Hi, my computer has been most likely infected. I opened it to use it and there are pop ups everywhere and I cannot prevent them from showing up. Help
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vladimirkoscal
Joined
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6,158 Posts
Hello, vladimirkoscal.
Welcome to TSG Forums.
![Image]()
I will be assisting you regarding your computer's issues. Here, we will check your computer for malware.
Please, adhere to the guidelines below, and then carefully follow, with the same order, all the instructions after:
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. If you are having problems with a business machine, please consult your IT Department or System Administrator. We do not fix business/work computers.
6. 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.
7. 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.
P.S. My time zone is UTC +2. If there is a time difference, do not worry, be happy. We will deal.
![Image]()
========================================================
Let's start.
Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (64-Bit Version) and save it to your desktop. --> IMPORTANT
👉 If your antivirus software detects the tool as malicious, it’s safe to allow FRST to run. It is a false-positive detection.
👉 If English is not your primary language, right click on FRST64.exe and rename to FRST64English.exe
Welcome to TSG Forums.
I will be assisting you regarding your computer's issues. Here, we will check your computer for malware.
Please, adhere to the guidelines below, and then carefully follow, with the same order, all the instructions after:
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. If you are having problems with a business machine, please consult your IT Department or System Administrator. We do not fix business/work computers.
6. 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.
7. 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.
P.S. My time zone is UTC +2. If there is a time difference, do not worry, be happy. We will deal.
========================================================
Let's start.
Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (64-Bit Version) and save it to your desktop. --> IMPORTANT
👉 If your antivirus software detects the tool as malicious, it’s safe to allow FRST to run. It is a false-positive detection.
👉 If English is not your primary language, right click on FRST64.exe and rename to FRST64English.exe
- Double-click the FRST icon to run the tool. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
- Press Scan button and wait for a while.
- The scanner will produced two logs on your Desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.
- Please attach the content of these two logs in your next reply.
Joined
·
6,158 Posts
Hello.
It seems that App Explorer by Sweetlabs, which is considered as a Potentially Unwanted Program, causes you issues.
Here are my first comments/instructions. First, please move FRST tool from your Downloads folder on to your Desktop, as instructed.
1. Uninstall App Explorer
Please, uninstall the App Explorer by Sweetlabs.
Restart the computer after the uninstall.
2. WebAdvisor by McAfee
Please uninstall the above. There may be conflicts with some other tools we will use later on.
Restart the computer after the uninstall.
3. FRST fix
Please download the attached fixlist.txt and save it on to your Desktop, without renaming it.
NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user. Running it on another machine may cause damage to your operating system
In your next reply, please post:
It seems that App Explorer by Sweetlabs, which is considered as a Potentially Unwanted Program, causes you issues.
Here are my first comments/instructions. First, please move FRST tool from your Downloads folder on to your Desktop, as instructed.
1. Uninstall App Explorer
Please, uninstall the App Explorer by Sweetlabs.
Restart the computer after the uninstall.
2. WebAdvisor by McAfee
Please uninstall the above. There may be conflicts with some other tools we will use later on.
Restart the computer after the uninstall.
3. FRST fix
Please download the attached fixlist.txt and save it on to your Desktop, without renaming it.
NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user. Running it on another machine may cause damage to your operating system
- 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.
In your next reply, please post:
- If uninstalling App Explorer and the McAfee product ran smoothly
- The fixlog.txt
Joined
·
6,158 Posts
Great!
May I ask which was the name of the app you uninstalled? App Explorer or Host App Service?
Moving on:
1. Run Malwarebytes (scan only)
2. Run AdwCleaner (scan only)
Download AdwCleaner and save it to your desktop.
In your next reply, please post:
May I ask which was the name of the app you uninstalled? App Explorer or Host App Service?
Moving on:
1. 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 in the menu at the left (Settings) and when it opens, click the General tab. Under the title Windows Security Center, make sure the option is disabled.
