Windows Vista Repair Virus

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by scomatt9, Jun 30, 2011.

  1. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    I recently got the Windows Vista Repair virus on my desktop. It hid all of my icons/files/programs and began launching the usual fake alerts. It prevented programs from running/installing/etc. Following some directions that I found in the READ & RUN ME FIRST thread, I have managed to get rid of the virus mostly, but there seems to be a residual redirect virus that I cannot get rid of. Below is all of the things that I have done so far:

    1. Updated and ran Malware Bytes
    -found and eliminated a few viruses
    -When run now, it shows no threats

    2. Updated and ran SUPERAnti Spyware
    -found and eliminated a few viruses
    -When run now, it shows no threats

    3. Ran TDSSKiller (log attached)
    -The first time that I ran this, it found a "Suspicious threat" which I didn't know how to handle so I think I skipped it (the default option). Subsequent runs did not reveal any threats.

    4. Ran Combofix (log attached)

    5. Ran Unhide.exe
    -All of my icons/files/etc. are back. Yay!

    6. Uninstalled all old versions of Java and known malware

    7. Flushed all IE cache (only installed browser) and DNS and reset router to factory settings

    8. Ran MGTools (log attached)

    After all of these steps, I am left with a couple of problems:
    First, as I already mentioned, I am still having problems with search redirect.
    Second, the computer will spontaneously launch Outlook (which I do not use) and display a random email address in the "To:" line. I also noticed a few folders that I don't remember seeing before in C: including "ACER" , "$RECYCLE.BIN" , and "32788R22FWJFW"

    Please Help! :)
     

    Attached Files:

  2. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Now let's 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.
    * Also make sure you have shut down all protection software (antivirus, antispyware...etc) or they may get in the way of allowing ComboFix to run properly.
    * If ComboFix tells you it needs to update to a new version, make sure you allow it to update.
    * Open Notepad and copy/paste the text in the below code box into it (make sure you scroll all the way down in the code box to get all lines selected ):
    Code:
    KILLALL::
    
    File::
    C:\ProgramData\44162808
    C:\ProgramData\~44162808
    C:\ProgramData\~44162808r
    
    
    * 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.
    If it asks you to overide the previous file with the same name, click YES.
    * Now use your mouse to drag CFscript.txt on top of ComboFix.exe
    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/sUBs/CFScriptB-4.gif
    * 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 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 log:

    • C:\MGlogs.zip

    Make sure you tell me how things are working now!
     
  3. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Okay, done and done. It may be worth noting that while ComboFix was running, Windows gave me an error that Data Execution Prevention closed pev.cfxxe. Earlier, it did the same thing to PEV.exe (it might have done that this time as well and I missed it; not sure). Not sure what (if any) impact that is or how to avoid it.

    Logs are attached. After running these programs, there has been no positive change. Following the reboot that ComboFix apparently forced (I was out of the room and came back to find that the computer had rebooted), an IE window had automatically launched to random ad page. (This had happened earlier and was a problem that I thought I had gotten rid of...evidently not.)

    Also, THANKS so much for the quick reply!
     

    Attached Files:

  4. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Hi there. Those logs look good now, but I need to ask you about this comment you made:

    Do you mean your browser is redirecting? If so, does the same occur in Firefox? (Download it to try please) Do you use a router?
     
  5. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Sorry for not making it clear in the above post. I was still have 3 different issues:
    1. At start up, an IE window was launching (on its own) to a random web page
    2. Microsoft Outlook was randomly launching (on its own) with a random email address typed in.
    3. IE was redirecting (I installed Firefox and it began doing the same thing. It then prompted me to run a program, I hit cancel and it all went downhill from there.)

    However, the main virus is back now. Previously it was running as Windows Vista Repair and now it is named Malware Protection. It seems to be nearly identical though. It wold not let any other programs run so I had to reboot the computer into safe mode without networking.

    Yes, I have a Belkin router in between my cable modem and my desktop.
     
  6. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Hmm, there are a few things to try here, but what I am going to suggest first is.

    Rerun:

    • Malware Bytes
    • SUPERantispyware
    • Combofix
    • MGTools

    Attach the logs.

    Next... for the router.

    There is a little button on the bottom ( on most models ) to reset the router to factory settings. Do that. You may then need to go back into it to set any special setting that you may have set up originally. But do that first and see if that doesn't take care of it.

