In Progress - Need Help With My Sister's Very Infected Computer

anamandy · 2023-05-25

I am trying to help my sister with her computer which is running so slow it is almost impossible to operate. I noticed when I did a FRST scan on her computer that she had Avira, Java, and Rivet, none of which she put on. I tried to get rid of these, but they do not show up in the add/remove programs list or even in the directories when I used WinDirStat, so apparently, they are hidden. They have also disabled Windows Defender, which is what she always used. How do I get rid of these and get rid of this infection?

DR.M

· #2 · 6 d ago

Hi, again.

You know the rules. but here they are again, just to remind them to you:

1. Always ask before acting. Do not continue if you are not sure, or if something unexpected happens!

2. Do not run any tools unless instructed to do so. Also, do not uninstall or install any software during the procedure, unless I ask you to do so.

3. Cracked or pirated programs are not only illegal, but also can make your computer a malware target. Having such programs installed, is the easiest way to get infected. Thus, no need to clean the computer, since, soon or later, it will get infected again. If you have such programs, please uninstall them now, before we start the cleaning procedure.

4. If your computer seems to start working normally, don't abandon the topic. Even if your system is behaving normally, there may still be some malware remnants left over. Additionally, malware can re-infect the computer if some remnants are left. Therefore, please complete all requested steps to make sure any malware is successfully eradicated from your PC.

5. You have to reply to my posts within 3 days. If you need some additional time, just let me know. Otherwise, I will leave the topic due to lack of feedback. If you are able, I would request you to check this thread at least once per day so that we can resolve your issues effectively and efficiently.

6. Logs from malware diagnostic or removal programs can take some time to get analyzed. Also, have in mind that all the experts here are volunteers and may not be available to assist when you post. Please, be patient, while I analyze your logs.

=======================

First comments/instructions:

1. Uninstall Java

There are very few reasons these days to continue having Java installed on your computer. However, if you do elect to keep Java, it needs to be updated to the latest version which you can find here: Java SE Runtime Environment 8 - Downloads. Note: UNcheck any pre-checked toolbar and/or software options presented with the update. They are not part of the software update and are completely optional.

For now, just uninstall the old version: Java 8 Update 271

2. FRST fix

NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user. Running it on another machine may cause damage to your operating system

Download the attached fixlist.txt and save it on the Desktop, without changing the name.
Right-click on FRST64 on your Desktop, to run it as administrator. When the tool opens, click "yes" to the disclaimer.
Press the Fix button once and wait.
FRST will process fixlist.txt
When finished, it will produce a log fixlog.txt on your Desktop.
Post the log in your next reply.

3. Run AdwCleaner (scan only)

Download AdwCleaner and save it to your desktop.

Double click AdwCleaner.exe to run it.
Click Scan Now.
- When the scan has finished, a Scan Results window will open.
- Click Cancel (at this point do not attempt to Quarantine anything that is found)
Now click the Log Filestab.
- Double click on the latest scan log (Scan logs have a [S0*] suffix, where * is replaced by a number. The latest scan will have the largest number)
- A Notepad file will open containing the results of the scan.
- Please post the contents of the file in your next reply.

4. Run Malwarebytes (scan only)

Download Malwarebytes and save it to your Desktop.
Once downloaded, close all programs and Windows on your computer.
Double-click on the icon on your desktop named MBSetup.exe. This will start the installation of MBAM onto your computer.
Follow the instructions to install the program.
When finished, double click the program's icon created on your Desktop.

Click the little gear on the top right (Settings) and when it opens, click the Security tab and make sure about the following:

Code:

Under the title Scan Options, all the options are checked.
Under the title Windows Security Center (Premium only) the option is NOT checked.
Under the title Potentially unwanted items all options are set to Always.

Click on the little gear to return to the main menu and select Scan. The program will start scanning your computer. This may take about 10 minutes, but in some cases it may be take longer.
When finished, you will see the Threat Scan Summary window open.

If threats are not found, click View Report and proceed to the two last steps below.

If threats are found, make sure that all threats are not selected, close the program and proceed to the next steps below.

Open Malwarebytes again, click on the Scanner, and then on the Reports tab.
Find the report with the most recent date and double click on it.
Click on Export and then Copy to Clipboard.
Paste its content here, in your next reply.

In your next reply, please post:

If uninstalling Java ran smoothly
The fixlog.txt
The AdwCleaner[S0*].txt
The Malwarebytes report

Attachments

Attachments

Attachments

Attachments

Top Contributors this Month