- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
I have scanned my PC using various antiviruses and am convinced that this isn't a malware,
rather it is some file which is encrypted to my HDD.
rather it is some file which is encrypted to my HDD.
Help remove "Winmend Folder Hidden" leftover folder
- Thread starter VectorFool
- Start date
- Status
- Oct 5, 2012
- 2,697
Hi and welcome to the malwaretips.com forums!
I'm Kuttus and I am going to try to assist you with your problem. Please take note of the below:
Before we start:
Please be aware that removing malware is a potentially hazardous undertaking. I will take care not to knowingly suggest courses of action that might damage your computer. However it is impossible for me to foresee all interactions that may happen between the software on your computer and those we'll use to clear you of infection, and I cannot guarantee the safety of your system. It is possible that we might encounter situations where the only recourse is to re-format and re-install your operating system, or to necessitate you taking your computer to a repair shop.
Because of this, I advise you to backup any personal files and folders before you start.
<hr />
You should be able to run both scans while in Normal mode...
STEP 1: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chamelon mode
<ol>
<li>Download <>Malwarebytes Chameleon from <a title="External link" href="http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/chameleon" rel="nofollow external">here</a> </>and extract it to a folder in a convenient location</li>
<li>Make certain that your PC is connected to the internet and then open the folder where you extracted Chameleon to and double-click on the Chameleon help file and then follow the onscreen instructions to use it.</li>
<li>If the Chameleon help file itself will not open, then double-click each file one by one until you find one that works, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window <em><>Note:</> Do not attempt to open <>mbam-killer</> as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)</em></li>
<li>Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for yo</li>
<li>Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click <>OK</> when it says that the database was updated successful</li>
<li>Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan</li>
<li>Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on <>Show Result</></li>
<li>Have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware remove any threats that are detected and click <>Yes</> if prompted to reboot your computer to allow the removal process to complete</li>
<li>After your computer restarts, open <>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware</> and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats</li>
Please add both logs in your next reply.
</ol>
<hr />
STEP 2: Run a scan with AdwCleaner
<ol><li>Download AdwCleaner from the below link.
<><a href="http://general-changelog-team.fr/fr/downloads/finish/20-outils-de-xplode/2-adwcleaner" target="_blank">ADWCLEANER DOWNLAOD LINK</a></> (This link will automatically download Security Check on your computer)</li>
<li>Close all open programs and internet browsers.</li>
<li>Double click on <>adwcleaner.exe</> to run the tool.</li>
<li>Click on <>Delete</>,then confirm each time with <>Ok</>.</li>
<li>Your computer will be rebooted automatically. A text file will open after the restart.</li>
<li>Please post the contents of that logfile with your next reply.</li>
<li>You can find the logfile at <>C:\AdwCleaner[S1].txt</> as well.</li>
</ol>
<hr/>
STEP 3: Run Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer
<ol>
<li>You can download the TFC utility from the below link
<a title="External link" href="http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/TFC.exe" rel="nofollow external"><>TFC DOWNLOAD LINK</></a> <em>(This link will automatically download Temp File Cleaner on your computer)</em></li>
<li>Please double-click <>TFC.exe</> to run it. (<>Note:</> If you are running on Vista or 7, right-click on the file and choose <>Run As Administrator</>).</li>
<li>It <>will close all programs</> when run, so make sure you have <>saved all your work</> before you begin.</li>
<li>Click the <>Start</> button to begin the process. Depending on how often you clean temp files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two. <>Let it run uninterrupted to completion</>.</li>
<li>Once it's finished it should <>reboot your machine</>. If it does not, please <>manually reboot the machine</> yourself to ensure a complete clean.</li>
</ol>
<hr />
What's next?
Add the following logs to your next post (You can find here details on how to use the Attachment System):
1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Log
2. AdwCleaner log
3. Let me know if you had any problems with the above instructions and also <>let me know how things are running now!</>
<hr />
I'm Kuttus and I am going to try to assist you with your problem. Please take note of the below:
- I will start working on your malware issues, this may or may not, solve other issues you have with your machine.
- The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine!
- The process is not instant. Please continue to review my answers until I tell you your machine is clear. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.
- If you don't know, stop and ask! Don't keep going on.
- Please reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
- Refrain from running self fixes as this will hinder the malware removal process.
- It may prove beneficial if you print of the following instructions or save them to notepad as I post them.
Before we start:
Please be aware that removing malware is a potentially hazardous undertaking. I will take care not to knowingly suggest courses of action that might damage your computer. However it is impossible for me to foresee all interactions that may happen between the software on your computer and those we'll use to clear you of infection, and I cannot guarantee the safety of your system. It is possible that we might encounter situations where the only recourse is to re-format and re-install your operating system, or to necessitate you taking your computer to a repair shop.