    You can test this theory by connecting directly to your modem and if the redirects stop, then you know it is the router that is infected.

    If you are still being redirected after we have analysed logs and you have reset the router we may have to repair your MBR as it could be an MBR infection that you have.
     
  7. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    These are basically the steps that I performed prior to my original post (including the router reset). Should I go ahead and repeat them now in Safe Mode without networking and repost the logs?
     
  8. Kestrel13!

    Kestrel13! Super Malware Fighter - Major Dilemma Staff Member

    Let's do this instead. Do you have your Vista install disc? If not:

    Vista and Win7 Recovery disc



    To run the Bootrec.exe tool, you must start Windows RE. To do this, follow these steps:

    1. Put the Windows Vista or Windows 7 installation disc in the disc drive, and then start the computer.
    2. Press a key when you are prompted.
    3. Select a language, a time, a currency, a keyboard or an input method, and then click Next.
    4. Click Repair your computer.
    5. Click the operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next.
    6. In the System Recovery Options dialog box, click Command Prompt.
    7. Type Bootrec.exe, and then press ENTER.

    Then you can do this:

    Bootrec.exe /fixmbr
     
  9. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Could this step potentially cause me to lose anything? I mean is there anything I should back up before this step? (I'm mostly concerned about all of the music files that would take forever to back up!)

    Thanks again by the way for all of your help; I'm very appreciative!!!
     
  10. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    No, that last step to fix the MBR should not cause you to lose anything.
     
  11. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    I'm currently trying to find my Windows CD. Neosmart has evidently taken down the Recovery Disk Image so I can't burn a new one.

    EDIT***
    Actually, is this the same thing as the Windows Vista Repair disk that you can make in Back & Restore part of Windows Vista? If so, I might be able to do that...
     
  12. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    The link that Kestrel gave you is to the Vista Recovery Environment so you can make it and get into the Recovery Envir. and do the fixmbr.


    For Neosmart
     
    Last edited: Jul 1, 2011
  13. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Right, so if I don't have the disk, is there any place else that is hosting an image so that I can make a recovery disk? I don't believe one came with the computer (I've been looking) and to order one would cost me $19.99 through Gateway (which is okay if that's my only option).
     
  14. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    That is probably the only way you will get a full install disc. The link that Kestrel gave you will allow you to get into the recovery console and do the Fixmbr, which is all we are asking you to do at this time.
     
  15. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    I promise, I'm really not trying to be difficult; I'm just confused.

    The link that Kestrel gave me was to a Neosmart page that explained how to make a Windows Vista recovery disk; however, the ISO download for the disk has been removed so I cannot follow her directions, right? I'm really trying to follow the directions that were given to me, but I'm not sure how I'm supposed to access the recovery center if I don't have the Windows Install disk and can't make one.
     
  16. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

  17. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Not a problem at all. Thanks for the new link!

    But now I have a new question actually. I thought I was running 64 bit vista (that's what was supposed to come with it) but now that you said 32 bit I'm noticing that all of my program files folders, etc. are labeled (x86) so now I'm not so sure...

    How can I check whether I'm running 32 or 64 for sure so that I download the right recovery disk?
     
  18. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

  19. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Alright, I successfully got into the Vista Recovery Center and ran the fixmbr command. Thank you very much for your continued help and patience!
     
  20. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Dang, you are quick!!

    Please also download MBRCheck to your desktop

    • Double click MBRCheck.exe to run (vista and Win 7 right click and select Run as Administrator)
    • It will show a Black screen with some information that will contain either the below line if no problem is found:
      • Done! Press ENTER to exit...

    • Or you will see more information like below if a problem is found:
      • Found non-standard or infected MBR.
      • Enter 'Y' and hit ENTER for more options, or 'N' to exit:

    • Either way, just choose to exit the program at this point since we want to see only the scan results to begin with.
    • MBRCheck will create a log named similar to MBRCheck_07.16.10_00.32.33.txt which is random based on date and time.
    • Attach this log to your next message.
     
  21. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Things are looking much better at the moment. No search redirects (on Mozilla or IE), no randomly launching Outlook or Browser windows, and no signs of Malware Protection or Windows Vista Repair yet! MBRCheck was run and the log is attached.
     

    Attached Files:

  22. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Looks good!!

