strongvault residue

[ref551]

Dear good people of the forum

[Whenever I right-click on ANY file on in ANY folder: A window opens:

“Please wait while windows configures Strongvault online backup.”

Then an error message:

“Error 1706 No valid source could be found for Strongvault online backup. The windows 8installer can not continue.”

Then a window titled Strongvault online backup
Containing the following information: ( I can get rid of it by canceling.)

“The feature you are trying to use is on a network resource that is unavailable.
Click OK to try again or enter an alternate path to a folder containing the installation package
‘setup_strongvault.msi’ in the box below.”

I got the Strongvault program by mistake on my computer while I was downloading a file translator program. Bad idea. I have deleted both programs but I have the residual symptom described.

Bambi Friedman

 

[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 />

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 <>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/>
You should be able to run both scans while in Normal mode...
STEP 2: 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 />
What's next?

Add the following logs to your next post (You can find here details on how to use the Attachment System):
1. AdwCleaner Log
2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 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 />

 

[ref551]

Thanks for your kind assistance. Both cleanups were executed, with all programs off. 4 Logs attached. The problem is unchanged so far.
Bambi

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 />

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 <>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/>
You should be able to run both scans while in Normal mode...
STEP 2: 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 />
What's next?

Add the following logs to your next post (You can find here details on how to use the Attachment System):
1. AdwCleaner Log
2. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 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 />

 

[kuttus]

Okay. Thank you for the Logs...

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

:Files
C:\Documents and Settings\XP\Application Data\Strongvault
C:\Documents and Settings\XP\Local Settings\Application Data\Strongvault Online Backup
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Strongvault Online Backup
C:\Program Files\Stronghold Online Backup
C:\Documents and Settings\XP\Local Settings\Application Data\DCBC2A71-70D8-4DAN-EHR8-E0D61DEA3FDF.ini

:Commands
[EmptyTemp]
[EmptyFlash]
[EmptyJava]
[Reboot]

<>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 />

 

[ref551]

Dear Kuttus
I followed instructions and ran OTL with your code. It ran for quite a while, maybe a half-hour. But finally the window closed and the computer crashed. I was left with the desktop background and nothing else- no icons, taskbar, start button, etc. Machine unresponsive to contr-alt-del. Had to force shutdown from the tower. Was able to boot up. Found no OTL log in download folder, which is where the exe file resides. Original problem appears unchanged. Await further instructions.
Bambi

Okay. Thank you for the Logs...

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

:Files
C:\Documents and Settings\XP\Application Data\Strongvault
C:\Documents and Settings\XP\Local Settings\Application Data\Strongvault Online Backup
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Strongvault Online Backup
C:\Program Files\Stronghold Online Backup
C:\Documents and Settings\XP\Local Settings\Application Data\DCBC2A71-70D8-4DAN-EHR8-E0D61DEA3FDF.ini

:Commands
[EmptyTemp]
[EmptyFlash]
[EmptyJava]
[Reboot]

<>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 />

 

[kuttus]

Please press the Windows key and R key on your keyboard together.

Now you will get a Run window. In that run window please type APPWIZ.CPL and press on ok. Now you will get a Add/Remove programs when you can see all of the programs installed on your computer.

Inside that one Check for Strongvault... If you found it there try to remove it from there.... If you are not able to found it there

Download this file and install it. http://stronghold.com/app/Setup_SV.msi. This one is a installation file for Strongvault.

At the time of installation you will get 2 Options as shown.

1. Repair
2. Remove
   http://123pcworld.com/MalwareTips/Stv.png

Select Remove and press on Next. That one will remove the Strongvault from your computer completely.

NOTE : If you didn't see the Remove/Repair option continue with the installation. After completing the installation restart the installation from the same file that you downloaded and this time you will be able to see the Remove...

 

[ref551]

Kuttus
It was not on the list. I ran the uninstall. The problem appears to be fixed. Are there further instructions?
Bambi

 

[kuttus]

Bambi it is nice to hear that the issues seems to be fine ..

Let me know after you Complete this 2 scans.... It will take very few time only ..

Lets clean all the Temp files and Unwanted Broken registry entry's from the computer now...

STEP 1: 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 />

STEP 2: Clean your temporary files to gain more hard drive space and remove the junk files
<ol>
<li>Download Ccleaner from the below link:
CCLEANER DOWNLOAD LINK</a> <em>(This link will automatically download Ccleaner on your computer)</em></li>
<li>Install Ccleaner by following the prompts</li>
<li>Start Ccleaner and the following should be selected by default, if not, please select:
<img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/4l5a4i.png" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Click <img src="http://i56.tinypic.com/16jox2o.png" alt="Posted Image" /> and choose <img src="http://i40.tinypic.com/5x3nu8.gif" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Uncheck <img src="http://i51.tinypic.com/amuvj8.gif" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Then go back to <img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2jb4qyb.gif" alt="Posted Image" /> and click <img src="http://i25.tinypic.com/nf47ev.gif" alt="Posted Image" /> to run it.</li>
<li>Exit CCleaner.</li>
</ol>

---

 

[ref551]

Dear Kuttus
TFC crashes the computer. Last thing it said: "stopping processes". After waiting 20 min I tried EXIT but found that it was frozen. Forced shut down from tower. Did this 3 times.
That's all I did so far. Your advice...?
Bambi

 

[kuttus]

Just turn the compute back on and if you see the Advance Boot Options Select Last Known Good Configurations or Start Windows Normally... Let me know what you are getting now.

 

[ref551]

Computer's running fine. Only problem is TFC always crashes. Should I forget about it and go on to CCleaner?

 

[kuttus]

Sure. If it crashed the computer, don't run the TFC again then... Ccleaner will be fine...

Is there any thing else that I can assist you?

Double click on OTL to run it

• 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.

• 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

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!

 

[ref551]

Kuttus
You are spectacular! Thanks. These is one more thing that I think is wrong with my little machine. I turn her on every day, and I shut her down every night. EVERY night there are one or more Microsoft updates to be automatically loaded on shut down. They CAN'T have a new update every day. I noticed once, it said an update could not be loaded. Is anything wrong, or is my computer too old?
Bambi

 

[kuttus]

Great to hear that everything is working Normal...

To check that Windows Update issue Just click on Start Button--> All Prorgams--> Windows Update

There you can see which one is that update coming every time... Check that one...

 

[ref551]

This one is failing:
Security Update for Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 SP1 on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008 x86 (KB2742597)

 

[kuttus]

Okay. Do one thing Download and install .NET Framework 3.5 from the following link.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=21

 

[kuttus]

This thread is now closed.​

Reason:&nbsp;<span style="color: #ff0000;">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