ashSimpl.exe is dominating my processor

Discussion in 'Malware Help (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by DHamme, Jan 10, 2009.

  1. DHamme

    DHamme Private E-2

    :(
    I'm in trouble.

    I have been uing Avast Home edition with no issues, but I found that when running THOROUGH scans (not QUICK or REGULAR) at a certain file (which annoyingly is abbreviated to fit in the Avast window so that I cannot clearly read it...!?) the process ashSimpl.exe takes 100% of my processor and won't let go!

    the file in question is listed as
    c:\Documents and Settings\HP_owner\Applicatio...\Updater (the truncation is Avast's small display window...)

    I cannot find this file. I don't know what it is. Search for it along that tree does not yield any Dates Modified that correspond with the onset of the problem.

    When I close Avast, I getthe processor back - but now Avast is useless.

    Any idea what's going on here, or what to do about it?

    Thank you very much for your considered expertise, in advance!

    David
     
  2. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Welcome to Major Geeks!

    If you believe this to be malware related:

    Please follow the instructions in the READ & RUN ME FIRST link given futher down and attach the requested logs when you finish these instructions.

    • If you have problems where no tools seem to run, please try following the steps given in the below and then continue on no matter what you find. You only need to try the TDSSserv steps if having problems getting scans in the Read & Run Me First.
    • 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.
    READ & RUN ME FIRST. Malware Removal Guide


    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 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 updates for SUPERAntiSpyware, Malwarebytes and Spybot ( 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. To avoid addtional delay in getting a response, it is strongly advise that after completing the READ & RUN ME you also read this sticky Don't Bump! It Only Hurts You!!!. 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.
     

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