Solved Windows Security Center can't be started

[DB1234]

Unable to run windows updates, unable to use firewall

I suspect that there is a malware infection but I am not sure how to fix this. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I have uploaded all logs as attached

 

[argus]

Helllo,

My name is Argus and and I will be helping you with your computer problems.

Before we begin, please note the following:

• I will working be on your Malware issues, this may or may not, solve other issues you have with your machine.
• The logs can take some time to research, so please be patient with me.
• Stay with the topic until I tell you that your system is clean. Missing symptoms does not mean that everything is okay.
• Instructions that I give are for your system only!
• Please do not run any tools until requested ! The reason for this is so I know what is going on with the machine at any time. Some programs can interfere with others and hamper the recovery process.
• Please perform all steps in the order received. If you can't understand something don't hesitate to ask.
• Again I would like to remind you to make no further changes to your computer unless I direct you to do so. I will not help you if you do not follow my instructions.

Remove McAfee Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware and McAfee Firewall remains.
Download and run Uninstall tool.
http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

Uninstall some programs

We need to uninstall some unwanted/unneeded programs.

• Press the
  
  + R on your keyboard at the same time. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
• Search there for each entry mentioned below, right-click the entry and click Uninstall one at a time

The list of programs to uninstall:

• Ask Toolbar Updater
• Yontoo 1.10.02

After completing uninstalls, please manually reboot your machine!

Note: If you get the message like: An error occurred while trying to uninstall, just press Yes.

Scan with ZOEK

Please download ZOEK by Smeenk and save it to your desktop (preferred version is the *.exe one)
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Wait patiently until the main console will appear, it may take a minute or two.
• In the main box please paste in the following script:
  

  C:\Users\Damien & Emily\AppData\Roaming\necatf.dll;virustotal;

• Make sure that Scan All Users option is checked.
• Push Run Script and wait patiently. The scan may take a couple of minutes.
• When the scan completes, a zoek-results logfile should open in notepad.
• If a reboot is needed, it will be opened after it. You may also find it at your main drive (usually C:\ drive)

Post its content into your next reply.

 

[DB1234]

Hi Argus,

thanks for your help.

I could not uninstall the Ask Toolbar Updater - it said that it might have already been uninstalled. As you said, i clicked yes and proceeded. Of note, there is a seperate programme could Ask Toolbar, let me know if I also need to uninstall that.

When trying to uninstall Yontoo 1.10.02, it would not allow me and gave an error message stating 'Setup initialization error'.

I have done everything else you said. See the attached zoek results.

Thanks
Damien

 

[argus]

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.






Re-run zoek and run this script:

createsrpoint;
autoclean;
emptyalltemp;
ipconfig /flushdns;b

 

[DB1234]

All completed as above. See attached as requested.

Thanks
Damien

 

[argus]

Fixlog is Ok, how is the situation now?

 

[DB1234]

Fixlog is Ok, how is the situation now?

Still having the same issue. Is there anything else we can try? thanks for your help

 

[argus]

Re-run zoek and run this script:

createsrpoint;
autoclean;
emptyalltemp;
ipconfig /flushdns;b

 

[DB1234]

I have run this. Of note, Zoek would not close after I had run it. It would re-open and say that it was still running. This was still the case after several hours of no activity on Zoek.

What next? I am still having the same problem

 

[argus]

Fix with ESET Services Repair

Please download Services Repair by ESET and save it to your desktop.

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• If security notifications appear, click Continue or Run.
• Accept the prompt about restoring services.
• Once the tool has finished, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Yes to restart.
• A log will be saved in the CCSupport folder the tool created on your desktop.

Please include that logfile in your next reply.

 

[DB1234]

Fix with ESET Services Repair

Please download Services Repair by ESET and save it to your desktop.

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• If security notifications appear, click Continue or Run.
• Accept the prompt about restoring services.
• Once the tool has finished, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Click Yes to restart.
• A log will be saved in the CCSupport folder the tool created on your desktop.

Please include that logfile in your next reply.

Log attached

 

[argus]

How is the situation now?

 

[DB1234]

The Security Centre now opens (thank you), and I now have the option to get Windows updates. Shall I check for updates and try to install these?

When I go to turn on the Windows Firewall, I get the message 'Security Center can't turn on Windows Firewall.

Windows defender says it is out of date, shall I attempt to update this?

 

[DB1234]

Of note there are 127 'Important' updates and 2 'Optional' updates

 

[argus]

Update all.

 

[DB1234]

Ok so I have now completed the windows updates (it took ages)!

I am still unable to turn on the firewall however, I am getting the same error message.

What can I do next?

 

[DB1234]

There is an option to try and manually turn on the firewall. It says that 'Windows firewall is not using the recommended settings to protect your computer'. There is an option to 'Update settings now'. Should I give this a go?

 

[DB1234]

Looking at the updates further, it looks like the majority of these failed to update. There are still 87 'important' updates available. Should I try again?

 

[argus]

Of course and see here.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2271812

 

[DB1234]

Ok so I tried installing the 87 updates. Most of these failed, I got down to 83. I then tried to install these again, they all failed, and I am still left with 83. Apologies for the delay but this took ages.

I could not manually turn on the firewall. I used the link you sent and followed the instructions. I still have the same issue and am unable to turn on the firewall.

What else can we try?