- Click the Scan and Detections tab and under the Scan options title, enable Scan for rootkits option. Do not change any other option.
- Return to the Dashboard and choose Scan.
- 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.
2. Run AdwCleaner (scan only)
Download AdwCleaner and save it to your desktop.
- Double click AdwCleaner.exe to run it.
- Click the Scan Now button.
- Once the scan completes, AdwCleaner shows you all detected PUPs and adware. DO NOT check anything found, and click Next.
- If any preinstalled software was detected on your device, a message notifies you that your action is requested. DO NOT check anything, and click Cancel to continue.
- Click the Log Files tab.
- 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 removal.
- Please post the contents of the file in your next reply.
In your next reply, please post:
- The Malwarebytes report
- The AdwCleaner[S0*].txt
Joined
·
6,158 Posts
See that AdwCleaner detected instances of App Explorer in your system.
Let's clean.
In your next reply please post:
Let's clean.
- Double click AdwCleaner.exe on your Desktop, to run it as you did before.
- Click Scan Now.
- Once the scan completes, AdwCleaner shows you what it found on your computer. Check the boxes next to any items you want to quarantine and disable, then click Next.
- Now, AdwCleaner will show you any preinstalled software it found on your device. Again, check the boxes next to any items you want to quarantine and disable. If you don't want to remove any preinstalled software, click Cancel and continue.
- Click Continue, then click Restart now, and you’re done.
- Once your computer has restarted:
- Click the Log Files tab.
- Click Skip Basic Repair to finish the cleaning process
- Double click on the latest Clean log (Clean logs have a [C0*] 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 removal.
- Please post the contents of the file in your next reply.
In your next reply please post:
- The AdwCleaner[C0*].txt
- Feedback: How is the computer running now? Any improvement?
Joined
·
6,158 Posts
A last fix for you, to remove some remnants and do some maintenance:
FRST fix
Please do the following to run a FRST fix.
NOTICE: This script was written specifically for this user. Running it on another machine may cause damage to your operating system
FRST fix
Please do the following to run a 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 and save it on to your Desktop, without renaming it.
- 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.
Joined
·
6,158 Posts
Everything looks great!
The following tool will remove the tools we used as well as reset system restore points:
Download KpRm by kernel-panik and save it to your desktop.
The following tool will remove the tools we used as well as reset system restore points:
Download KpRm by kernel-panik and save it to your desktop.
- Right-click kprm_(version).exe and select Run as Administrator.
- Read and accept the disclaimer.
- When the tool opens, ensure all boxes under Actions are checked.
- Under Delete Quarantines select Delete Now, then click Run.
- Once complete, click OK.
- A log will open in Notepad titled kprm-(date).txt.
- Please copy and paste its contents in your next reply.
Joined
·
6,158 Posts
Now your computer is clean, here are some final tips about your computer's security from now on:
Some of the following, are from Klein's (2005) article, So how did I get infected in the first place. Since then, the article has been reproduced or linked to in dozens of locations. As a result, many malware experts have continued updating it, to include current operating systems and software program information. My source is Security Garden, and I marked for you the following:
1. Keep your Windows updated!
It is important always to keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can infect your computer.
2. Update 3rd Party Software Programs
Third Party software programs have long been targets for malware creators. It's important to keep everything updated.
3. Update the browsers you use
Many malware infections install themselves by exploiting security holes in the Internet browser that you use. So... Keep them updated too.
4. Be careful about what you download and what you open!
Visit web sites that are trustworthy and reputable. Many disreputable sites will attempt to install malware on your system through "drive-by" exploits just by visiting the site in your browser. Lyrics sites, free software sites (especially ones that target young children), cracked software sites, and pornography sites are some of the worst offenders. Also, never give out personal information of any sort online or click "OK" to a pop-up unless it is signed by a reputable company and you know what it is.