Because of this, I advise you to backup any personal files and folders before you start.
<hr />
You should be able to run both scans while in Normal mode...
STEP 1: Run a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware in Chamelon mode
<ol>
<li>Download <>Malwarebytes Chameleon from <a title="External link" href="http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/chameleon" rel="nofollow external">here</a> </>and extract it to a folder in a convenient location</li>
<li>Make certain that your PC is connected to the internet and then open the folder where you extracted Chameleon to and double-click on the Chameleon help file and then follow the onscreen instructions to use it.</li>
<li>If the Chameleon help file itself will not open, then double-click each file one by one until you find one that works, which will be indicated by a black DOS/command prompt window <em><>Note:</> Do not attempt to open <>mbam-killer</> as that is not a Chameleon executable and serves a different purpose)</em></li>
<li>Follow the onscreen instructions to press a key to continue and Chameleon will proceed to download and install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for yo</li>
<li>Once it has done this, it will attempt to update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, click <>OK</> when it says that the database was updated successful</li>
<li>Next, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically open and perform a Quick scan</li>
<li>Upon completion of the scan, if anything has been detected, click on <>Show Result</></li>
<li>Have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware remove any threats that are detected and click <>Yes</> if prompted to reboot your computer to allow the removal process to complete</li>
<li>After your computer restarts, open <>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware</> and perform a Full System scan to verify that there are no remaining threats</li>
Please add both logs in your next reply.
</ol>
<hr />
STEP 2: Run a scan with AdwCleaner
<ol><li>Download AdwCleaner from the below link.
<><a href="http://general-changelog-team.fr/fr/downloads/finish/20-outils-de-xplode/2-adwcleaner" target="_blank">ADWCLEANER DOWNLAOD LINK</a></> (This link will automatically download Security Check on your computer)</li>
<li>Close all open programs and internet browsers.</li>
<li>Double click on <>adwcleaner.exe</> to run the tool.</li>
<li>Click on <>Delete</>,then confirm each time with <>Ok</>.</li>
<li>Your computer will be rebooted automatically. A text file will open after the restart.</li>
<li>Please post the contents of that logfile with your next reply.</li>
<li>You can find the logfile at <>C:\AdwCleaner[S1].txt</> as well.</li>
</ol>
<hr/>
STEP 3: Run Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer
<ol>
<li>You can download the TFC utility from the below link
<a title="External link" href="http://oldtimer.geekstogo.com/TFC.exe" rel="nofollow external"><>TFC DOWNLOAD LINK</></a> <em>(This link will automatically download Temp File Cleaner on your computer)</em></li>
<li>Please double-click <>TFC.exe</> to run it. (<>Note:</> If you are running on Vista or 7, right-click on the file and choose <>Run As Administrator</>).</li>
<li>It <>will close all programs</> when run, so make sure you have <>saved all your work</> before you begin.</li>
<li>Click the <>Start</> button to begin the process. Depending on how often you clean temp files, execution time should be anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or two. <>Let it run uninterrupted to completion</>.</li>
<li>Once it's finished it should <>reboot your machine</>. If it does not, please <>manually reboot the machine</> yourself to ensure a complete clean.</li>
</ol>
<hr />
What's next?
Add the following logs to your next post (You can find here details on how to use the Attachment System):
1. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Log
2. AdwCleaner log
3. Let me know if you had any problems with the above instructions and also <>let me know how things are running now!</>
<hr />
Last edited by a moderator:
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
@Kuttus
running scans as per advice
will post the logs when done
@Fiery
c:\Winmend~Folder~Hidden\
d:\Winmend~Folder~Hidden\
running scans as per advice
will post the logs when done
@Fiery
c:\Winmend~Folder~Hidden\
d:\Winmend~Folder~Hidden\
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
@Kuttus
i already have MBAM 1.7 Professional installed and run regular scans with it
is it okay if i run a full system scan with this and post the results?
i already have MBAM 1.7 Professional installed and run regular scans with it
is it okay if i run a full system scan with this and post the results?
