Windows cannot find ‘(null)’.

Discussion in 'Malware Help (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by seregduin, Nov 23, 2008.

  1. seregduin

    seregduin Private E-2

    I have been trying to help a friend clean his computer. I have talked him through the process of cleaning and obtaining log files( long process by phone since he is not very computer literate). He is also unable to get to websites via favorites or address bar. He gets this message when trying to go to websites: "Windows cannot find ‘(null)’.Make sure you typed the name correctly,and then try again.To search for a file,click the Start button,and then click Search".
    Also whenever he double clicks on a folder or right clicks and clicks open the search results window comes up instead of the folder he was trying to open.
    I understand he has had several computer shop hacks messing with things and pretending they know what they are doing. Could you please look at his logs and let me know if what i should do to fix it.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. seregduin

    seregduin Private E-2

    combofix log attached
     

    Attached Files:

  3. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    First please run MSConfig and put this PC into normal startup mode as requested in step 1 of the READ & RUN ME.
    Now 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.

    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.


    Now run Ccleaner!

    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!
     
  4. seregduin

    seregduin Private E-2

    Thanks Chaslang,
    The computer is generally running alot better..quicker,more responsive.
    The same error messag still occurs when trying to load web sites.
    And the search results problem is still there. Every time he double clicks on a folder a search results window appears instead of the contents of the folder.
    New log files attached.
     

    Attached Files:

  5. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    Note you did not run the Disable/Remove Windows Messenger tool as requested.

    These remaining problems are Windows related issues not malware. I suggest that you post a message in the Software Forum about these. I would wonder if it is related to some kind of failed Windows update. Especially if your friend had tried to update to IE7 at some time.

    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 significant amount of resources ( except a little disk space ) until you run a scan.
    2. 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)
    3. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
    4. 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.
    5. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
    6. You can delete the C:\MGtools folder and the C:\MGtools.exe file. You can also delete the C:\MGlogs.zip
    7. 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.
    8. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:
     
  6. seregduin

    seregduin Private E-2

    thanks very much for your help chaslang,
    yes he did run the messenger disable messenger tool.
     
  7. seregduin

    seregduin Private E-2

    Searched various software forums and found solutions for both problems.
    The computer is now running perfectly. Thank you
     
  8. chaslang

    chaslang MajorGeeks Admin - Master Malware Expert Staff Member

    You're welcome. Surf safely!
     

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