Windows Security Center won't open and Browser Redirect

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darrens

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Also, the ODL and Extras files were from different scans because the first scan didn’t have LOP and Purity Check boxes selected (and when I scanned again it didn’t create a new Extras file).

Please help me get rid of this! Thank you for your help!
 

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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 2: 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
Code: 
:OTL
FF - prefs.js..extensions.enabledAddons: %7B972ce4c6-7e08-4474-a285-3208198ce6fd%7D:19.0.2
FF - user.js - File not found
FF:64bit: - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@adobe.com/FlashPlayer: C:\windows\system32\Macromed\Flash\NPSWF64_11_6_602_180.dll File not found
FF:64bit: - HKLM\Software\MozillaPlugins\@microsoft.com/GENUINE: disabled File not found
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters: DhcpNameServer = 128.200.1.201 128.200.192.202
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{C0F9955B-CC2F-4B9F-9D61-9B8EF3FCCD64}: DhcpNameServer = 128.200.1.201 128.200.192.202
[2013/03/09 10:17:08 | 000,000,057 | ---- | M] () -- C:\ProgramData\Ament.ini

:Files
C:\ProgramData\Ament.ini


:commands
[emptytemp]
[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 />
STEP 3 : Run a scan with Kaspersky TDSSKiller
<ol>
<li>Download Kaspersky TDSKiller from the below link.
<><a title="External link" href="http://support.kaspersky.com/downloads/utils/tdsskiller.exe" rel="external">KASPERKSY TDSSKILLER DOWNLOAD LINK</a></> <em>(This link will automatically download Kaspersky TDSSKiller on your computer)</em>
</li>
<li>Double-click on <>TDSSKiller.exe</> to run the application.
<img src="http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1907/tdss1.png" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Click <>Change parameters</>
<img src="http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/288/tdss2.png" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Check the boxes next to <>Verify Driver Digital Signature</> and <>Detect TDLFS file system</>, then click <>OK</>
<img src="http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1456/tdss3.png" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>Click on the <>Start Scan</> button to begin the scan and wait for it to finish.
<>NOTE:</> Do not use the computer during the scan!</li>
<li>During the scan it will look similar to the image below:
<img src="http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/9136/tdss4.jpg" alt="Posted Image" /></li>
<li>When it finishes, you will either see a report that no threats were found like below:
<img src="http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/9898/tdss5.jpg" alt="Posted Image" />
If no threats are found at this point, just click the <>Report</> selection on the top right of the form to generate a log. A log file report will pop which you can just close since the report file is already saved.</li>
<li>If any infection or suspected items are found, you will see a window similar to below:
<img src="http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/905/tdss7.jpg" alt="Posted Image" />
<ul>
<li>If you have files that are shown to fail <em>signature check</em> do not take any action on these. Make sure you select <>Skip</>. I will tell you what to do with these later. They may not be issues at all.</li>
<li>If <em>Suspicious objects</em> are detected, the default action will be Skip. Leave the default set to Skip.</li>
<li>If <em>Malicious objects</em> are detected, they will show in the Scan results. TDSSKiller automatically selects an action (Cure or Delete) for malicious objects
Make sure that <>Cure</> is selected. <>VERY IMPORTANT!</> - If <em>Cure</em> is not available, please choose <>Skip</> instead. DO NOT choose Delete unless instructed to do so.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Click <>Continue</> to apply selected actions.</li>
<li>A reboot may be required to complete disinfection. A window like the below will appear:
<img src="http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4812/tdss6.jpg" alt="Posted Image" />
Reboot immediately if TDSSKiller states that one is needed.</li>
<li>Whether an infection is found or not, a log file should have already been created on your C: drive (or whatever drive you boot from) in the root folder named something like <>TDSSKiller.2.1.1_2.12.2012_14.17.04_log.txt</> which is based on the program version # and date and time run.</li>
<li>Attach this log to your next reply.</li>
</ol>
<hr />
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hi Kuttus,

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.

I ran the OTL fix, rebooted and then the TDSS Killer scan and I've attached both reports. TDSS Killer did not find any infected files, but it never did before either.

I hope this helps. Thanks again!

-Darren
 

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Okay...

STEP 1: 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



STEP 2: 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/>
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I ran the Junkware removal scan and the AdwCleaner scan ... I've run AdwCleaner before and it did not find anything the last time I scanned either. Also, after both scans and the restart Microsoft Security Essentials is still not opening.

I've attached both reports. Thanks Kuttus.
 

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Okay...

STEP 1: Run a scan with Farbar Service Scanner

<ol> <li>Download Farbar Service Scanner from the below link.
<><a title="External link" href="http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/farbar/FSS.exe" rel="external">FABAR SERVICE SCANNER</a></> <em> (This link will automatically download Farbar Service Scanner on your computer)</em></li>
<li>Run the ulity and checkmark all the boxes</li>
<li> Click on the Scan button.
<img src="http://malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/fabar.png" /></li>
<li>Add the log that will produce in your next reply.</li></ol>
<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 />
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I ran FarbarSS and attached the log.

However, when I went to run ComboFix it said that Microsoft Security Essentials was still running. I disabled everything else, but I don't know how to disable MSE when I cannot access the program. Is there another way I can disable Security Essentials?

I didn't want to run Combofix without closing all the anti-virus software first (my computer make a loud beep and the text box says "Combofix will continue to run, but at my own risk") so I thought I'd ask you before I continue.

The ComboFix warning box is still open and I'll wait to do anything until I hear back from you.

Thanks!
 

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I understand that is how I would turn off Microsoft Security Essentials, if I could open the program.

But I can't even open MSE. It closes immediately after trying to open it, so I cannot get to settings.

Should I uninstall it for the time being, or is there another way to turn it off?
 
I ran Combofix and I've attached the log. I'm pretty sure that MSE was not running, but you'll probably able to tell from the log.

I also tried to import the two Regfixes. The first one imported and ran just fine. But the second one (WinDefed) would not import and I got the error message:
Cannot import C:\Users\Darren\Desktop\Windefend.reg: Not all data was written to the registry. Some keys are open by the system or other processes.

What should I do next?
 

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I opened services and there was no "Action Center" on the list. I did see "Security Center" but I was not given the option to restart this service.

I did start "Windows Update" though with no problems.
 
Okay.

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.
 
I ran the Windows Repair (all in one) following all the steps and then restarting when it was finished.

I have a bunch of different logs after running the program. I can send you any or all of them, but I've attached the "Main" log with an overview of what was repaired.

Microsoft Security Essentials is still immediately closing when I try to open it, but now the "Action Center" says no current issues detected.
 

Attachments

I uninstalled and reinstalled MSE, but it is still not opening. When I click on "Turn on Windows Security Center Service" in the Action Center I get the error message: The Windows Security Center service can't be started.

In the process I also uninstalled Avast, because I didn't want both anti-virus programs running at the same time. But I reinstalled Avast when MSE would not open.
 
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