a full virus scan (McAffee) and Walwarebyte scan. I attempted to update this software prior to scanning, but the laptop crashed in the middle of the update. So, I ran each scan in SAFE mode without an update. The virus scan was negative. Malware scan cleaned off several suspected ADWARE files.

After completion of the scans, I was able to update the McAffee and Malwarebyte software on the computer. I then re-scanned the computer with each package. Results were negative.

Since last Friday I have been able to use the computer without any issues... as long as I do not open Internet Explorer or Google Chrome and connect to the internet. When I do connect, the computer runs fine at first, but then the performance quickly degrades... leading to a blue screen.

While connected to the internet, I noticed in the task manager that multiple processes called DLHost.EXE COM SURROGATE are running and multiplying. Note, if I disconnect from the internet and delete the processes, computer performance returns to normal.

Based on other information I read on the internet... I attempted to delete the DLLHost.exe file from the C:\Windows\SYSWOW64 directory. However, I was unable to delete. The message returned said that I needed permission from TrustedInstaller.

I am attaching a JPG of the task manager screen capture and the scan file results that you requested.

Thanks for any help or guidance you might be able to provide.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,



They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.



Before we start please read and note the following:

• At the top of your post, please click on the "Watch thread" button and make sure to check Watch this thread...and receive email notifications. This will send an email to you as soon as I reply to your topic, allowing me to solve your problem faster.
• Please do not install any new software during the cleaning process other than the tools I provide for you. This can hinder the cleaning process. Please do not perform System Restore or any other restore.
• Instructions I give to you are very simple and made for complete beginner to follow. That's why you need to read through my instructions carefully and completely before executing them.
• Please do not run any tools other than the ones I ask you to, when I ask you to. Some of these tools can be very dangerous if used improperly. Also, if you use a tool that I have not requested you use, it can cause false positives, thereby delaying the complete cleaning of your machine.
  
• All tools we use here are completely clean and do not contain any malware. If your antivirus detects them as malicious, please disable your antivirus and then continue.
• If during the process you run across anything that is not in my instructions, please stop and ask. If any tool is running too much time (few hours), please stop and inform me.
• I visit forum several times at day, making sure to respond to everyone's topic as fast as possible. But bear in mind that I have private life like everyone and I cannot be here 24/7. So please be patient with me. Also, some infections require less, and some more time to be removed completely, so bear this in mind and be patient.
• Please stay with me until the end of all steps and procedures and I declare your system clean. Just because there is a lack of symptoms does not indicate a clean machine. If you solved your problem yourself, set aside two minutes to let me know.
  
• Please attach all report using
  
  button below. Doing this, you make it easier for me to analyze and fix your problem.
  
• Do not ask for help for your business PC. Companies are making revenue via computers, so it is good thing to pay someone to repair it.
• If I don't hear from you within 3 days from this initial or any subsequent post, then this thread will be closed.

Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.

Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.

​

Download attached fixlist.txt file and save it to the Desktop:

Both files, FRST and fixlist.txt have to be in the same location or the fix will not work!

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Press the Fix button just once and wait.
• If for some reason the tool needs a restart, please make sure you let the system restart normally. After that let the tool complete its run.
• When finished FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.

Fix with AdwCleaner

Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode and save the file to your desktop.

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Follow the prompts and click Scan.
• When finished, please click Clean.
• Upon completion, click Report. A log (AdwCleaner[S*].txt) will open.

Please include the contents of that file in your reply.

 

[CincyKid]

I ran the Farbar recovery tool as you suggested and report is attached.

I ran the AdwCleaner as suggested.... I clicked the SCAN button and it went through a very click scan (about 30 seconds). I waited about 5 more minutes and nothing changed so I then clicked the CLEAN button. The program ran for a few minutes and then notified me that a reboot was required and the message stated that a report would be generated when the reboot was complete.

Upon the computer's return from the reboot, AdwCleaner did not restart and no report was generated. So, I ran AdwCleaner a second time... SCAN, CLEAN, reboot, but still no report?

Also as an aside question/comment, I noticed after the above that the fixlist.txt file is no longer in the location where I copied it earlier (in the same folder as the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool). I would swear that I originally copied the fixlist.txt file to this location, but.... if one of the tools did not delete it... maybe I made a mistake?

Thanks for the help.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Also as an aside question/comment, I noticed after the above that the fixlist.txt file is no longer in the location where I copied it earlier (in the same folder as the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool). I would swear that I originally copied the fixlist.txt file to this location, but.... if one of the tools did not delete it... maybe I made a mistake?

It is normal behaviour

I ran the AdwCleaner as suggested.... I clicked the SCAN button and it went through a very click scan (about 30 seconds). I waited about 5 more minutes and nothing changed so I then clicked the CLEAN button. The program ran for a few minutes and then notified me that a reboot was required and the message stated that a report would be generated when the reboot was complete.

Upon the computer's return from the reboot, AdwCleaner did not restart and no report was generated. So, I ran AdwCleaner a second time... SCAN, CLEAN, reboot, but still no report?

Try to find it at C:\Adwcleaner

 

[CincyKid]

Ok I found the folder. There were four files. Probably an extra set because I ran the utility twice? I am attaching all of them just in case.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good. How is your PC now?

 

[CincyKid]

I have been using it online for the last ~30 minutes and all looks well.

Call me... hopeful (with my fingers crossed).

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Glad I could help. We will delete all used tools and I'll give you some tips to harden your security and learn how to protect yourself

Recommended reading:
​

MUST READ - security tips:

• Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.
• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet

MUST READ - general maintenance:

• What to do if your Computer is running slowly?

The Importance of Software Updating:
​

In order to stay protected it is very important that you regularly update all of your software. Cybercriminals depend on the apathy of users around software updates to keep their malicious endeavor running.​

Operating systems, such as Windows, and applications, such as Adobe Reader or JAVA, are used by tens of millions of computers and devices around the world, making them a huge target for cybercriminals. Downloading updates and installing them can sometimes be tedious, but the advantages you get from the updates are certainly worth it.

• How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows
• How to update Java
• How to update Adobe Reader

Recommended additional software:
​

TFC - to clean unneeded temporary files.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware - to scan your system from time to time in search for malware.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Exploit - to prevent plenty of mostly exploited vulnerabilities.

McShield - to prevent infections spread by removable media.

CryptoPrevent - to secure yourself from very severe CryptoLocker infection.

Unchecky - to prevent from installing additional foistware, implemented in legitimate installations.

FiheHippo.com Update Checker - to keep your programs up-to-date.

Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!

Post-cleanup procedures:​

Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.

• Run the tool by right click on the
  
  icon and Run as administrator option.
• Make sure that these ones are checked:
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Purge system restore
  • Reset system settings
• Push Run and wait until the tool completes his work.
• All tools we used should be gone. Tool will create an report for you (C:\DelFix.txt)

The tool will also record healthy state of registry and make a backup using ERUNT program in %windir%\ERUNT\DelFix
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.

My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to buy me a beer for the assistance you received, then you can consider a donation:
Thank you!​

Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle

 

[CincyKid]

Thanks for the help!!

Donation for a few beers is on the way

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

You're more than welcome

Since this issue appears to be resolved, I am closing the topic. If that is not the case and you need or wish to continue with this topic, please contact me or any staff member with the address of the thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!