Solved Suspicious Processes - PresentationHost.exe, msiexec, conhost, notepad slowing down computer

DavidClaus

New Member
Thread author
May 8, 2016
3
Howdy all,

I've been seeing multiple instances of processes in Task Manager such as conhost, ctfmon, msiexec.exe, presentationhost.exe, and even notepad.exe even while it's not opened, and they all take up a lot of memory slowing down my computer. Also, whenever I attempt to end these processes, they'd always reappear back and multiply.
 

Attachments

  • FRST.txt
    46.5 KB · Views: 6
  • Addition.txt
    43.8 KB · Views: 5

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Hello,


FRST.gif
Fix with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

icon_exclaim.gif
This fix was created for this user for use on that particular machine.
icon_exclaim.gif

icon_exclaim.gif
Running it on another one may cause damage and render the system unstable.
icon_exclaim.gif

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
    FRST.gif
    icon and select
    RunAsAdmin.jpg
    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 finishes FRST will generate a log on the Desktop, called Fixlog.txt.

Please attach it to your reply.




Please download Zemana AntiMalware and save it to your Desktop.
  • Install the program and once the installation is complete it will start automatically.
  • Without changing any options, press Scan to begin.
  • After the short scan is finished, if threats are detected press Next to remove them.
Note: If restart is required to finish the cleaning process, you should click Reboot. If reboot isn't required, please restart your computer manually.
  • Open Zemana AntiMalware again.
  • Click on
    4zu6vb.jpg
    icon and double click the latest report.
  • Now click File > Save As and choose your Desktop before pressing Save.
  • The only left thing is to attach saved report in your next message.
 

Attachments

  • fixlist.txt
    6.9 KB · Views: 11

DavidClaus

New Member
Thread author
May 8, 2016
3
So far so good, I believe... Computer has been running faster and the processes aren't showing up anymore
 

Attachments

  • Fixlog.txt
    12.3 KB · Views: 3
  • 2016.05.08-13.05.21-i0-t92-d2.txt
    2.8 KB · Views: 5

DavidClaus

New Member
Thread author
May 8, 2016
3
Yes, attached is the updated Fixlog. It looked like the problem went away after I used Zemana
 

Attachments

  • Fixlog.txt
    12.2 KB · Views: 3

TwinHeadedEagle

Level 41
Verified
Mar 8, 2013
22,627
Exactly.

Since there are no more problems, we can declare this PC clean
thumbs_up_smiley.gif


Now, we can proceed with post-cleanup procedures. Let's remove my tools and create a new, non infected restore point concurrently deleting old ones.


Step 1. - Creation of system restore point and tools removal.


Download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your desktop.
  • Run the tool by right click on the
    51a5ce45263de-delfix.png
    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). I don't need it for review.
Tool deletes old system restore points and creates a fresh system restore point after cleaning.


Step 2. - Tips and tricks to keep your computer clean, safe and in a good shape.


Security tips - highly recommended reading:

Maintenance tips:

Additional software that I personally use and install on all my clients devices:

  • Zemana AntiMalware (paid version highly recommended) - to work as a supplement for your antivirus but with excellent remediation
  • 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.
  • CryptoPrevent - tool for protection against Cryptolocker and similar ransomware infections.
  • Adblock - to surf the web without annoying ads!
  • Qualys BrowserCheck - cloud service that scans your browsers and plugins to see if they’re all up-to-date.


My help is free for everybody.
If you're happy with the help provided and/or wish to show your appreciaton, please consider a donation:
Thank you!​



Stay safe,
TwinHeadedEagle :)
 

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