kernel32.exe to a gradual downfall

Thank you for taking time to read this. My computer was running a bit slowly, so I was going through MSConfig and checking out processes and startup processes to see what was what, thinking that was the problem. I found kernel32.exe (not kernel32.dll) and had a feeling it was bad so I looked it up, and iamnotageek.com confirmed that it was apparently a problem. I didn't know what to do from there, but I did stop the process and restart.

Upon restarting, I figured I should check the computer for spware and such, and I've come here before with problems. So I went to follow the READ ME BEFORE... page.

I ran Bitdefender, which found NewDotNet and 180solutions. And then I ran Kaspersky. About 81% into that scan, I got a blue screen with the error MULTIPLE_IRP_COMPLETE_REQUEST. The scan had said it had found 4 viruses and 9 infected files at that point, but I didn't get to see what they were. I restarted from the blue screen, and then IE wouldn't work. So I couldn't continue any online virus scans.

I then went into safe mode, most of the programs went off without a hitch. AdAware found WhenU and some cookies. And then Microsoft AntiSpyware wouldn't start (critical error 101). So I tried restarting in safe mode and trying again, and then restarting in normal mode and trying again. Then I tried uninstalling/reinstalling, and I still got the error.

All of these combined problems sound like a file-sharing problem, and I did find Shareaza on the system, which I removed. But the only other thing here is a BitTorrent client (ABC, if that's important). So I'm sort of at a loss. IE still isn't working, and the computer, which is usually very fast, is taking forever to do anything.

As for specs, I'm not sure what is needed, though I read the Announcement post. But I use Windows XP Service Pack 2 with a Intel Pentium 4 1.60GHz.

I'll attach a HJT log, and again, thank you for taking the time to read and assist, if possible.

 

Yeah, actually this problem also happened last time I posted here. I don't have Avast. At all. And I hadn't at that time either. Maybe it was on the system a long long time ago and uninstalled improperly? It doesn't show up in Add/Remove Programs. Nor does it show up in Program Files. I also checked the Uninstall lists in WindowsXP Manager and CCleaner, and it isn't there either.

 

The service was already stopped, but I did disable/delete it with no problems whatsoever. And it didn't up in the log I did upon restarting. Also, the Windows Firewall is already off.

My system is still acting a lot lot slower than usual. Maybe it is just from downloading the software or something, if the log was clean. Internet Explorer loaded this time, just really slowly.

But thank you for helping me get rid of that Avast service, anyway, and for looking over the log any everything!

 

Sure thing. There aren't any huge immediate problems, so if you need to help someone who is having constant restarts or something, go for it. I'm just whining with impatience over the suddenly slow system.

Thanks, though.

 

I ran CCleaner already, yeah.

I don't use AOL, but I downloaded AIM Triton, which runs AOLsoftware for some reason (if that is what you were talking about).

I'm not even sure was PowerDVD is, but I don't see it on my system anywhere.

And I usually don't have qttask running, but I had to set to Normal startup in MSConfig for the HJT log.

Hoster ran without a hitch.

I started doing the steps for Spy Sweeper. I installed it, and it started up, but said my trial was already expired (I didn't have it installed prior). I tried uninstalling/reinstalling, which didn't help. So I went to the site and downloaded the trial from there instead. And I got the same problem. Doesn't seem that program likes me much...

 

I did get rid of the PowerDVD and qttask lines. That was a good recommendation, thanks.

I tried not starting the AOL things with MSConfig, and AIM wouldn't validate my name when I tried to run it. I set the processes going again, and there wasn't a problem, so they must be neccessary.

And, yes. Both of those options were selected. All of them were except the Advanced ones.

Also, I posted this before seeing the Ewido/Panda directions. So I'll do that and attach the logs right away.

 

Ha! I don't blame you. Just respond whenever you can. I can be patient.

So, Ewido didn't have a problem (except an hour worth of scan time). It found a lot of stuff and I'll attach that log. (Oddly enough, the cookies seem to be a problem in other names. So I guess I need to monitor others' usage better ).

The Panda scan went really fast, and only found one thing. I've attached it as well.

 

Hey, I was able to delete the VVSN folder, no problem. I also noticed a Viewpoint Media Player folder. Is that program required or something? I uninstall it often, and it keeps coming back...

Anyway, the system seems to be doing much better. Thanks.