My computer got hit with another malware. dllhost.exe *32 COM Surrogate processes in task manager slowing computer down.
dllhost.exe *32 COM Surrogate processes in task manager slowing computer down
- Thread starter zzae
- Start date
- Mar 8, 2013
- 22,627
Hello,
They call me TwinHeadedEagle around here, and I'll be working with you.
Before we start please read and note the following:
Download
Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to your desktop.
Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
Please download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.
Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them.
Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.
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.
Download
- Double-click the icon to start the tool.
- It will ask you where to extract it, then it will start.
- Warning! Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit needs to be run from an account with administrator rights.
- Click in the introduction screen "next" to continue.
- Click in the following screen "Update" to obtain the latest malware definitions.
- Once the update is complete select "Next" and click "Scan".
- When the scan is finished and no malware has been found select "Exit".
- If malware was detected, make sure to check all the items and click "Cleanup". Reboot your computer.
- Open the MBAR folder and paste the content of the following files in your next reply:
- "mbar-log-{date} (xx-xx-xx).txt"
- "system-log.txt"
Please download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.
Note: You need to run the version compatibale with your system. If you are not sure which version applies to your system download both of them and try to run them.
Only one of them will run on your system, that will be the right version.
- Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
- Press Scan button.
- It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach it to your reply.
- The first time the tool is run, it makes also another log (Addition.txt). Please attach it to your reply.
In case it is necessary to run the Farbar tool after the malwarebytes tool, please let me know. I will delete the current FRST.txt and Addition.txt files from my computer and re-run the Farbar tool and then post the new files.
Additional info,
When I right click on the dllhost.exe *32 process in task manager and ask it to open the file location, task manager says it is running from
C:\Windows\SysWOW64
When I right click on the dllhost.exe *32 process in task manager and ask it to open the file location, task manager says it is running from
C:\Windows\SysWOW64
Some more information:- I also notice the following process running in task manager, without having a name for themselves in the "Description" column of task manager. They are consuming very little CPU and memory though, according to task manger. I don't know if these processes are a part of a malware or not. When I ask task manager to open their file location, nothing comes up.
WinMsgBalloonClient.exe
atieclxx.exe
winlogon.exe
csrss.exe
WinMsgBalloonClient.exe
atieclxx.exe
winlogon.exe
csrss.exe
- Mar 8, 2013
- 22,627
Processes in your last message are good.
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!
Please attach it to your reply.
Scan with ComboFix
This is a very powerful tool that should be used only if advised by Malware Analyst.
Do not run ComboFix on your own!
Referring to this instruction, please download ComboFix by sUBs and save it to your desktop.
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.
Include that log in your next reply.
If you'll encounter any issues with internet connection after running ComboFix, please visit this link.
If an error about operation on the key marked for deletion will appear after running the tool, please reboot your machine.
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.
This is a very powerful tool that should be used only if advised by Malware Analyst.
Do not run ComboFix on your own!
Referring to this instruction, please download ComboFix by sUBs and save it to your desktop.
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.
- Right-click on
icon and select
Run as Administrator to start the tool.
- Accept the disclaimer and agree if prompted to install Recovery Console.
- Do not take any actions while ComboFix goes through your System - it may cause it to stall!
- This scan may take some time!
- When finished - it will display a logfile (located also on your main drive, usually C:\ComboFix.txt).
Include that log in your next reply.
I just ran the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and then the Combofix tool. Here are the log files generated. Then I restarted the computer. The computer is now running at normal speed. The dllhost.exe *32 processes are no longer found running in the task manager.
Can we declare that the computer is safe now?
Can we declare that the computer is safe now?
Last edited:
TwinHeadedEagle,
It does concern me that my computer has been infected for the second time in 2 weeks. The last infections was the fake google chrome processes in task manager 2 weeks ago. I am wondering if I am making some major mistake(s).
I have had this computer for more than 4 years with Norton Internet Security and had never had problems like this until these 2 infections recently. My internet usage (sites I visit, files I download...etc) hasn't changed over this time.
My Norton membership will expire in one month and am thinking of getting a free anti-virus software. I have been reading some of the main articles for beginners to educate myself on protection from malware. But there seems to be a wide variety of opinions of what kind of free anti-virus software is best. You recommended Malwarebytes when you last helped me. Another expert here recommends Comodo. Some users on other anti-malware forums swear by AVG or AVAST. And there are some who say all these are useless and only paid software like Norton can offer the best protection.
It would be really nice to know your thoughts/opinions on these questions.
Thank you for taking your time.
It does concern me that my computer has been infected for the second time in 2 weeks. The last infections was the fake google chrome processes in task manager 2 weeks ago. I am wondering if I am making some major mistake(s).
I have had this computer for more than 4 years with Norton Internet Security and had never had problems like this until these 2 infections recently. My internet usage (sites I visit, files I download...etc) hasn't changed over this time.
My Norton membership will expire in one month and am thinking of getting a free anti-virus software. I have been reading some of the main articles for beginners to educate myself on protection from malware. But there seems to be a wide variety of opinions of what kind of free anti-virus software is best. You recommended Malwarebytes when you last helped me. Another expert here recommends Comodo. Some users on other anti-malware forums swear by AVG or AVAST. And there are some who say all these are useless and only paid software like Norton can offer the best protection.
It would be really nice to know your thoughts/opinions on these questions.
Thank you for taking your time.
- Mar 8, 2013
- 22,627
Yes, we can declare your computer clean. I don't know what to tell you, this infection is really widely spread these days and even good antivirus products are missing it. It is probably due to malware hiding techniques.
About antivirus you would like to choose, among free products there are no big differences, advantages or disadvantages, it is pretty all the same. But if you would like to pay for product again, my personal recommendation would be ESET.
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
MUST READ - security tips:
MUST READ - general maintenance:
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.
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!
Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.
Tool deletes old system restore points and create a fresh system restore point after cleaning.
Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle
About antivirus you would like to choose, among free products there are no big differences, advantages or disadvantages, it is pretty all the same. But if you would like to pay for product again, my personal recommendation would be ESET.
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:
- Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online.
- Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet
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.
Recommended additional software:
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)
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!
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
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