6. Registry cleaners/driver boosters/system optimizers
I do not recommend registry cleaners, system optimizers, driver boosters and the like. It is your computer and certainly your choice. However, please consider that modifying registry keys incorrectly can cause Windows instability, or make Windows unbootable. With registry cleaner and system optimization software programs, the potential is ever present to cause more problems than they claim to fix. Do note, however, that Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaners. See Microsoft support policy for the use of registry cleaning utilities.
7. PC means personal computer!
Don't give access to your computer to friends or family who appear to be clueless about what they are doing.
8. Back-up your work!
Make back-ups of your personal files frequently. You never know when you'll have to reformat and start from scratch. You can always reformat and reinstall programs, but you cannot replace your data if you haven't made backups.
9. Must-Have Software
An anti-virus and an anti-spyware program is a necessity for the security of your computer. Be sure that you keep them updated, and that real time protection is enabled. You have now the built-in Windows antivirus, Windows Defender. Together with Malwarebytes, if you run it occasionally, depending on how often you use your computer, can keep you safe.
Happy safe computing.
![Image]()
I'm glad I was able to help you.
Some of the following, are from Klein's (2005) article, So how did I get infected in the first place. Since then, the article has been reproduced or linked to in dozens of locations. As a result, many malware experts have continued updating it, to include current operating systems and software program information. My source is Security Garden, and I marked for you the following:
1. Keep your Windows updated!
It is important always to keep current with the latest security fixes from Microsoft. This can patch many of the security holes through which attackers can infect your computer.
2. Update 3rd Party Software Programs
Third Party software programs have long been targets for malware creators. It's important to keep everything updated.
3. Update the browsers you use
Many malware infections install themselves by exploiting security holes in the Internet browser that you use. So... Keep them updated too.
4. Be careful about what you download and what you open!
- Many "freeware" programs come with an enormous amount of bundled spyware that will slow down your system, spawn pop-up advertisements, or just plain crash your browser or even Windows itself. Watch for pre-checked options such as toolbars that are not essential to the operation of the installed software.
- Peer-to-peer (P2P) programs like BitTorrent, Vuze, Kazaa, BearShare, Imesh, Warez and others, allow the creation of a network enabling people to connect with other users and upload or download material in a fast efficient manner. BUT even if the P2P software you are using is "clean", a large percentage of the files served on the P2P network are likely to be infected.
- Cracked or pirated programs are not only illegal, but also can make your computer a malware target. Have this in mind.
- Do not open any files without being certain of what they are!
Visit web sites that are trustworthy and reputable. Many disreputable sites will attempt to install malware on your system through "drive-by" exploits just by visiting the site in your browser. Lyrics sites, free software sites (especially ones that target young children), cracked software sites, and pornography sites are some of the worst offenders. Also, never give out personal information of any sort online or click "OK" to a pop-up unless it is signed by a reputable company and you know what it is.
6. Registry cleaners/driver boosters/system optimizers
I do not recommend registry cleaners, system optimizers, driver boosters and the like. It is your computer and certainly your choice. However, please consider that modifying registry keys incorrectly can cause Windows instability, or make Windows unbootable. With registry cleaner and system optimization software programs, the potential is ever present to cause more problems than they claim to fix. Do note, however, that Microsoft does not support the use of registry cleaners. See Microsoft support policy for the use of registry cleaning utilities.
7. PC means personal computer!
Don't give access to your computer to friends or family who appear to be clueless about what they are doing.
8. Back-up your work!
Make back-ups of your personal files frequently. You never know when you'll have to reformat and start from scratch. You can always reformat and reinstall programs, but you cannot replace your data if you haven't made backups.
9. Must-Have Software
An anti-virus and an anti-spyware program is a necessity for the security of your computer. Be sure that you keep them updated, and that real time protection is enabled. You have now the built-in Windows antivirus, Windows Defender. Together with Malwarebytes, if you run it occasionally, depending on how often you use your computer, can keep you safe.
Happy safe computing.
I'm glad I was able to help you.
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