AVAST blocking multiple threats

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by wwalker555, Dec 12, 2014.

  1. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    I can't find anything to help me with this problem so I turn to you MG pros.

    AVAST (free edition) started issuing the following popups yesterday 12/11/14 about 7pm et. (this is what is listed when I click show details).

    Infection blocked

    URL:cdn1.movieroomreviews.com (this part varies)
    (other URL's are also blocked but movieroomreviews is the main one)

    Infection: URL:Mal

    Process: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe

    I suspect I ran into some malware but I don't know. I have run MBAM multiple times, CCleaner multiple times, AVAST system scan. Even removed and reinstalled AVAST.

    I am sure AVAST is doing it's job properly but the popups are driving me nuts and it seems to get worse later in the day. Any help will be appreciated.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 17, 2014
  2. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Welcome to the Malware Removal forum. :)

    Please read ALL of this message including the notes before doing anything.

    Please follow the instructions in the below link:

    READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide

    and attach the requested logs when you finish these instructions.
    • **** If something does not run, write down the info to explain to us later but keep on going. ****
    • Do not assume that because one step does not work that they all will not. MGtools will frequently run even when all other tools will not.

    • After completing the READ & RUN ME and attaching your logs, make sure that you tell us what problems still remain ( if any still do )!
    Helpful Notes:

    1. If you run into problems trying to run the READ & RUN ME or any of the scans in normal boot mode, you can run the steps in safe boot mode but make sure you tell us what you did later when you post logs. See the below if you do not know how to boot in safe mode:
    2. If you have problems downloading on the problem PC, download the tools and the manual update Malwarebytes ( links are given in the READ & RUN ME) onto another PC and then burn to a CD. Then copy them to the problem PC. You will have to skip getting updates if (and only if) your internet connection does not work. Yes you could use a flash drive too but flash drives are writeable and infections can spread to them.
    3. If you cannot seem to login to an infected user account, try using a different user account (if you have one) in either normal or safe boot mode and running only RogueKiller and Malwarebytes while logged into this other user account. Then reboot and see if you can log into the problem user account. If you can then run the rest of the READ & RUN ME FIRST instructions on the infected account.
    4. To avoid additional delay in getting a response, it is strongly advised that after completing the READ & RUN ME you also read this sticky:
    Any additional post is a bump which will add more delay. Once you attach the logs, your thread will be in the work queue and as stated our system works the oldest threads FIRST.
     
  3. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    The problems previously reported (AVAST blocking numerous threats) started back approximately 15 minutes after I completed scans (MGlogs.zip). I had 9 of them in the next 45 minutes. At that point my pc seemed to freeze up and I shut it down by holding the start button for 5 seconds. Since the restart everything has bee running with no problems.

    I performed all the steps requested without any problems that I could see. I did get a "powershell has stopped working" message quite a bit. But none since I completed the scans.

    Although the directions instructed my not to run EnableUAC.reg, I did before catching my mistake.

    On the HitmanPro scan I failed to turn off the cookie scan, I hope that is not much of a problem.

    I have re-started AVAST.

    As stated earlier these problems started 12/11/14 about 7pm et. I had not installed any new software or made any hardware changes.

    I am not sure this is related to the problem. But around that time I was browsing a fantasy football site that I have used for years. It had a link to a story about a NFL football player that quit, bought a farm and was giving the food to charity. It was a YOUTUBE playback of a CBS news report. This is the only clue I can provide that I can offer that was out of the ordinary.

    Please let me know what else I can provide to help you guys to help me get rid of this problem.

    Thanks
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Ah, you have a Poweliks infection. Easy to get rid of though for the most part...


    Please download the latest version of Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your desktop.

    Note: Make sure you download the correct version for your PC. Only the correct version will work.
    • Double-click to run it. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
    • Press Scan button.
    • It will make a log (FRST.txt) in the same directory the tool is run. Please attach it to your next reply.
    • The first time the tool is run, it makes also another log (Addition.txt). Please attach it to your reply.
     
  5. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    Thanks for the research. I downloaded the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool, performed the scan and have attached the two requested logs.

    I did not run FIX.

    I assume you will be checking the logs out and sending further instructions.

    One question, will this help me get rid of the "Powershell has stopped working" popup?

