Ran Combofix with Windows Defender renamed

[DerekE]

http://malwaretips.com/blogs/file-contained-a-virus-and-was-deleted-removal/

Unfortunatelly I had not renamed the Windows defender back to its correct name before running Combofix! It says I cannot run this program again. But to contact here for assistance.

Would the wrongly named folder still get scanned by combofix?

And should I continue with the next stage using the roguekiller software?

Thanks for your guidance
DerekE

 

[kuttus]

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:

• 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.

Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.


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 />


Please run the following utility so that I can get a log of your system...
STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix

Please read and follow very carefully the below instructions​

Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:

COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #2 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
----------------------------------------------------------------
VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop

<ul>
<li>Close any open browsers.</li>
<li>Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
<>Very Important!</> Temporarily <>disable</> your <>anti-virus</>, <>script blocking</> and any <>anti-malware</> real-time protection <em><>before</></em> performing a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause <em>"unpredictable results"</em>.</li>
<li><>WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts</>.Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.</li>
</ul>
-----------------------------------------------------------------

How to run the Combofix scan :

1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.
   [*]Please include the C:\ComboFix.txt in your next reply.

Additional notes:
<ol><li> Do not mouse-click Combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.</li>
<li> Do not "re-run" Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.</li>
<li> If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.</li></ol>



<hr />


Note : Download a Fresh Copy of COmbofix using another browser or in another computer...

 

[DerekE]

Hi Kuttus

Thank you for offering to help me with this task. Its proving more difficult than I thought. Thank you also for the comforting comments about the false identification of the downloading sites

I have re-run the combofix.
I have attached the Combofix.txt file for your viewing.
I ran it with the Windows Defender named correctly this time.

What would you advise as the next step.

Regards
DerekE

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:

• 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.

Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.


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 />


Please run the following utility so that I can get a log of your system...
STEP 1 : Run a scan with Combofix

Please read and follow very carefully the below instructions​

Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:

COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #1 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
COMBOFIX DOWNLOAD LINK #2 (This link will automatically download Combofix on your computer)
----------------------------------------------------------------
VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop

<ul>
<li>Close any open browsers.</li>
<li>Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.
<>Very Important!</> Temporarily <>disable</> your <>anti-virus</>, <>script blocking</> and any <>anti-malware</> real-time protection <em><>before</></em> performing a scan. They can interfere with ComboFix or remove some of its embedded files which may cause <em>"unpredictable results"</em>.</li>
<li><>WARNING: Combofix will disconnect your machine from the Internet as soon as it starts</>.Please do not attempt to re-connect your machine back to the Internet until Combofix has completely finished.
If there is no internet connection after running Combofix, then restart your computer to restore back your connection.</li>
</ul>
-----------------------------------------------------------------

How to run the Combofix scan :

1. Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
2. Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
3. When finished, it shall produce a log for you.
   [*]Please include the C:\ComboFix.txt in your next reply.

Additional notes:
<ol><li> Do not mouse-click Combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.</li>
<li> Do not "re-run" Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.</li>
<li> If after the reboot you get errors about programms being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.</li></ol>



<hr />


Note : Download a Fresh Copy of COmbofix using another browser or in another computer...

 

[kuttus]

STEP 1: Download and Run Windows Repair (all in one)

Download Windows Repair (all in one)

• Install the program then run it.
• Go to step 2 and allow it to run Disc check by clicking Do It
• Go to step 3 and allow it to run SFC
• Go to start repairs tab select advanced mode and click start.
•  Check the box next to "Restart/Shutdown system when finished" and ensure the following is checked along with the default checks
  1. Reset File Permissions
  2. Register System Files
  3. Repair WMI
  4. Remove Policies Set By Infections
  5. Remove Temp Files
•   Then click Start.
  

 

[DerekE]

Hi Kuttus - downloaded software - ran the Windows repair (all in one) software,
it reported that damage can occur if not scanned for infected files first, so agreed to continue and it loaded Malwarebytes Anti Malware and did a scan.

Reported over 260 infected files - log showed many were PUP's related to "Bonanza deal", "The sea app", and "mysearchdial", so uninstalled these programs. re-scanned with full scan setting, results 47 infected files - selected these and selected remove selected files, Next scan was zero infected files.

Performed the procedures you mentioned. Step 2, Step 3. of the Windows repair (all in one), But could not find the advanced tab for the Start Repairs, but after selecting start, and agreing to do a registry and system restore backup it showed me the settings you wanted me to set, some were already selected - but had about two to turn on. Took a while. Seemed to be checking many 1000's of files for each of the 35 routines.

