Solved need assistance to remove astromenda adware

[Lost River]

followed removal tools for astromenda. optimizer and conduit.
Maleware bytes keeps removing: PUP.Optional.Astromeda.A and PUP.Optional.conduit.A ,
although today it only removed PUP.Optional.Astromeda.A

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello John

It is not my intent to repeatedly remove malware from the same member's machines. The intent of this free service is to help remove malware from your machine, educate you on how it may have happened, and how to prevent that from happening again. I am doing this the last time for you.

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.

Scan with Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

Please re-run

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.

• First of all, select update.
• Once updated, click the Settings tab, in the left panel choose Detctions & 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 newest 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.

 

[Lost River]

followed removal tools for astromenda. optimizer and conduit.
Maleware bytes keeps removing: PUP.Optional.Astromeda.A and PUP.Optional.conduit.A ,
although today it only removed PUP.Optional.Astromeda.A

I am attaching aswMBR log

 

[Lost River]

I am attaching aswMBR log

I am sorry to have to ask for help again. It was a foolish mistake on my part.
This is a different machine. The last fix was for my wife's dell computer. She downloaded the adware.
This time it is me who made the mistake as I was setting up my new computer.

Do I still proceed with your instructions, even though it is a different machine?

Thanks in advance,

Philippe

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Yes, please proceed.

 

[Lost River]

I am sorry to have to ask for help again. It was a foolish mistake on my part.
This is a different machine. The last fix was for my wife's dell computer. She downloaded the adware.
This time it is me who made the mistake as I was setting up my new computer.

Do I still proceed with your instructions, even though it is a different machine?

Thanks in advance,

Philippe

 

[Lost River]

running malwarebytes now. will post when complete

 

[Lost River]

here is the log

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

How is your PC now?

 

[Lost River]

I ran malwarebytes and still get the PUP.Optional.Astromedia.a coming up

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 2014-08-26
Scan Time: 11:51:53 AM
Logfile:
Administrator: No

Version: 2.00.2.1012
Malware Database: v2014.08.26.03
Rootkit Database: v2014.08.21.01
License: Trial
Malware Protection: Enabled
Malicious Website Protection: Enabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 8.1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: Philippe

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 309840
Time Elapsed: 4 min, 23 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Disabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

Processes: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files: 1
PUP.Optional.Astromenda.A, C:\Users\Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Preferences, Good: (), Bad: ( "startup_urls": [ "http://search.conduit.com/?ctid=CT3286042&SearchSource=48&CUI=UN27391246951912124&UM=2", "http://securedsearch2.lavasoft.com/...3_1&ent=hp&u=BB3522E361714E5323BC6351D5A410B9", "http://demo.mediaclip.ca/Demo/", "http://astromenda.com/?f=7&a=ast_fr...GtD0FtAyC0BtBtByEtCyE0CtD2Q&cr=1095633191&ir=" ],), Replaced,[0823a72484f7f93d965d8c84669fe31d]

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

We will have to reset Google Chrome. Do you have important bookmarks or extensions to save?

 

[Lost River]

I have saved my bookmarks and know which extensions to re install

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

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;
  autoclean;
  chrdefaults;
  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.

 

[Lost River]

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions
pfkfdlcdbajamklbneflfbcmfgddmpae - No path found[]

Google Translate - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\aapbdbdomjkkjkaonfhkkikfgjllcleb
Learn French - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\aeifanonhefcaphaeeknpklkfnjjmpec
Google Voice Search Hotword (Beta) - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\bepbmhgboaologfdajaanbcjmnhjmhfn
Logitech Smooth Scrolling - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\dkpejdfnpdkhifgbancbammdijojoffk
PasswordBox - Free Password Vault - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\epnpbkpfpmpbheinimppjadpcbkechhk
EditThisCookie - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\fngmhnnpilhplaeedifhccceomclgfbg
IE Tab - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\hehijbfgiekmjfkfjpbkbammjbdenadd
Asana - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\nafkcmbfnknnkmbdbdhflbidiigecfln
Smartly generate QrCode - Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Extensions\nfnbjbobhhoaekejilcmdkfomkndikho