    And just a bit of a follow up since my last response. In order to help me continue working on the pc, I have been periodically turning off the connection the our home network and then running CCleaner. While this does not eliminate the problems previously mentioned, it does seem to keep the pc clear enough to work normally for a while after I reconnect to the home network. When I first started doing this, CCleaner would run up to 45 minutes now it have been able to keep the run time down to 3-5 minutes. Of course before any of these problem appeared, CCleaner would run in seconds.

    Thanks, I look forward to your next directions.
     

    Attached Files:

  6. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Re run Hitman Pro and have it remove all that it finds.

    NOTE: This script was written specifically for this user for use on this particular computer. Running this on another machine may cause damage to your operating system.


    Download Fixlist.txt (see attached)

    Save fixlist.txt on your Desktop. Make sure you save it as a txt file.
    • You should now have both fixlist.txt and FRST64.exe on your Desktop.
    • Now I want you to disconnect your PC connection to the internet by unplugging the cable ( if it is wireless then temporarily shutdown the wireless network ).
    • Run FRST64.exe by right clicking on it and selecting Run As Adminstrator
    • Click the Fix button just once and wait.
    • Your computer should reboot after the fix runs.
    • Reconnect your internet connection after reboot so you can come back here to continue.
    • The tool will make a log on the Desktop (Fixlog.txt) please attach this new log to your next reply (attach or paste)
    Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista or Win7, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).

    Then attach the below logs:
    • Fixlog.txt
    • C:\MGlogs.zip
    Please attach the above two log first before you continue with the below.
    Also at this point, I want to double check the status of Poweliks by having you run another scan with FRST like in my last message and attach the new FRST.txt and Addition.txt logs.
     

    Attached Files:

  7. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    I must have done some wrong. I clicked on your attachment "fixlist.txt" when it installed on my desktop it had the name "attachment.php". Please let me know what I did wrong.
     
  8. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Can you right click it and "send to notepad" ?? :)
     
  9. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    Sorry. I can open Note Pad but when I right click on your "Fixlist.txt" I still only have the option to save it as "attachment.php".

    When I right click on "Fixlist.txt" there is no option to send it to Note Pad.

    I tried to open "Fixlist.txt" so I could copy and paste it to Note Pad but I could not open the attachment.
     
  10. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    This is an issue with the way newer versions of Internet Explorer work ( or do not work ;) ). Basically it is extremely annoying!

    You can try the following:
    • Run Internet Explorer and click Tools
    • On the Tools pull down select the Compatibility View
    • Now select the Compatibility View Settings item.
    • In the Compatibility View Settings form type majorgeeks.com in the Add this website: box and then click Add.
    • Then click the Close button.
    • Exit Internet Explorer an then restart.
    Did that help? If not, you can use Firefox ( which you have installed ) to download it. Otherwise just save it as attachment.php and then afterwards right click on it and select Rename. Change the name to fixlist.txt.
     
  11. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    Thanks Chaslang, that fixed my download problem.

    Kestrel13!,

    I now have "fixlist.txt" on my desktop as a txt file (Note Pad file).

    Your instructions do not say when to run "fixlist.txt" and when I do a click or double right click on the file, there is no option to run it.

    What am I suppose to do with "fixlist.txt" and how do I run it when you want me to run it?

    Thanks to both of you.
     
  12. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Instructions said:
     
  13. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    Performed all steps requested except last step. I will run FRST64.exe and attach new scan components in my next reply. (You asked me to attach the "Fixlog.txt" and modified "MGlogs.zip - so I will assume you wanted me to send those files before I rerun the FRST64.exe scan.)

    BTW, every thing is running much faster since I ran HitmanPro.
     

    Attached Files:

  14. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    Ran FRST64.exe and have attached the "frst.txt" and "addition.txt" files.


    Please let me know if all is good and if there are any further steps.

    Thanks
     

    Attached Files:

  15. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Excellent. The poweliks infection has gone. Do this, then I will check your last MGLogs.zip for any more leftovers...



    [​IMG] Please download Junkware Removal Tool to your desktop.
    • Shut down your protection software now to avoid potential conflicts.
    • Run the tool by double-clicking it. If you are using Windows Vista or Seven, right-mouse click it 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) is saved to your desktop and will automatically open.
    • Attach JRT.txt to your next message.


    Please download AdwCleaner by Xplode and save to your Desktop.