I have just done a download test of a known safe file from my dropbox via an internet link sent in an email and unfortunatelly it has reported the file contains a virus and was deleted again.

Please can you advise what to do next.

Kind Regards
Derek

 

[kuttus]

Okay...

STEP 1: 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 <>Scan</>,then confirm each time with <>Ok</>.</li>
<li>After the Scan is Over press on Clean ,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 2: Run a scan with Junkware Removal Tool

Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop from here

• Turn off your antivirus software now to avoid potential conflicts
• Double-click to run the tool. For Windows Vista or 7 users, right-click the file 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) will be saved to your desktop and will automatically open
• Post the contents of JRT.txt into your next reply

---

You should be able to run both scans while in Normal mode...
STEP 3: 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 />

 

[DerekE]

Hi Kuttus
Ran all three programs.
The AdwCleaner produced a report (S0) not (S1) as you expected.
THe JRT Ran perfectly
THe Chameleon ran on #1 from the Help menu.
This scan said it found zero infected files.

Unfortunatelly Still cannot download files - says contained a virus and was deleted.

 

[kuttus]

Which Version of IE are you using?

 

[DerekE]

Hi Kuttus

This PC has IE9.

Thanks for your help

Regards
Derek

 

[kuttus]

Please Rename the Windows Defender Folder Once Again... Rename it as Windows Defender.Old and reboot the computer. Let me know after that......

 

[DerekE]

Hi Kuttus.
I renamed to Windows Defender.old
Rebooted and went to my link to download a file of mine in dropbox.
Selected Download and at the end of the downlad it said the same, this file has a virus and was deleted.
I copied the link into Google chrome - after it appeared to download it, it reported
Failed - Virus scan failed.?

When running some of your applications that needed to be updated a window appeared below the program and downloaded fine. But whenever the yellow box appears that shows the downloading in process, it always reports a virus and deleted or fails the virus checker.

So Windows defender is still renamed but unfortunatelly Both Explorer and Google Chrome fail the download. I wish the PC owner had the Windows disk and I would like to scrub the disk and start again but that did not come with the PC.

One other thing I noticed last night was "/?gws_rd=cr&ei=en-QUurQE7Sb0wWEvYHoDg" the text inside the quotations would automatically appear after setting www.google.co.uk and selecting use current to set the home page. On Google chrome it was another long string - could this be related in any way?
I have never come across this in any of my time working on PC's and I do have many years of using PC's and have done repairs - but this is in a league of its own.

THanks again for your help
DerekE

 

[kuttus]

You mean this problem is happening in Both Google Chrome and Internet Explorer? Which Antivirus Program are you using on your computer now?


STEP 1: Run a HitmanPro scan
<ol>
<li><>Download the latest official version of HitmanPro</>.
<a href="http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> <>HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK</></a> <em>(This link will open a download page in a new window from where you can download HitmanPro)</em></li>
<li>Start HitmanPro by <>double clicking on the previously downloaded file.</> and then following the prompts.
<img src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro4.png" alt="[Image: hitmanproscan4.png]" border="0" /></li>
<li>Once the scan is complete, a screen displaying all the malicious files that the program found will be shown as seen in the image below.After reviewing each malicious object click <>Next</> .
<img src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rsz_hpro5.png" alt="[Image: hitmanproscan5.png]" border="0" /></li>
<li>Click <>Activate free license</> to start the free 30 days trial and remove the malicious files.
<img src="http://malwaretips.com/images/removalguide/hpro6.png" alt="[Image: hitmanproscan6.png]" border="0" /></li>
<li>HitmanPro will now start removing the infected objects, and in some instances, may suggest a reboot in order to completely remove the malware from your system. In this scenario, always confirm the reboot action to be on the safe side.
</ol>
Add to your next reply, any log that HitmanPro might generate.
<hr />
STEP 2: Run a scan with ESET Online Scanner
<ol>
<li>Download ESET Online Scanner utility from the below link
<><a title="External link" href="http://download.eset.com/special/eos/esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe" rel="nofollow">ESET ONLINE SCANNER DOWNLOAD LINK</a></> <em>(This link will automatically download ESET Online Scanner on your computer.)</em></li>
<li>Double click on the Eset installer program (esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe).</li>
<li>Check <>Yes, I accept the Terms of Use</></li>
<li>Click the <>Start</> button.</li>
<li>Check <>Scan archives</></li>
<li>Push the <>Start</> button.</li>
<li>ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.</li>
<li>When the scan completes, push <>List of found threats</></li>
<li>Push <>Export to Text file </> and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as <>ESET Scan</>. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.Note - when ESET doesn't find any threats, no report will be created.</li>
<li>Push the <>back</> button.</li>
<li>Push <>Finish</></li>
</ol>
<hr />

