Hi - first post - Computer FREEZES after boot up

[nikolas]

Hi, i've read over all the literature on running initial scans before I post here but I have a problem booting my computer up in normal mode. When I boot my PC up in Windows XP the computer slows down and then freezes completely. I usually have about 5-10 seconds before this happens and I saw that my idle process is at 95% CPU usage. I suspect a malware and I'm curious how one can get rid of this without the ability to boot up in 'normal mode'?

I've been able to boot up in safe mode to run scans and I have found malware but after I remove it it doesn't fix the freezing problem in 'normal mode' boot up? Likewise system restores haven't worked.

I appreciate any help I can get regarding this. I've decided to work on this today and all weekend and I hope someone can respond within a reasonable time period. Thanks in advance.

Nick

[chaslang]

Welcome to Major Geeks!

If you ran the READ & RUN ME in safe boot mode then attach the 4 requetsed logs. If you did not run the READ & RUN ME in safe boot mode then please run it and then attach the 4 logs. Your problems may not be due to malware. Without seeing any logs we cannot even guess.

When you boot in normal mode, are you saying that 5 to 10 seconds after you login the freezing occurs? System Idle Process is not a process. It is the free time your CPU has. It is supposed to be a high number. Normally around 99% when you are not doing anything.

[nikolas]

Hi chaslang, thanks for responding so quickly. I went back in safe mode and ran a scan with (see posted logs):

CCleaner
Combo Fix
Malwarebytes
MGTools
SpyBot (nothing found)

For some reason I cannot get SUPERAntiSpyware to install in safe mode. I get a message "the system administrator has set policies to prevent this installation". Hopefully we can diagnose the problem with the attached logs?

Regarding your question, yes my computer seems to freeze while my programs are loading up in the bar in the bottom right side (AVG, SpywareDoctor, MSN). And yes its the System Idle Process that reads very high around 99% but I guess that's normal according to your message.

Thanks again, hope this information i'm sending can help you.

Nick

[chaslang]

Well you did have some malware that got removed, but I'm not sure what your remaining problem is from. It may be due to over use of security type programs. I see too many things in your logs from a lot protection type programs. I'm going to have you uninstall a bunch of things so we can get a better idea if these are the cause or if any of them are just broken. Do not reinstall anything yet! Wait until I tell you to install.

Run this Disable/Remove Windows Messenger to remove Windows Messenger. Do not confuse Windows Messenger with MSN Messenger because they are not the same. Windows Messenger is a frequent cause of popups.



Uninstall the below software:
Ad-Aware SE Personal
AVG Free 8.0
My Way Search Assistant <-- should have been uninstalled in step 1 of the READ ME
Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.5.2.20
Spyware Doctor 5.5
STOPzilla!

Run C:\MGtools\analyse.exe by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator). This is really HijackThis (select Do a system scan only) and select the following lines but DO NOT CLICK FIX until you exit all browser sessions including the one you are reading in right now:

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://www.dell4me.com/mywaybiz
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {31CA2FDC-C522-4C5C-88E8-56C221CBFB44} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5C8B2A36-3DB1-42A4-A3CB-D426709BBFEB} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B445130C-D1CA-4474-8D51-90BD4897364B} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {B56A7D7D-6927-48C8-A975-17DF180C71AC} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {EE7209E1-70E1-4323-8E06-4C18421B87A4} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UserFaultCheck] %systemroot%\system32\dumprep 0 -u

After clicking Fix, exit HJT.



Now we need to use ComboFix to remove a bunch of malware files.

• Make sure that combofix.exe that you downloaded while doing the READ & RUN ME is on your Desktop but Do not run it!
  • If it is not on your Desktop, the below will not work.
• Open Notepad and copy/paste the text in the below quote box into it:

KILLALL::

File::
C:\WINDOWS\BMe7f3c381.txt
C:\WINDOWS\BMe7f3c381.xml
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\advpack(2).dll
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\url(2).dll
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\urlmon(2).dll
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\webcheck(2).dll
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\wininet(2).dll
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\ComboFixlog.txt
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\hijackthis.log
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\hijackthis.rtf
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\~WRL0002.tmp
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\~WRL0016.tmp
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\~WRL0527.tmp
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\~WRL0953.tmp
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\~WRL1083.tmp
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\~WRL2249.tmp
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Desktop\~WRL2927.tmp
C:\WINDOWS\Tasks\Pareto UNS.job
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Application Data\Webroot
C:\Program Files\Webroot
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Webroot Shared

Folder::
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\Avg(2)
C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\avg8(2)
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Sunbelt Software
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Application Data\Sunbelt Software
C:\Program Files\Common Files\ParetoLogic

Registry::
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupfolder\C:^Documents and Settings^All Users^Start Menu^Programs^Startup^Microsoft Office.lnk]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg]
"key"=-
"item"=-
"hkey"=-
"command"=-
"inimapping"=-
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\Acrobat Assistant 7.0]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\AnyDVD]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\BitTorrent]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\DAEMON Tools]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\DellSupport]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\DVDLauncher]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\iTunesHelper]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\msnmsgr]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\NeroFilterCheck]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\QuickTime Task]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\Sonic RecordNow! Deluxe]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\SpybotSD TeaTimer]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\SunJavaUpdateSched]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\TkBellExe]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\UnlockerAssistant]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\UpdateManager]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared Tools\MSConfig\startupreg\WinampAgent]

• Save the above as CFscript.txt and make sure you save it to the same location (should be on your Desktop) as ComboFix.exe
• At this point, you MUST EXIT ALL BROWSERS NOW before continuing!
• You should have both the ComboFix.exe and CFScript.txt icons on your Desktop.
• Now use your mouse to drag CFscript.txt on top of ComboFix.exe
• Follow the prompts.
• When it finishes, a log will be produced named c:\combofix.txt
• I will ask for this log below

Note:

Do not mouseclick combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.

