The Official Malware/Antivirus Thread - Need help or general advice? Read this first!

[Bearcat]

This thread provides information on malware removal, links to malware removal tools, and recommendations & links to anti-virus software. The intention of this thread is to provide quick and accurate support for malware-related issues and questions.

Many people here are willing to provide assistance if you're having computer problems, and this thread is not meant to discourage people from asking for help.... but, please read the information provided first, or else there's a good chance you'll be sent here, here, or here . We aren't Geek Squad, so while we won't grossly overcharge you for information and advice, we also aren't responsible for anything you do to your computer.

Also, feel free to make suggestions on the content of this post, and I'll try to keep it up to date.

Research

A lot of information can be found at this EliteKiller link, including...

• Links to recommended malware scanning & removal tools, including the Rogue Removal Kit (which includes combofix), malwarebytes (aka MBAM), and Hitman Pro.
• A link to HiJackThis, which creates a log of registry entries, running services, etc; that can be posted here for additional support.
• Reviews, recommendations, and links to antivirus software, on-demand scanners, and online scanners.
• Information on firewalls and unsecured networks, as well as malware/virus prevention.

Malware Removal

If you think your computer is infected, the EliteKiller link provides a thorough solution. Simply put...

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

Step 1 go here http://www.elitekiller.com/malware.htm and read up

Step 2 download the Rogue Removal Kit http://www.elitekiller.com/files/rogueremoval.zip

Step 3 unzip the Kit, read the instruction file and run the tools in the order given.

Step 4 Thank me in about 3 hours for fixing your shit.

The Rogue Removal Kit is is a zipped file that includes malwarebytes, CCleaner (a registry cleaner that will also delete temporary files), Combofix, Hitman Pro, and HiJackThis (HiJackThis is optional, see below). The instructions guide you through running these tools in Safe Mode With Networking; then running malwarebytes and an online scanner in Normal Mode.

Some people don't recommend running Combofix unless you're fairly certain you need to use it, but I've never heard of people having major problems with it. Here's a list of symptoms to Vundo infections, which may help determine if you need to run Combofix. You can also look here to see instructions with screenshots on how to use Combofix.

Taken from the readme in the Rogue Removal Kit:

Quality Online Virus Scanners: (all scanners offer detection and removal)

F-Secure
NOD32
Bitdefender

Quality Free Anti-Virus Software:

Panda Cloud
Microsoft Security Essentials
Antivir
Avast!
AVG


My two cents on downloading anti-malware software...

• Download it from another computer if possible, or from Safe Mode With Networking on the infected machine.
• Verify you are downloading from a legit source and are not being redirected to a site where you'll end up downloading more malware. If you click on any links above, verify the link in the bottom left before clicking on it, then after clicking the link verify that's where you were taken in the address bar.
• The elitekiller article mentions downloading the software to a USB drive. Do not download the software to a USB drive on the infected machine if you're not in Safe Mode, or else you risk infecting the USB drive and other computers you connect the drive to in the future.

Other Helpful Tips & Tools

Rkill will kill processes that may be preventing scanners from completely removing malware.

To get into Safe Mode With Networking, press F8 every couple of seconds while the computer is starting (before the Windows splash screen). If you see the Windows splash screen, you will need to try again. The safe thing to do is log into Windows, restart, and try pressing F8 several times before seeing the Windows splash screen. Alternatively, my advice that falls into the category of “what I'd do if it was my own computer, but wouldn't tell someone to do it if I worked in tech support” would be, if you didn't get into Safe Mode the first time and you're at the Windows splash screen, hold down the power button until the computer turns off. When you start the computer again, it should automatically ask you if you want to go into Safe Mode With Networking.

If you get a Blue Screen of Death after selecting Safe Mode With Networking, read the following posts on how to fix it:
http://blog.didierstevens.com/2006/06/22/save-safeboot/
http://blog.didierstevens.com/2006/0...ring-safeboot/
http://blog.didierstevens.com/2007/0...th-a-reg-file/


Still infected, or just want to make sure everything is okay?