    • Double click on AdwCleaner.exe to run the tool.
    • Vista/Windows 7/8 users right-click and select Run As Administrator
    • Click on the Scan button.
    • AdwCleaner will begin...be patient as the scan may take some time to complete.
    • After the scan has finished, click on the Report button...a logfile (AdwCleaner[R#].txt) will open in Notepad for review (where the largest value of # represents the most recent report).
    • The contents of the log file may be confusing. Unless you see a program name that you know should not be removed, don't worry about it. If you see an entry you want to keep, let me know about it.
    • Attach the logfile to your next next reply.
    • A copy of all logfiles are saved in the C:\AdwCleaner folder which was created when running the tool.
     
  16. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    Junkware Removal Tool and AdwCleaner logs are attached.

    I do not see anything in the AdwCleaner log that needs to be kept.

    Both scans ran very quick.
     

    Attached Files:

  17. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Before we continue I would like for you to use MSConfig to put this machine back into normal start up mode. Any other mode is primarily used for troubleshooting and diagnostic purposes. You should look into some third party software to control start up's.

    Delete as many files/folders from this location as Windows will let you.

    • C:\Users\Wayne Walker\AppData\Local\Temp

    Explain how things are running.
     
  18. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    Used MSCONFIG to put back in Normal Startup Mode. Please suggest a third party software that I can use to control start-ups (I have no idea on what to looked for or what is good.)

    Ran CCleaner which left 37 items in C:\Users\Wayne Walker\AppData\Local\Temp
    I manually deleted all except: Microsoft, Temp (it wouldn't let me delete them or they were in use) and Windows Live (needed Administrator permission). I then rebooted and it recreated a few of the items I had deleted.

    This laptop PC is running faster, quieter and cooler than it has in a very long time. Granted, it has just been a short time since we have done all this work but it is running super and I can report I have not run into any problems. I have run applications (Microsoft Word & Excel), browsed the internet, sent and received email.
     
  19. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Try this one:

    Start up CPL


    Glad everything is running smoothly. :)


    If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:
    1. We recommend you keep Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware.
    2. Renable your Disk Emulation software with Defogger if you had disabled it in step 4 of the READ & RUN ME.
    3. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis. If you don't see it or it will not uninstall, don't worry about it. Just move on to the next step.
    4. If running Vista, Win 7 or Win 8, it is time to make sure you have reenabled UAC by double clicking on the C:\MGtools\enableUAC.reg file and allowing it to be added to the registry.
    5. Now goto the C:\MGtools folder and find the MGclean.bat file. Double click ( if running Vista, Win7, or Win 8 Right Click and Run As Administrator ) on this file to run this cleanup program that will remove files and folders related to MGtools and some other items from our cleaning procedures.
    6. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others) and running MGclean.bat did not remove them, you can delete these files now.
    7. If you are running Win 8, Win 7, Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below to flush restore points:
      • Refer to the instructions for your WIndows version in this link: Disable And Enable System Restore
      • What we want you to do is to first disable System Restore to flush restore points some of which could be infected.
      • Then we want you to Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.
    8. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:

    You can delete FRST and any log files/folders it made, and the same for JRT and adwcleaner.
     
  20. wwalker555

    wwalker555 Corporal

    I will try Start up CPL after we finish the cleanup.

    Comment #1: When I did Disable and Enable System Restore I run into a problem during the disable. During the Turn Off System Protection procedure I got the following message > Could not configure disk space used for system protection for the following reason: Windows was unable to delete all snapshot. Please retry or view the view the event log for more information. (0x81000010B).

    I did a retry and everything seemed to go well. After I enabled System Restore I created a System Restore point and it is currently the only existing restore point. So I will assume all is good.

    Comment #2: After all the cleanup work, I was still left with many TXT and LOG files on my desktop. I manually deleted all of them. Unless this is wrong I will assume all is good.

    Last Question: When I checked out "How to Protect yourself from malware!" I saw that I am covered except for the Firewall section. I had previously asked someone on MG about a good Firewall and was told the Windows Defender I have was sufficient. Windows Defender is not even mentioned in the Firewall section. Is Windows Defender a valid and worthy Firewall or should I use one of those listed in your document?

    Thanks for all of your help with my problem. You guys are the best, a valuable resource.
     
  21. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    This can be further discussed in the software forum if indeed necessary now. :)


    All is good. ;)

    With Vista upwards I have always just used the Windows own firewall. If you fancy something more superior you can post about it in the software forum.

    Absolutely no problem at all. You are most welcome. Safe surfing!
     

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