Infected with eDeals extension (CouponDropDown) adware

[13GMAF20]

I am at my wits' end with recurring adware on my PC. I have been perusing the Internet for suggestions and recommendations on how to purge from my computer the adware associated with the eDeals extension or the PirritSuggestor extension. I've had this problem off-and-on for the past few months; every time I think I've successfully rid myself of the adware, it comes back again in another form and is harder to find.

I've tried uninstalling the program (named "SweetPacks") from my computer, but the ads continued. I updated Microsoft Security Essentials and ran a full scan, which deleted some malwares but then the ads returned. I then installed Malwarebytes and ran a full scan, but it detected no threats. I went into the registry and deleted any of the folders that other websites suggested were part of the eDeals extension; that didn't work, either. Resetting FF didn't help. (I currently run the 33.0.2 version.)

I just installed FRST; the FRST.txt and Addition.txt files are attached for consideration.

Please help!!

 

[argus]

Re-run FRST.exe as you did before ...

• Download fixlist.txt that you find attached at the bottom of this post and save it same place you
• Press the Fix button once and wait.
• FRST will process fixlist.txt
• When finished, it will produce a log fixlog.txt and will keep that log in the same folder where FRST.exe is.

> Attach here fixlog.txt logreport.


============= Next ==============




Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode and save to your Desktop.

Double click on AdwCleaner.exe to run the tool.

• Click on the Scan button.
• After the scan has finished click on the Clean button.

Press OK when asked to close all programs and follow the onscreen prompts.
Press OK again to allow AdwCleaner to restart the computer and complete the removal process.

• After rebooting, a logfile report (AdwCleaner[S0].txt) will open automatically.
• Post logfile will also be saved in the C:\AdwCleaner folder.

 

[13GMAF20]

I followed your instructions, but the in-text ads are still popping up.

 

[argus]

Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

• Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts.
• Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista, 7, or 8; instead of double-clicking, right-mouse click JRT.exe and select "Run as Administrator".
• The tool will open and start scanning your system.
• Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications.
• On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
• Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next message.

 

[13GMAF20]

Earlier today (before you posted your reply) I used Malwarebytes to run a total scan of my system. It found and quarantined 8 PUPs related to eDeals and in-text adware. When I opened Firefox, the highlighted text and pop-up ads were not showing up anymore.

I did follow your instructions, and the ads still don't appear.

I do have the saved .txt logs from both JRT and Malwarebytes, but I get an error message when trying to upload the files to this post. Is there something I can do to correct that, or can I just do a copy-and-paste into a new post in this thread?

 

[argus]

I did follow your instructions, and the ads still don't appear.

I do have the saved .txt logs from both JRT and Malwarebytes, but I get an error message when trying to upload the files to this post. Is there something I can do to correct that, or can I just do a copy-and-paste into a new post in this thread?

No problem, If everything is all right to do the following:




• The following will implement some post-cleanup procedures:

=> Please download DelFix by Xplode to your Desktop.

Run the tool and check the following boxes below;

Remove disinfection tools

Create registry backup

Purge System Restore
Click Run button and wait a few seconds for the programme completes his work.
At this point all the tools we used here 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.

 

[13GMAF20]

Thank you for your help!

What suggestions can you offer to avoid this reoccurring? I'm a bit baffled as to how my computer became infected in the first place.

 

[argus]

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!

 

[13GMAF20]

Hello, again. Sadly, the eDeals extension has returned. The FRST txts are attached.

When I saw the pop-ups had returned, I used Malwarebytes to scan all my files. It found PUPs and a Trojan downloader (WinUpdate.exe), but after the malicious files were quarantined and deleted the extension was still operating. I performed a systems restore back to November 4 when my system was disinfected, but the extension is still here. Help!!

 

[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.

 

[13GMAF20]

See attachment.

 

[argus]

How's your computer behaving now?

 

[13GMAF20]

No change. I'm still seeing highlighted in-text ads, and I'm still getting unwanted ads popping up in new tabs.

 

[argus]

Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.

• Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts.
• Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista, 7, or 8; instead of double-clicking, right-mouse click JRT.exe and select "Run as Administrator".
• The tool will open and start scanning your system.
• Please be patient as this can take a while to complete depending on your system's specifications.
• On completion, a log (JRT.txt) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
• Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next message.

 

[13GMAF20]

Still no change.

 

[argus]

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:
  

  createsrpoint;
  Quickscan;
  autoclean;
  emptyalltemp;
  ipconfig /flushdns;b

• 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.

 

[13GMAF20]

Before running ZOEK my Firefox browser was running sluggishly. (I run the AdBlockPlus extension on FF, and some of the filters also cause a slower internet experience.) After scanning my system with ZOEK I'm no longer seeing the in-text ads on websites.