Help removing malware; normal startup freezes.

Thanks in advance to those who are reading this and helping me through this. I recently (about 2 days ago) was infected with an annoying malware (brastk.exe) and I followed the Windows XP Cleaning Procedure from this forum. However, there are some problems I came across.

1. During the log creating step when I ran ComboFix, it froze. Is this common? I have the ComboFix.txt, checked it, and it had nothing really on it. I've attached it here just in case anyone wants to check it out.

2. I'm currently in Safe Mode right now because when I use Normal Startup, it freezes. Any idea of what's causing this?

3. I think the Cleaning Procedure removed a lot of malware, but I just need an expert's say in this and help me finish the cleaning process.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

- Jon

 

ComboFix log:

 

http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/grenade.gifWelcome to MajorGeeks.com!http://www.majorgeeks.com/images/grenade.gif

Something did not run properly with ComboFix. Download a fresh copy and try running it once more. Once complete, attach the new log it produces.

After running ComboFix, run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it.

Attach the following logs to your next post...

• ComboFix.txt
• MGLogs.zip

 

Okay, I'll do that.

Here's an update of the situation. Normal startup is good now. Doesn't freeze and running programs has gotten a lot faster and smoother. I'm guessing MOST of the malware was removed by Malwarebytes, SAS, etc.

However, now there's some connectivity issues with the internet. On normal mode, it says that I'm connected to the internet, but I can't go on any site or log on MSN, AIM, etc. I'm currently on Safe Mode w/Networking.

I'll post the new MGLogs.zip and ComboFix.txt ASAP. Thanks.

- Jon

 

Sorry for the double post, but here's the new ComboFix.txt and MGlogs.zip...

Thanks again.

- Jon

 

Pre-Instructions:

1. First, please disable any antivirus and/or antispy programs you have installed so they will not block this fix.
   
2. Print out these instructions or save them to a text file so that you can operate with All Browser Windows CLOSED.

Step 1:
Please look in Add/Remove Programs for the following and uninstall if found. If you get any errors just make a note and proceed.

Step 2:
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:

Again, make sure ALL browser windows are closed when you click FIX.

Step 3:
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:

• 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.

Step 4:
Default Security Settings

To Default Security Settings:
For Internet Explorer 6 users:
Click Start > Run > type inetcpl.cpl and press ENTER, when Internet Properties comes up navigate to the Security Tab and click Default Level for the following:

• Internet
• Local Intranet
• Trusted Sites
• Restricted Sites.

Click OK to exit.

For Internet Explorer 7 users:
Click Start > Run > type inetcpl.cpl and press ENTER, when Internet Properties comes up, navigate to the Security Tab and simply click the "Reset all zones to default level" button. Click OK to exit.

Step 5:
Please download ATF Cleaner by Atribune. This program does not require an installation. The executable actually runs the program.

NOTE: This program is for Windows XP and Windows 2000 only. ATF Cleaner will remove all files from the items that are checked so if you have some cookies you'd like to save. Please move them to a different directory first.

• Double-click ATF-Cleaner.exe to run the program.
• Under Main choose: Select All
• Click the Empty Selected button.

If you use Firefox browser

• Click Firefox at the top and choose: Select All
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  • NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

If you use Opera browser

• Click Opera at the top and choose: Select All
• Click the Empty Selected button.
  • NOTE: If you would like to keep your saved passwords, please click No at the prompt.

Click Exit on the Main ATF Cleaner menu to close the program.

Step 6:
Next I would like you to install the current version of Sun Java: Sun Java Runtime Environment

Step 7:
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

Let me know of any problems you may have encountered with the above instructions and also let me know how things are running now.

 

NOTE: Due to the language filter on the board, most curse words are (*) out so it caused a problem with part of my fix due to the names of some of the infected files.

Under Step #3 you will notice ****gg1 ,now before you run this step replace the **** with the F word.

I know this is graphic but it's the name of the infected service and it needs to be removed.

 

Thanks for the help so far. Here's the ComboFix.txt and MGlogs.zip...

- Jon

 

First, I am not sure about this file. I have only seen this file located in the Programs Files install directory so let's just confirm something.

Go to the following website and upload the file below. Post the results back if anything is found.

http://virusscan.jotti.org/

Next, please download The Avenger by Swandog46, and save it to your Desktop.

• Extract avenger.exe from the Zip file and save it to your desktop
• Run avenger.exe by double-clicking on it.
• Do not change any check box options!!
• Copy everything in the Quote box below, and paste it into the Input script here: part of the window:

• Now click the Execute button.
• Click Yes to the prompt to confirm you want to execute.
• Click Yes to the Reboot now? question that will appear when Avenger finishes running.
• Your PC should reboot, if not, reboot it yourself.
• A log file from Avenger will be produced at C:\avenger.txt and it will popup for you to view when you login after reboot.

Once you complete the above, please attach the log created by Avenger C:\avenger.txt and let me know how things are running.

 

There was nothing found on GoogleUpdate.exe, and I've attached the Avenger log.

I greatly appreciate all this helpful support so far. My computer is definitely running a lot faster, smoother, less RAM usage, and my internet connection works again on normal mode.

Thanks again.

- Jon

 

Now run the C:\MGtools\GetLogs.bat file by double clicking on it.

 

Done. Here's the MGlogs.zip...

 

Your logs are clean, if you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

1. We recommed you keep SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware. Unless you purchase them, they provide no protection. They do not use any significan amount of resources ( except a little disk space ) until you run a scan.
2. If we used Pocket Killbox during your cleanup, do the below
   • Run Pocket Killbox and select File, Cleanup, Delete All Backups
3. If we had you use ComboFix, uninstall ComboFix (This uninstall will only work as written if you installed ComboFix on your Desktop 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\combofix" /u
     • Notes: The space between the combofix" 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:\combofix folder from combofix (if it exists)
4. If we had you run Avenger, you can delete all files related to Avenger now.
5. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
6. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others), you can delete these files now.
7. 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.
8. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
9. You can delete the C:\MGtools folder and the C:\MGtools.exe file. You can also delete the C:\MGlogs.zip
10. 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.
11. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
    • How to Protect yourself from malware!

 

Thanks for all the help! My computer is MUCH faster and problem-free. Now I'll be going through the steps in the link provided. You're a lifesaver.

Thanks again!

 

You're Welcome!:major