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
Ran Chameleon, it only did a light scan (report posted), so i am running a full scan from MBAM interface
Ran adwcleaner, report posted
Ran TFC
Ran adwcleaner, report posted
Ran TFC
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
- Oct 5, 2012
- 2,697
STEP 1: Run the below OTL fix
<ol><li>Start <>OTL.exe</></li>
<li>Copy/paste the following text written <>inside of the code box</> into the <>Custom Scans/Fixes</> box located at the bottom of OTL
<>NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on that particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system</></li>
<li>Then click the <>Run Fix</> button at the top</li>
<li>Let the program run unhindered, reboot when it is done</li>
<li>Attach the new log produced by OTL (C:\_OTL)</li>
</ol>
<hr />
<ol><li>Start <>OTL.exe</></li>
<li>Copy/paste the following text written <>inside of the code box</> into the <>Custom Scans/Fixes</> box located at the bottom of OTL
Code:
:Files
c:\Winmend~Folder~Hidden\
d:\Winmend~Folder~Hidden\
:Commands
[EmptyTemp]
[EmptyFlash]
[EmptyJava]
[Reboot]<li>Then click the <>Run Fix</> button at the top</li>
<li>Let the program run unhindered, reboot when it is done</li>
<li>Attach the new log produced by OTL (C:\_OTL)</li>
</ol>
<hr />
Last edited by a moderator:
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
ran the script in OTL
seems that the winmend folder in C:\ is successfully removed
however the winmend folder in D:\ is still there
seems that the winmend folder in C:\ is successfully removed
however the winmend folder in D:\ is still there
- Oct 5, 2012
- 2,697
Right click on this folder and try to delete it... Are you getting any error messages while you try to delete it?
Try the Following once again and send me the longs...
STEP 1: Run the below OTL fix
<ol><li>Start <>OTL.exe</></li>
<li>Copy/paste the following text written <>inside of the code box</> into the <>Custom Scans/Fixes</> box located at the bottom of OTL
<>NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user, for use on that particular machine. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system</></li>
<li>Then click the <>Run Fix</> button at the top</li>
<li>Let the program run unhindered, reboot when it is done</li>
<li>Attach the new log produced by OTL (C:\_OTL)</li>
</ol>
<hr />
Try the Following once again and send me the longs...
STEP 1: Run the below OTL fix
<ol><li>Start <>OTL.exe</></li>
<li>Copy/paste the following text written <>inside of the code box</> into the <>Custom Scans/Fixes</> box located at the bottom of OTL
Code:
:Files
d:\Winmend~Folder~Hidden\
:Commands
[EmptyTemp]
[EmptyFlash]
[EmptyJava]
[Reboot]<li>Then click the <>Run Fix</> button at the top</li>
<li>Let the program run unhindered, reboot when it is done</li>
<li>Attach the new log produced by OTL (C:\_OTL)</li>
</ol>
<hr />
Last edited by a moderator:
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
kuttus said:
if i try to remove it via context menu, Windows Explorer service stops working and the process restarts
trying the script now
Last edited by a moderator:
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
- Oct 5, 2012
- 2,697
OK,we need to use ComboFix to remove some stuff.
<ol>
<li>Make sure that the copy of Combofix.exe that you downloaded earlier is on your Desktop but Do not run it!</li>
<li>If it is not on your Desktop, the below will not work.</li>
<li> Open up Notepad and copy & paste the following scripts inside the Code, into that notepad:
</li>
<li>Save the above as CFscript.txt and make sure you save it to the same location (should be on your Desktop) as ComboFix.exe </li>
<li>At this point, you MUST EXIT ALL BROWSERS NOW before continuing!</li>
<li>You should have both the ComboFix.exe and CFScript.txt icons on your Desktop.</li>
<li>Now use your mouse to drag CFScript.txt on top of ComboFix.exe
<img src="http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/1218/cfscript1.gif" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Follow the prompts.</li>
<li>When it finishes, a log will be produced named c:\combofix.txt</li>
<li>I will ask for this log below</li>
</ol>
<>Note:</> <>DO NOT</> mouseclick combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stuck.
<hr />
<ol>
<li>Make sure that the copy of Combofix.exe that you downloaded earlier is on your Desktop but Do not run it!</li>
<li>If it is not on your Desktop, the below will not work.</li>
<li> Open up Notepad and copy & paste the following scripts inside the Code, into that notepad:
Code:
killall::
Folder::
d:\Winmend~Folder~Hidden\
ClearJavaCache::</li>
<li>Save the above as CFscript.txt and make sure you save it to the same location (should be on your Desktop) as ComboFix.exe </li>
<li>At this point, you MUST EXIT ALL BROWSERS NOW before continuing!</li>
<li>You should have both the ComboFix.exe and CFScript.txt icons on your Desktop.</li>
<li>Now use your mouse to drag CFScript.txt on top of ComboFix.exe
<img src="http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/1218/cfscript1.gif" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Follow the prompts.</li>
<li>When it finishes, a log will be produced named c:\combofix.txt</li>
<li>I will ask for this log below</li>
</ol>
<>Note:</> <>DO NOT</> mouseclick combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stuck.
<hr />
Last edited by a moderator:
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
kuttus said:
Hello Kuttus
i am now back at home,
about the issue at hand,
i decided to try booting into a Ubuntu LiveCD and try modifying the folders,
fortunately i was able to remove the Winmend folders and remove all traces of it from my PC. So, effectively my issue is fixed.
