Possible Win32dartsmouth Malware And More

I do not know if I solved my original problem or not, and now have developed an additional problem.

My original problem is repeated advice from Windows Defender (WD) that [paraphrased] “a problem was found and Defender handled it”

Looking in WD at the history, “quarantined items - details” is clear, but in “all detected” it shows this: SoftwareBundler:Win32/Dartsmound, and in “details” shows “The following error occurred: Error code 0x80508023. The program could not find the malware and other potentially unwanted software on this computer.”

After reading online, I worry that this Dartsmound does something faster than WD can catch, and since it keeps coming back every few days, I'm concerned. I am wary of all of the automated fixes offered at the top of a Google search – reminds me a little of the “Microsoft Windows Department” scams that nailed so many people.

Currently, I have three missions, although there are sure to be more.

(A) is to be sure I am “clean”.
(B) is to get Windows updated, and auto updates turned back on, and
(C) is to re-activate Win10.

I went through the “Read me first Malware Removal/Cleaning Procedure.

I followed all instructions except one. When I ran the AdwCleaner, I let it remove a few entries. I am therefore attaching TWO log files zipped as AdwCleanerLogs. The first log(S4) should show what was cleared or removed, and the second one (S5) was run after S4.

More details....questions...issues....(numbered for your convenience)

When running MGTools, an error box popped-up. (I have screenshot if you want it)

I see that “a copy of MGlogs.zip was also created on your Desktop here: *** then there is this line:
C:\Documents and Settings\charlie\desktop\MGlogs.zip

(1) Did MGTools create “charlie”? – if so, thanks Charlie. If not, should I freak out?

(2) Do I need to see if I have the .NET Framework software installed, and if not, install it?

Somehow, my Windows 10, (free upgrade from Win7), now shows that it needs to be activated. It was activated, and not it’s not.
At Settings>Update and security>Activation tab says “Activation failed because this devise doesn’t have valid digital entitlement or product key. Error code: 0x803F7001
(I wonder if "hasplms.exe" has something to do with this issue)

Tried the old Product Key from my Win7 Home Premium box. No love.

(3) What to do about activation?

Reading some help files shows that I must have “the latest version” of Win10.

I have ver. 1511 and am attempting to update to ver. 1607 but the “checking for updates” hangs, and finally shows this message: “There were some problems installing updates, but we'll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x800705b4)”. Using that error code reveals many fixes online. I’ll look into these later today.

I have used “MS Show or Hide updates” which also hangs in "searching..." mode. (I have "Apply fixes/updates automatically" re-checked now. Will probably try it unchecked again in a while)

I previously had set Windows Update from “disabled” to “Not Configured” with a program by Noel Carboni c/o Woody Leonhard. Am trying Windows Update “Enabled” today.

Thank you for reviewing my log files.

I look forward to your care and guidance

TIA

DrCarl

 

Steps taken since original post to MG

Ran Windows Troubleshooter targeting Windows Update – “fixed” some components

Windows Defender (WD) still would not update – hangs halfway through “installing update”

Retried WD update. Success. Rebooted. Disabled WD. Disabled “update other MS products” too

SysTray: Malwarebytes PRO trial is installed and monitoring – may block updates. Disabled it.

Windows Update - Updates available! (downloading)

• Security Update for Adobe Flash Player for Windows 10 Version 1511 (for x64-based Systems) (KB3214628).

• Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1511 for x64-based Systems (KB3210721).

• Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool for Windows 8, 8.1, 10 and Windows Server 2012, 2012 R2, 2016 x64 Edition - January 2017 (KB890830).​

Installing downloaded updates!

 

Update: Activated.
I re-entered the Product Key after Windows Update and noticed that "V6866" was really "V68GG" - the second two Gs looked like 6s. oops.

 

Thanks TimW

Can't find defogger in any step 4, and am not sure what disc emulation software is, so I guess I'm "good" .

I'll go through the other steps.

Again, Thanks.