STEP 3: Run a scan with Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
<ol><li>Download Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool from the below link and then double click on it to start this utility.
<><a title="External link" href="http://www.kaspersky.com/antivirus-removal-tool?form=1" rel="nofollow">KASPERSKY VIRUS REMOVAL TOOL</a></> <em>(This link open an new webpage from where you can download Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool on your computer.)</em></li>
<li>Follow the onscreen prompts until it is installed</li>
<li>Click the Options button (the 'Gear' icon), then make sure only the following are ticked:
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #ff0000;">System Memory</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0000;">Hidden startup objects</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0000;">Disk boot sectors</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0000;">Local Disk (C: )</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #ff0000;">Also any other drives (Removable that you may have)</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Then click on <>Actions</> on the left hand side</li>
<li>Click <>Select Action</>, then make sure both <>Disinfect</> and <>Delete if disinfection fails</> are ticked</li>
<li>Click on <>Automatic Scan</></li>
<li>Now click the <>Start Scanning</> button, to run the scan</li>
<li>After the scan is complete, click the reports button ('Paper icon', next to the 'Gear' icon) on the right hand side</li>
<li>Click <>Detected threats</> on the left</li>
<li>Now click the <>Save</> button, and save it as <>kaslog.txt</> to your <>Desktop</></li>
<li>Please attach kaslog.txt in your next reply.</li>
</ol>
<hr />

 

[DerekE]

Hi Kuttus

Wow that was a marathon - 6.5 hours of scanning for all three programs.

To answer your question regarding the antivirus software - this PC apparently has some in the past but when I received it, it had none - so I have installed AVAST, before any of this cleaning.

The Hitman Pro found 3 problems, the other two - that took the longest time to scan reported no problems.
Unfortunately the files are still blocked on both browsers Explorer and Google Chrome.

I really appreciate you assistance

DerekE

 

[kuttus]

What version of Internet Explorer are you using now ?

 

[DerekE]

Internet Explorer 9

Regards
DerekE

 

[kuttus]

Do you have Mozilla Firefox? If you have it are you able to download using that one?

 

[DerekE]

Hi Kuttus

I have good news and an appology..
The good news is I can now download files on the once defective PC.
And thankfully with your help, many items of malware are removed from the PC and its nice and clean.

The appology ... I said this PC had no antivirus when I got it. I saw it had a Norton scanner on it but this was not a full security package, But it also had an AVG program running, but part of it seems to be deleted, not allowing it to function correcly or be visible from toolbars. The mail program had also been deleted. So not sure of the calibre of the "person who attempted to clean it last time".

I noticed that in the add on's in IE that it showed AVG as disabled. Then looked in Services and saw there was an AVG firewall running and others were running - when they were stopped and PC restarted they started up again. So knew that there must have been entries in the Registry to start these and sure enough there was. I attempted to uninstall it and it failed.

Eventually I found on the net that others have had similar problems uninstalling AVG and there are a few files that can be downloaded to fully uninstall AVG, from the AVG site, and it did, and now all is working fine. After runnng the AVG uninstaller my test download ran perfectly.

I am very greatfull for the support you have given me - I was puzzles that initially thinking it was the Zero Access trojan that should have only affected IE I thought, but the problem was also affecting Google Chrome! - But the programs you asked me to run did find 260 errors on the first scan so that was very good to see the back of these infected files.

So Thank you again for your help and SORRY for the misleading answer regarding the original antivirus.

Kind Regards
DerekE

 

[kuttus]

Hi DerekE,

No issues... I am happy to hear that your computer is back to Normal now.. Is there anything else that we can assist you with now?




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.

• AdBlock

---

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.

• CCleaner
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
• Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer

Other than that, stay safe out there! If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask

<hr />
What's next?

1. Bulild up your malware defenses by starting a new thread in Security Configuration Wizard forum.
2. 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>
3. 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.​

 

[DerekE]

Thank You.

 

[kuttus]

This thread is now closed.​

Reason:&nbsp;<span style="color: #ff0000;">Issue Resolved</span>​

<span style="color: #ff0000;"><>The procedures contained in this thread are for this user and this user only.&nbsp;&nbsp;Attempting to use the instructions in this thread on your system could result in damaging the Operating System beyond repair.&nbsp;&nbsp;</></span>

<span style="color: #ff0000;"><>DO NOT use any of the tools mentioned in this thread without the supervision of a Malware Removal Specialist.</></span>

All members requesting Malware Removal Assistance are required to follow all procedures in the thread

My virus removal help is always free. Should you wish to show your appreciation via a donation, it will be much appreciated.​