    If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

    1. We recommend you keep SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for scanning/removal of malware. Unless you purchase them, they provide no real time protection. They do not use any significant amount of resources ( except a little disk space ) until you run a scan.We recommend them for doing backup scans when you suspect a malware infection.
    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" /uninstall
        • Notes: The space between the combofix" and the /uninstall, it must be there.
        • This will uninstall ComboFix and also reset hidden files and folders settings back to Windows defaults.


    3. Go back to step 6 of the READ ME and renable your Disk Emulation software with Defogger if you had disabled it.
    4. Any other miscellaneous tools we may have had you install or download can be uninstalled and deleted.
    5. If we had you download any registry patches like fixme.reg or fixWLK.reg (or any others), you can delete these files now.
    6. 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.
    7. Go to add/remove programs and uninstall HijackThis.
    8. Goto the C:\MGtools folder and find the MGclean.bat file. Double click on this file to run this cleanup program that will remove files and folders related to MGtools and some other items from our cleaning procedures.
    9. If you are running Win 7, Vista, Windows XP or Windows ME, do the below:
      • Refer to the cleaning procedures pointed to by step 7 of the READ ME
        for your Window version and see the instructions to Disable System Restore which will flush your Restore Points.
      • Then reboot and Enable System Restore to create a new clean Restore Point.

    10. After doing the above, you should work thru the below link:


    Malware removal from a National Chain = $149
    Malware removal from MajorGeeks = $0

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  23. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Alright, only two little questions remaining that both came up as I was working through the "How to Protect Yourself" part.

    1. Windows will not update. Whenever I tell Windows Update to check for updates it returns an error. It says "Code 80070005 Windows Update encountered and unknown error." Windows does not seem to be able to identify the reason for the error and I cannot get a concise answer by googling it. I'm hoping one of you might happen to know.

    2. When I run CCleaner I get more Registry Issues than I can count. I'm a bit afraid to click "Fix All" because frankly the words "Windows Registry" terrify me. How do I know which ones to fix (or is it safe to just click fix all)?

    Thanks again for your continued help!!! You guys are great!
     
  24. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    There are so many possible causes of problems with Windows Update that it would probably be best to send you to the Software Forum. However, there are a few things we can try first.

    1. Make sure time and date and TimeZone are correct
    2. See if it works in safe boot mode
    3. Reset HOSTS file

    Download HostsXpert and then follow the below steps.

    • Unzip HostsXpert.zip
    • It will create a folder named HostsXpert in whatever folder you extract it to.
    • Run HostsXpert.exe by double clicking on it.
    • Click the Make Writeable? button. (if you only see a Make Read-Only selection, it is already writeable so skip this button).
    • Click Restore Microsoft's Hosts File and then click OK.
    • Click the X to exit the program


    4. flush DNS server

    Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and select
    "Run as administrator". Then type in: ipconfig/flushdns
    and press the Enter key on your keyboard.

    5. add Microsoft URLs to the Trusted Zone (see below)
    6. shutdown firewall and retry
    7. shutdown AntiVirus and try

    MS URLs

    http://*.update.microsoft.com


    http://download.windowsupdate.com


    http://genuine.microsoft.com


    http://go.microsoft.com


    http://support.microsoft.com


    http://update.microsoft.com


    https://*.update.microsoft.com <--Notice the https designation.

    the first thing to always check for Windows Update problems! make sure that Automatic Updates is not turned off. It needs to be on and the service status needs to be Started and the Service type needs to be Automatic.


    You can safely run CCleaners registry cleaner. It is very safe. Just make sure to make the backup when prompted.

    And you are most welcome. Safe surfing. :)
     
  25. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    Well none of the recommended fixes worked. I did notice that randomly in c:\ there is a file folder with a junk name (like b02340sde2034 or something) that contains the wsusscan.cab file. I think this is related to Windows Update and kind of wonder if it's part of the problem?
     
  26. scomatt9

    scomatt9 Private E-2

    UPDATE:

    I attempted a fix found here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic120413.html/page__view__findpost__p__683825

    Evidently it has worked. Seems to not have a record of my previous Windows Updates since I had to create a new SoftwareDistribution folder (the old one just has been renamed) but at least it's update for now...

    Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU for all of your help!!! I absolutely want to do something to help support y'all. Is there an online donation option or is purchasing software through your site the best method? Also, do you have a personal preference for which paid virus scan I should be running? (I need to install it on 2 PCs) Thanks again!!!
     
  27. TimW

    TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

    Good to know. Safe surfing!! :)
     

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