pc bogged down with possible explorer.exe leak, multiple dllhost.exe's too

[Jere]

When trying to run ComboFix, I get a "NSIS error. Error launching installer"

I wish I could be of more help for an initial post. I don't know how much damage has truly been done, as this desktop pc has been like this for almost a week, and just now trying to clean it all up.

 

[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.

 

[Jere]

Here's the log. I admit I didn't "run as administrator" being it's so early in the morning, but I hope it still did the job.

 

[argus]

No problem, is everything ok now?

 

[Jere]

At this moment, it appears to be fine. Running Windows Update now to make sure it's fully updated. I won't be able to say for certain it's fixed until Monday, as I don't personally use this machine regularly, so not used to how it performs.

May I ask, what was the issue? New virus/malware? I hadn't seen something like this before.

 

[argus]

No problem, I'm here.

Malware http://www.herdprotect.com/acikmao.dll-0f785447ff82e4658140597a95b5ea0979d892c1.aspx

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!

 

[Jere]

Ok, so I have returned and still have one issue. It might just be corrupted files, but when Internet Explorer is opened, it pops up for only a second then closes. Unfortunately it is a requirement that it works, so I can't just suggest a different browser. Where should I go from here?

 

[argus]

Download

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit to your desktop.

• 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"

 

[Jere]

63 issues detected, and rebooted the pc.

IE still loads for a second then immediately closes

 

[argus]

How's your computer behaving now?

 

[Jere]

How's your computer behaving now?

I apologize, and forgot to add that IE is still acting up the same.

 

[argus]

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.

• 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.

Download MCShield to your desktop and install
It will initially run a scan and show the result as a toaster by the system clock
Then in the control centre select scanner and tick unhide items on flash drives

Plug in the drive and McShield will start a scan

Then get the log which will be here :

Start > all programs > MCShield > logs > all scans

And post that

 

[Jere]

Task manager seems to be filled with 5 dllhosts atm; was at 20+ when I was scanning.

While I'm waiting, I will attempt to uninstall IE through "Windows Features" and reinstall to see if that fixes the IE issue.

>>> MCShield AllScans.txt <<<

-----------------------------




MCShield ::Anti-Malware Tool:: http://www.mcshield.net/

>>> v 3.0.5.28 / DB: 2014.11.5.1 / Windows 7 <<<


11/11/2014 6:26:50 AM > Drive C: - scan started (OS ~449 GB, NTFS HDD )...



=> The drive is clean.


11/11/2014 6:26:51 AM > Drive D: - scan started (HP_RECOVERY ~16 GB, NTFS HDD )...



=> The drive is clean.


11/11/2014 6:26:53 AM > Drive I: - scan started (KINGSTON ~982 MB, FAT32 flash drive )...



=> The drive is clean.

 

[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.

 

[Jere]

Also, uninstalling the most recent version of IE failed, but the error was vague as "I can'd let you do that, Dave"

IE still opens then immediately closes.

I'm afraid I'm hitting that point where the only good answer is to wipe & reinstall.

 

[argus]

Did you try this

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737

 

[Jere]

I did, and it made no effect to the issue.

 

[argus]

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.

 

[Jere]

Sorry it took some time, here's the updated information.

 

[argus]

System is clean

IE11

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318378