Solved PUP.MindSpark and \$RECYCLE.BIN created on USB storage devices

[CutchisClutch]

it booted very slowly. right now, I can't even hear it running, no fan or hard drive sounds whatsoever. I will use it for while and see if I notice anything.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Okay, keep me updated.

 

[CutchisClutch]

Really hard to tell. I had >100 MS updates waiting and have been trying to install them. Some were going so slow I couldn't do anything elseso I would stop them. This morning they have been downloading and installing relatively easily (mostly) but when I reboot the action center says I have never checked for updates or never installed updates and when I check for updates it seems to be running but never stops.

I have gotten the Flash Player Pro pop-up once, is that something that is on my computer or is it the website? I can't believe that a reputable website would allow that.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Probably related to website only. I don't know what more to tell you, this is old configuration, probably 7-8 years, with little amount of ram memory and not too strong processor for nowadays usage. What is important, there is no malware here.

 

[CutchisClutch]

I hope your weekend is going well. I understand that the system is old, it has served me well and it still does what I need it to do.

This morning when I booted up it was painfully slow, taking >1 min to load IE or Google pages. I rebooted after a couple of freezes and now it is much more responsive. I have tried to apply all of the updates but some of them fail repeatedly, especially IE11 even though it is the version for Windows 7 SP1 64bit.

As long as there is no Malware, I was especially worried about any kind of trojan, since I do all of my banking with this computer. I don't need to worry about the \$RECYCLE.BIN or csrss.exe process? Some websites claim these are indications of infections but they are also trying to sell tools that clean them up for you.

If you think we are clean now we can close this and I will buy you a few beers, what are the best Serbian beers?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

As long as there is no Malware, I was especially worried about any kind of trojan, since I do all of my banking with this computer. I don't need to worry about the \$RECYCLE.BIN or csrss.exe process? Some websites claim these are indications of infections but they are also trying to sell tools that clean them up for you.

If you're doing banking with this computer, then you need to keep it updated as much as possible. Microsoft Security Essentials isn't the best protection for you, I suggest to change it with something a little better, freeware or commercial.

Serbian beers are decent quality, but from time to time, they keep changing from year to year. I prefer foreign beers.

 

[CutchisClutch]

Good advice. From everything I have read on other forums there is no one best security software, the weakest link is the user. One general tip I have seen is don't have multiple security programs running at the same time, they can conflict with each other and be counterproductive. It seems that a lot of people recommend Kapersky or Avartis over MSE and then having a second opinion scanner to periodically check for intrusions. Any other suggestions you have are appreciated.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

If money isn't the problem, my personal recommendation is ESET, I am using it and I am very satisfied.

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.

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