HiJackThis is a tool that will create a log file that can be analyzed by geeks to see what is running on your computer. Install and run HiJackThis (preferably in Safe Mode With Networking), and select 'Do a system scan and save a log file'. You can then copy/paste the output to this thread, and with any luck, someone will stop by and let you know what you can delete. You can then checkmark the items in HiJackThis and click 'Fixed checked'.

If you don't get a quick response here or would rather do it yourself, you can also go to http://hijackthis.de/, which is an online analyzer for your HiJackThis log. Simply copy and paste the log into the text box and click the Analyze button. During my testing of the site, I found it wasn't perfect, especially when a proxy was setup (the visitor rating would be 'extremely nasty', but the site itself would say it was safe)... but, it's at least a good tool that can significantly shorten the time it takes to analyze the log, and it gives you an idea of which entries you can delete or at least Google/post here for further research.

You can also look at the responses to HiJackThis posts in this thread to get an idea of what is safe and what should be removed.


Windows Performance

A good starting point to knowing what processes and services are running on your computer is a HiJackThis log. There's also a lot of information that's only a Google search away.

To manage the process that start when Windows starts, use msconfig (Start button -> Run... -> msconfig -> Startup tab). This is a good resource on startup processes, and it includes a large database of startup processes with information on whether they're required to run Windows or if it's okay to uncheck them. You basically want processes that are in c:\Windows checked, and you can generally uncheck processes in c:\program files (but there are exceptions, like your antivirus), but do some research (Google, the provided links, this thread) if you're not sure. Adobe, Apple (including qttask, Boujour, AppleUpdater, etc), and any messenger program (unless you have it sign you in at startup) are always the first ones to get unchecked on my computer.

Services can be a little tougher to manage, because it's usually a much longer list, and it's not as simple as flipping them on or off. This is a great resource for managing Windows services (Start button -> Run... -> services.msc). Simply choose your version of Windows and then click on the Service Configuration link. It presents the default setup, a safe setup (what most people can use without any consequences), a tweaked setup for faster startup, and a bare bones setup for the super geek. There's also a Tweaks page for stuff like Adding/Removing programs and System Restore.

[thecoffeeguy]

Originally Posted by Donger

Well, I uninstalled Firefox and re-installed the latest version, and it appears that the hijack has disappeared. That was simple.

I'd still run a few scans, just to make sure. Not sure what AV you are running, but give Microsoft Security Essentials a try. It is free and surprisingly very good. You can remove when it finishes if you prefer.

[blaise]

On google chrome it's doing two things: One is that a black bar will appear in the address bar area. I've read that's a common bug. But also, when I right click to copy something or whatever, it freezes everything for about 20 seconds and doesn't let me copy.
Anyone heard of this?

[rocknrolla]

I have a Mac Mini from 2005 that is not Intel based. Which I recently unpacked. I haven't used it in a year or so. I was wanting to just use it for media. Now it seems that Adobe upgrade has made it a requirement to have an Intel based Mac to watch anything, Netflix or Hulu. Am I just SOL or does anyone know of anything I can do? I love that Mac. I hate to have to get rid of it. Your help is much appreciated. Thanks.
BTW. I don't know shit about computers.

[Fish]

Originally Posted by rocknrolla

I have a Mac Mini from 2005 that is not Intel based. Which I recently unpacked. I haven't used it in a year or so. I was wanting to just use it for media. Now it seems that Adobe upgrade has made it a requirement to have an Intel based Mac to watch anything, Netflix or Hulu. Am I just SOL or does anyone know of anything I can do? I love that Mac. I hate to have to get rid of it. Your help is much appreciated. Thanks.
BTW. I don't know shit about computers.

First off... this is the Malware/Antivirus thread. No place for Mac questions...