==== Chromium Startpages ======================

C:\Users\Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Preferences
"homepage": "http://google.com/",
"startup_urls": [ "http://search.conduit.com/?ctid=CT3286042&SearchSource=48&CUI=UN27391246951912124&UM=2", "http://securedsearch2.lavasoft.com/...3_1&ent=hp&u=BB3522E361714E5323BC6351D5A410B9", "http://demo.mediaclip.ca/Demo/", "http://astromenda.com/?f=7&a=ast_fr...GtD0FtAyC0BtBtByEtCyE0CtD2Q&cr=1095633191&ir=" ],


==== Set IE to Default ======================

Old Values:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"Start Page"="http://www.google.com"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
No DefaultScope Set For HKCU

New Values:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"Start Page"="http://www.google.com"
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes]
"DefaultScope"="{012E1000-F331-11DB-8314-0800200C9A66}"

==== All HKCU SearchScopes ======================

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes
{012E1000-F331-11DB-8314-0800200C9A66} Google Url="http://www.google.com/search?q={searchTerms}"
{0633EE93-D776-472f-A0FF-E1416B8B2E3A} Bing Url="http://www.bing.com/search?q={searchTerms}&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IE8SRC"

==== Reset Google Chrome ======================

C:\Users\Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Preferences was reset successfully
C:\Users\Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Web Data was reset successfully

==== Deleting Registry Keys ======================

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\wow6432node\Google\Chrome\Extensions\pfkfdlcdbajamklbneflfbcmfgddmpae deleted successfully
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions\pfkfdlcdbajamklbneflfbcmfgddmpae deleted successfully
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Google\Chrome\Extensions\pfkfdlcdbajamklbneflfbcmfgddmpae deleted successfully

==== Empty IE Cache ======================

C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 emptied successfully
C:\Users\Philippe\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.IE5 emptied successfully

==== Empty FireFox Cache ======================

No FireFox Profiles found

==== Empty Chrome Cache ======================

C:\Users\Philippe\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\Default\Cache emptied successfully

==== Empty All Flash Cache ======================

Flash Cache Emptied Successfully

==== Empty All Java Cache ======================

No Java Cache Found

==== C:\zoek_backup content ======================

C:\zoek_backup (files=26 folders=28 54757252 bytes)

==== Empty Temp Folders ======================

C:\Users\Default\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully
C:\Users\Default User\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully
C:\Users\Philippe\AppData\Local\Temp will be emptied at reboot
C:\WINDOWS\serviceprofiles\networkservice\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully
C:\WINDOWS\serviceprofiles\Localservice\AppData\Local\Temp emptied successfully
C:\WINDOWS\Temp will be emptied at reboot

==== After Reboot ======================

==== Empty Temp Folders ======================

C:\WINDOWS\Temp successfully emptied
C:\Users\Philippe\AppData\Local\Temp successfully emptied

==== Empty Recycle Bin ======================

C:\$RECYCLE.BIN successfully emptied

==== EOF on 2014-08-26 at 12:44:45.77 ======================

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Is it fixed now?

 

[Lost River]

ran malwarebytes. no threats. Found.

Thank you very much. I will be much more careful when I next download software. I will donate.

Philippe

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
www.malwarebytes.org

Scan Date: 2014-08-26
Scan Time: 1:35:19 PM
Logfile:
Administrator: Yes

Version: 2.00.2.1012
Malware Database: v2014.08.26.05
Rootkit Database: v2014.08.21.01
License: Trial
Malware Protection: Enabled
Malicious Website Protection: Enabled
Self-protection: Disabled

OS: Windows 8.1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: Philippe

Scan Type: Threat Scan
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 309502
Time Elapsed: 4 min, 38 sec

Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Disabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Enabled
PUM: Enabled

Processes: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Modules: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Physical Sectors: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Glad I could help



Below you will find my thoughts about securing your machine. Go ahead through it, you will benefit from some useful advice about safe computing.

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

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Since this issue appears to be resolved, I am closing the topic. If that is not the case and you need or wish to continue with this topic, please contact me or any staff member with the address of the thread.

Other members who need assistance please start your own topic in a new thread. Thanks!