Solved dllhost.exe *32 COM Surrogate hijacks my computer! HELP!!!

[Gene F.]

Dear MalwareTips magicians! My DELL laptop with Windows 7x64 Home Premium edition is brought to its knees by tons of "dllhost.exe*32 COM Surrogate" processes which bring CPU utilization to almost 100% all the time.

I ran Malwarebytes, Advanced System Care (Free edition), and updated my antivirus to Avast (Free) - all updated to the latest version, but still no resolution. I also cleared the browsing history in Chrome browser.

In fact it got so bad that I had to boot into SAFE MODE with Networking in order to generate FRST.TXT file using FRST64.EXE.

Tons (probably 50?) The dllhost.exe*32 also shows up when Windows is booted into SAFE mode so I expect FRST.TXT and Addition.TXT to show what you are looking for.

I would really appreciate your help on this issue.

Please let me know what else should I do/provide so you can help me.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,

Let's exterminate this bastard

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.

 

[Gene F.]

Dear TwinHeadedEagle,

I will be able to run your script in about 6 hours. In the mean time I have few questions:
1. What is it that makes dllhost.exe to multiply? Is that a Malware? Misconfiguration? Driver issue? Some process is looking for a file and cannot find it? Codec?
2. While waiting for your reply I did some additional research and noticed that DLLHOST.EXE is accessing C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Low\Content.IE5 - location of IE temporary internet files. So I terminated DLLHOST.EXE processing tree and deleted all files in that directory. TONS of them! Will this action of mine affect the script you prepared for me?

Thank you so much! YOu do provide an impressive help to the community!

Thank you!!!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Read about this malware here

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2461...poweliks-resides-only-in-system-registry.html

 

[Gene F.]

Thank you so much!!!
I am attaching the FixLog file. How does it look?

I am also setting up Avast (FREE)+MalwareBytes on this laptop. Is that a good combination? I am also considering MalWareBytes premium to schedule scan every day.

THANK YOU!!!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yes, that should be a good combo

How is your PC now?

 

[Gene F.]

It looks great! I also found a call in the the startup sequence, which was calling dllhost.exe and some ".cpp" program - I just disabled it. Now everything is running smooth!

I am wondering how come that call in the startup sequence was not removed by any of the malware fighting programs? No Avast, No MBAM?

I will be getting MBAM premium+Avast Free (and maybe premium as well?) - will it prevent me from getting those problems in the future?

Thank you!!

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

I will be getting MBAM premium+Avast Free (and maybe premium as well?) - will it prevent me from getting those problems in the future?

Yes, but you need to be carefull yourself. I will give you some readings, to learn.



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