Second... I'm pretty sure you're talking about Adobe Flash player upgrade. If so, 10.1 was the last version to support PowerPC. You'll have to download and install that. It will allow you to access Netflix, Hulu, etc.

Find that here: http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get....1_archive.zip

That contains all the versions though. I couldn't find a download for just the version you need. But find the flashplayer10_1r82_76_ub_mac.dmg file in there, and run that. That should do it.

[chiefzilla1501]

This is driving me crazy. Have this program called guard online that's pretty much hijacked my computer. I've tried running malaware on safe mode but the program is actually blocking anti spyware programs. Any advice?

[Fish]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

This is driving me crazy. Have this program called guard online that's pretty much hijacked my computer. I've tried running malaware on safe mode but the program is actually blocking anti spyware programs. Any advice?

How to remove Guard Online

The simplest way to remove Guard Online is following:
1. Right-click on Guard Online icon on desktop.
2. Select Properties. There will be a field that shows file and folder name. The folder name will likely be C:\Windows\System32\. File name will be completely random.
3. Open the location in explorer (C:\Windows\System32\ )
4. Rename the file in that folder that is shown in Target field (step 2).
5. Reboot PC normally. The Guard Online should not launch.
6. open the location again and delete the file.
7. scan with Spyware Doctor and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to get rid of remaining Guard Online files and processes. If browser does not open websites, try disabling proxy server in the browser
8. You might have to scan your PC with TDSS killer as well. This might need to be done after step 5.
If you have problems launching software while Guard Online is active try this code to disable it : 4261328365

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by KC Fish

How to remove Guard Online

The simplest way to remove Guard Online is following:
1. Right-click on Guard Online icon on desktop.
2. Select Properties. There will be a field that shows file and folder name. The folder name will likely be C:\Windows\System32\. File name will be completely random.
3. Open the location in explorer (C:\Windows\System32\ )
4. Rename the file in that folder that is shown in Target field (step 2).
5. Reboot PC normally. The Guard Online should not launch.
6. open the location again and delete the file.
7. scan with Spyware Doctor and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to get rid of remaining Guard Online files and processes. If browser does not open websites, try disabling proxy server in the browser
8. You might have to scan your PC with TDSS killer as well. This might need to be done after step 5.
If you have problems launching software while Guard Online is active try this code to disable it : 4261328365

Thanks, man. Appreciate it. The TDSS killer did the track. That bastard was shutting down every anti-malware program I was throwing at it.

[ElGringo]

I will try posting this here to see if I get any help. I have a laptop (toshiba satellite) I am working on and can't figure out what is causing it to reboot at random. If I boot into safe mode it can run forever without a reboot no problem, in normal mode it reboots randomly shortly after startup. I was going to either do a repair install or complete wipe and reinstall of windows, but it even rebooted when I was trying that. I can run safe mode, hirens boot cd to mini xp, memtest 86+ with no problems, just normal windows. I did a Hijack this in safe mode and am attaching my log. I hope someone here can help me figure it out (about to sign off for the night, but will check back tomorrow).

[DaveNull]

If it's rebooting during installation it may be a hardware problem.

I vote for a full backup/wipe/install.

[ElGringo]

Originally Posted by DaveNull

If it's rebooting during installation it may be a hardware problem.

My first thought as well, but if it really is a hardware problem, why does it run in safe mode all night, runs hiren's boot cd with no problems, runs tests with no faults. In process now of backing up entire hard drive, then will do a low level format outside of Windows and trying a reinstall again (she says there is nothing important on the drive anyway). I just don't know what could possibly cause this problem.

[QuikSsurfer]

Originally Posted by ElGringo

My first thought as well, but if it really is a hardware problem, why does it run in safe mode all night, runs hiren's boot cd with no problems, runs tests with no faults. In process now of backing up entire hard drive, then will do a low level format outside of Windows and trying a reinstall again (she says there is nothing important on the drive anyway). I just don't know what could possibly cause this problem.

