Solved Having some issues with svchost.exe

[NateMan89]

So, since I've been recently infected with CryptoWall and as a result have become extremely paranoid of viruses, I felt it necessary to bring up this issue here since I really don't want to have my computer damaged again.
I did a little research prior to making this thread, and it seems as though another user has dealt with a similar problem, and that thread can be found here.
I can't follow the steps that TwinHeadedEagle gave that user, since it could possibly cause complications, but hopefully the fact that this has been fixed before will help speed up the process now.
If necessary, I can also put up the logs that MalwareBytes has made when it found the 60 other malicious files.
The logs that are required for malware removal assistance are also attached below.

 

[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.

First of all, your PC is infected with Cryptowall malware. More info here:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/cryptowall-ransomware-information

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.

 

[NateMan89]

Ran FRST with the fixlist, and here's the fixlog.
I thought CryptoWall's contagious bits were gone, but apparently it's still lurking in the computer somewhere. I have a few questions thanks to this. Will it be fine to use the computer while it still has CryptoWall on it, or will it be too risky? Also, if I can use the computer, what things should I avoid (ex. going online for things that aren't this, logging onto other forums, etc.)?
On a side note, my father was trying to get rid of any other viruses on the computer today, and in the process swapped MalwareBytes with AVG, so now I can't see if svchost.exe is being blocked. Do you think CryptoWall is what is causing it to act out?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

You can use this PC when we declare it 100% clean. But when we finish I suggest to change your important passwords.

Scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.

• Install the progam and select update.
• Once updated, click the Settings tab, in the left panel choose Detection & Protection and tick Scan for rootkits.
• Click the Scan tab, choose Threat Scan is checked and click Scan Now.
• If threats are detected, click the Apply Actions button. You will now be prompted to reboot. Click Yes.
• Upon completion of the scan (or after the reboot), click the History tab.
• Click Application Logs and double-click the Scan Log.
• At the bottom click Export and choose Text file.

Save the file to your desktop and include its content in your next reply.

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• 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).
• Make sure that Addition option is checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please include their content into your next reply.

 

[NateMan89]

Just did another scan of FRST, and here are the resulting FRST.txt and Addition.txt files.
Another quick question: Will it mess with the cleaning process if AVG is also installed on here? I read that AVG is compatible with MalwareBytes as long as it isn't the full version of MalwareBytes, but I just wanted to be sure.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

No, it won't mess.

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.

 

[NateMan89]

Ran FRST with the fixlist, and here's the fixlog.
Also, there's something I've noticed since I came here and started using the fixlists (or perhaps a bit before): some of Internet Explorer's functions, such as showing animated .gifs and the ability to drag tabs out of your current window to make new windows, have stopped working. Any idea what's causing this?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Can you try to reset your IE? How is the situation now?

 

[NateMan89]

Well, I wasn't aware of CryptoWall still being on my computer, so I don't know if it's still around or not (after those fixlists), but I did try to reset my IE (Internet Options > Advanced > Reset IE Settings), though it doesn't seem to have worked. Still can't drag tabs to make new windows or view .gifs (specifically, they only show up as a static picture, not an animated one). Do you think any of these new antivirus programs I've had to use would affect these?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Your IE isn't updated to latest version. Is your Windows Update enabled?

 

[NateMan89]

Well, according to Control Pad Windows hasn't been able to update in the last 30 days, so I guess it wasn't enabled. Thing is, when I had it check for updates, I ended up hitting an error:
Code 800F0922 Windows Update ran into a problem.
Also, before the day this started, I was able to view .gif files and make new windows via tab dragging just fine. I dunno if updating Windows will fix it, but you're more knowledgeable than I in this area.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Download and install IE 11 from here. Choose x64 english version.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/internet-explorer/ie-11-worldwide-languages

 

[NateMan89]

Would that be the only way to fix this? Just wondering, since it'll require me to first update to Windows 8.1

Edit: It also seems as though .gifs are starting to load correctly. I still can't drag tabs, though.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

I don't know what could cause this. I advise to first update your system and then see if it is going to help.

 

[NateMan89]

Well, judging from what I've read in this thread where someone had same issue I'm having now, I assume something we've done or the cleaners have done must have corrupted something in my account (or at least messed with something). As a result, I can't drag tabs no matter what settings I change. Later I'm going to make a new account and move my files over to it to see if it'll indeed fix it.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Okay, keep me updated

 

[NateMan89]

Finally got around to making a new account, and it seems to lack the tab issue. Now I just have to move my files over onto it...

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Very good


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

 

[NateMan89]

Thanks a bunch for the help!
I'd donate a little, considering that you managed to finally get CryptoWall off of my computer, but my dad's a little strict when it comes to spending money online (which is understandable, of course).

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Don't worry

Your dad is right about it.