Thank you so much for your untiring and selfless help Kuttus,
you deserve my Kudos
p.s.
i would like to make a small suggestion
for everyone to consider recommending the use of Linux Boot CD (or USB) or even Windows PE or MiniXP for deleting tough malware, or even repairing the windows registry.
Last edited by a moderator:
- Dec 17, 2012
- 88
- Oct 5, 2012
- 2,697
Double click on OTL to run it
Now that your PC is clean, I recommend you to create a new System Restore point then purge the old ones after.
For XP
How to create a Restore Point in XP
Delete all restore points except the most recent one
For Vista
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point
For Windows 7
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point - Click the Delete all but the most recent restore point link
Keep your system updated
I also recommend you to switch your antivirus program to a better one. Here are some suggestions:
In addition to your antivirus, you need additional protection such as a firewall and behavioural blocker.
Here are only a few suggestions that will improve your system security. Should you wish to allow us to make full recommendations and set your PC up with maximum security, please start a thread here. Our community of PC enthusiasts and experts will give you feedback and help you secure your system from future malware infections.
Internet Explorer may be the most popular browser but it's definitely not the most secure browser. Consider using other browsers with addition add-ons to safeguard your system while browsing the internet.
Firefox is a more secure, faster browser than Internet Explorer. Firefox contains less vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of drive-by downloads. In addition, you can add the following add-ons to increase security.
Google Chrome is another good browser that is faster and more secure than Internet Explorer by having a sandbox feature. Additionally, you can add the following add-on to Chrome to heighten security.
Lastly, it is important to perform system maintenance on a regular basis. Here are a few tools and on-demand scanners that you should keep & use every 1-2 weeks to keep your system healthy.
Other than that, stay safe out there! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask
<hr />
What's next?
My virus removal help is always free. Should you wish to show your appreciation via a donation, it will be much appreciated.
- Click on the Cleanup button at the top.
- You will be asked to reboot the machine to finish the Cleanup process. Choose Yes
- This will remove itself and other tools we may have used.
Now that your PC is clean, I recommend you to create a new System Restore point then purge the old ones after.
For XP
How to create a Restore Point in XP
Delete all restore points except the most recent one
For Vista
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point
For Windows 7
Create a restore point
Delete all but the most recent restore point - Click the Delete all but the most recent restore point link
Keep your system updated
- Keeping your programs (especially Adobe and Java products) updated is essential. Update Checker will notify you if any of your programs require an update.
- Microsoft releases patches for Windows and Office products regularly to patch up Windows and Office product bugs and vulnerabilities.
- Please ensure you update your system regularly and have automatic updates on. You can learn how to turn Automatic Updates on here
I also recommend you to switch your antivirus program to a better one. Here are some suggestions:
- avast! 7 Home Edition - Don't use it with Online Armor
- Avira AntiVir Personal
- Microsoft Security Essentials
In addition to your antivirus, you need additional protection such as a firewall and behavioural blocker.
- Online Armor
- Comodo Firewall - If you are an advance user
Here are only a few suggestions that will improve your system security. Should you wish to allow us to make full recommendations and set your PC up with maximum security, please start a thread here. Our community of PC enthusiasts and experts will give you feedback and help you secure your system from future malware infections.
Internet Explorer may be the most popular browser but it's definitely not the most secure browser. Consider using other browsers with addition add-ons to safeguard your system while browsing the internet.
Firefox is a more secure, faster browser than Internet Explorer. Firefox contains less vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of drive-by downloads. In addition, you can add the following add-ons to increase security.
- KeyScramber - Encrypts your keystrokes to protect you against keyloggers that steals personal & banking information
- AdBlock - Disable/blocks advertisements on websites so you won't accidentally click on a malicious ad.
- NoScript - Disables Flash & Java contents to avoid exploits or drive-by attacks
- Web of Trust - Shows the website rating by other users and blocks dangerous and poor-rated sites
Google Chrome is another good browser that is faster and more secure than Internet Explorer by having a sandbox feature. Additionally, you can add the following add-on to Chrome to heighten security.
Lastly, it is important to perform system maintenance on a regular basis. Here are a few tools and on-demand scanners that you should keep & use every 1-2 weeks to keep your system healthy.
Other than that, stay safe out there! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask
<hr />
What's next?
- Bulild up your malware defenses by starting a new thread in Security Configuration Wizard forum.
- Learn how to avoid malware by reading this article <a href="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/how-to-easily-avoid-pc-infections/">How to easily avoid malware</a>
- Be an active member in the MalwareTips community!
My virus removal help is always free. Should you wish to show your appreciation via a donation, it will be much appreciated.
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