Check the event viewer logs and see if you can find when the computer is shutting down -- should give you some idea.
Let me know what you find.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by ElGringo

I will try posting this here to see if I get any help. I have a laptop (toshiba satellite) I am working on and can't figure out what is causing it to reboot at random. If I boot into safe mode it can run forever without a reboot no problem, in normal mode it reboots randomly shortly after startup. I was going to either do a repair install or complete wipe and reinstall of windows, but it even rebooted when I was trying that. I can run safe mode, hirens boot cd to mini xp, memtest 86+ with no problems, just normal windows. I did a Hijack this in safe mode and am attaching my log. I hope someone here can help me figure it out (about to sign off for the night, but will check back tomorrow).

I'd check the event logs first, like QuikSsurfer said, and while you're there, you could look in Computer Management to see if there are any '!' for malfunctioning hardware... in safe mode, you could go open msconfig and uncheck the stuff you don't need to start Windows, like the stuff below (I doubt Malwarebytes or avast would be your problem, and you'd obviously want to check them again when you're finished troubleshooting). Also, under services, there are a bunch of Toshiba services for bluetooth and stuff... you could disable those to make sure they aren't causing issues with missing hardware.


O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware] "C:\Program Files (x86)\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbamgui.exe" /starttray

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast] "C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\avastUI.exe" /nogui

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [TOSCDSPD] C:\Program Files\TOSHIBA\TOSCDSPD\TOSCDSPD.exe

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'SERVICIO LOCAL')

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-19\..\Run: [WindowsWelcomeCenter] rundll32.exe oobefldr.dll,ShowWelcomeCenter (User 'SERVICIO LOCAL')

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-20\..\Run: [Sidebar] %ProgramFiles%\Windows Sidebar\Sidebar.exe /detectMem (User 'Servicio de red')

[ElGringo]

Yeah, unfortunately, already wiped the hard drive. Tried install both Vista and 7 to no avail, just kept on rebooting. I am now installing XP, and that seems to be working. I believe there must have been a problem in the video drivers as the one thing all the working modes had in common was 800x600 displays. Still not clear what the problem was, but hopefully this load works.

[ElGringo]

Just to give an update, in case anyone else encounters this problem...here is where I am. I finally got Windows XP installed (more forgiving in the install process). It would continue to do the same thing with that install. So I continued to play with it. It turns out when it was not connected to the charger it would run just fine, but when connected it would only run in safe mode without reboot. So I searched more with make and model of laptop and this specific problem. I came across a strange solution, disable 1 of the 2 processors, and it worked. Problem now is getting it up to Windows 7, as it would reboot during install. Solution there was, install windows 7 to the hard drive on a different computer, put hard drive back on original computer, boot into safe mode (after installing numerous drivers) go into device manager disable a processor (intel core 2 duo t5550), reboot, and it is working fine (obviously installed Windows 7 32 bit). I will probably be searching for a better solution than disabling a processor this week, but it will get her by for a week.

[chasedude]

Originally Posted by ElGringo

Just to give an update, in case anyone else encounters this problem...here is where I am. I finally got Windows XP installed (more forgiving in the install process). It would continue to do the same thing with that install. So I continued to play with it. It turns out when it was not connected to the charger it would run just fine, but when connected it would only run in safe mode without reboot. So I searched more with make and model of laptop and this specific problem. I came across a strange solution, disable 1 of the 2 processors, and it worked. Problem now is getting it up to Windows 7, as it would reboot during install. Solution there was, install windows 7 to the hard drive on a different computer, put hard drive back on original computer, boot into safe mode (after installing numerous drivers) go into device manager disable a processor (intel core 2 duo t5550), reboot, and it is working fine (obviously installed Windows 7 32 bit). I will probably be searching for a better solution than disabling a processor this week, but it will get her by for a week.

You might check to see if there is a BIOS update, there might be a bug fix for that.