Also delete all files and subfolders in the below folders except ones from the current date (Windows will not let you delete the files from the current day).
C:\WINDOWS\TEMP
C:\Documents and Settings\Nikolas Jonkman\Local Settings\Temp

Copy the bold text below to notepad. Save it as fixme.reg to your desktop. Be sure the "Save as" type is set to "all files" Once you have saved it double click it and allow it to merge with the registry.

REGEDIT4

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Kazaa]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\knight]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]
"HideLegacyLogonScripts"=-
"HideLogoffScripts"=-
"RunLogonScriptSync"=-
"RunStartupScriptSync"=-
"HideStartupScripts"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]
"HideLegacyLogonScripts"=-
"HideLogoffScripts"=-
"RunLogonScriptSync"=-
"RunStartupScriptSync"=-
"HideStartupScripts"=-

Make sure that you tell me if you receive a success message about adding the above
to the registry. If you do not get a success message, it definitely did not work.

Now run Ccleaner!

Try booting in normal startup mode now!

Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it (Note: if using Vista, don't double click, use right click and select Run As Administrator).



Then attach the below logs:

• C:\ComboFix.txt
• C:\MGlogs.zip

Make sure you tell me how things are working now!

[nikolas]

Wow, I'm able to boot up in 'normal mode' and everything appears fine.

The registry addition was successful. My only concern now is making sure the malware doesn't return. Are there any further scans that need to be done? and what programs do you recommend I put back on my machine? I think the SpyDoctor was a problem.

All assuming the logs check out okay.

thanks again for your help,
nick

[chaslang]

You still have the below that I asked you to uninstall!!
My Way Search Assistant
STOPzilla!


Which programs from my list to uninstall did you purchase if any?

You need to put your PC into Normal Startup mode with MSconfig as was requested in step 1 of the READ & RUN ME.

[nikolas]

Hi chaslang,

I've deleted StopZilla, but can't seem to find the My Way Search Assistant? It's not coming up in the add/remove applications window and I can't find it in my programs directory.

Spyware Doctor was purchased and the other software are free or trial version.

My computer seems to be booting up great in Normal startup mode now.

thanks,
nick

[chaslang]

Originally Posted by nikolas

but can't seem to find the My Way Search Assistant? It's not coming up in the add/remove applications window and I can't find it in my programs directory.

The below will remove it.

Copy the bold text below to notepad. Save it as fixMWY.reg to your desktop. Be sure the "Save as" type is set to "all files" Once you have saved it double click it and allow it to merge with the registry.

REGEDIT4

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{78D944D7-A97B-4004-AB0A-B5AD06839940}]

Make sure that you tell me if you receive a success message about adding the above
to the registry. If you do not get a success message, it definitely did not work.

Originally Posted by nikolas

My computer seems to be booting up great in Normal startup mode now.

Yes and none of this was due to malware. You can reinstall your paid Spyware Doctor program now.

Your logs are clean and now you need to get properly protected with an antivirus (only 1) and a firewall. This is covered on the last step of my final instructions below.

If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

1. You can uninstall SUPERAntiSpyware now.
2. We recommed you keep Malwarebytes Anti-Malware as a scanner. It uses no resources except a little disk space until you run a scan.
3. If we had you use ComboFix, uninstall ComboFix (This uninstall will only work as written if you installed ComboFix on your Desktop & renamed it like we requested.)
   • Click START then RUN and enter the below into the run box and then click OK. Note the quotes are required
   • "%userprofile%\Desktop\combo-fix" /u
     • Notes: The space between the cf" and the /u, it must be there.
     • This will uninstall ComboFix and also reset hidden files and folders settings back to Windows defaults.
   • Delete the C:\cf folder from combofix.
4. If we had you run Avenger, you can delete all files related to Avenger now.
5. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others), you can delete these files now.
6. If running Vista, 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.
7. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
8. You can delete the C:\MGtools folder and the C:\MGtools.exe file. You can also delete the C:\MGlogs.zip
9. If you are running Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below:
   • Refer to the cleaning steps in the READ ME for your Window version and see the steps to Disable System Restore which will flush your Restore Points.
   • Then reboot and Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.
10. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
    • How to Protect yourself from malware!

[nikolas]

Everything is working great. Thanks again for all your help.

One last question before this topic is closed: do you recommend any protection for a Mac. I just bought a macbook pro and don't want to have the same issues come up.

thanks,
nick

[chaslang]

You're welcome. Surf safely.

Originally Posted by nikolas

One last question before this topic is closed: do you recommend any protection for a Mac. I just bought a macbook pro and don't want to have the same issues come up.

You should post in the below forum:

Macintosh

Mac can get infected too but it is less of a problem than on PCs but only due to the fact that they are not used as much and also hackers like to attack the Microsoft OS more. More people seem to have a dislike for MS.