Some issues with my computer

[Blondieblue]

My computer has been acting kind of funny for the past couple of weeks. I have an HP Pavillion with the vista home premium operating system. It started out not booting properly, not all my startup programs would load; and if I clicked a file or restart on my desktop- it wouldn't do anything. It would take several attempts to get it to boot, and I was also noticing error messages saying windows had to close; or that some programs had stopped working. I also noticed some of my antispyware and anti virus programs being turned off.

 

I already had trend micro, windows defender, AVG; and adaware installed- with the trend micro, windows defender; and AVG set for real time protection. I also downloaded superantispyware and spyware terminator in addition to what I already had; and ran full scans with them all- I also downloaded zone alarm firewall.

 

My computer is functioning much better now, but I still notice some issues: Sometimes my e mail won't connect, but I'll reboot and it will again; but then quits connecting. I also still notice the occasional error message, as well as web pages loading slow; or not at all- and the comp still occasionaly freezing up. Any ideas? is this just malware or another issue?:confused:

[BeeCeeBee]

Hi Blondieblue and welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help! :)

 

Clearly you are on the right track suspecting and removing malware.

 

Malware can be tricky and often continue despite what we think are our best efforts.

 

May I suggest that you copy and follow the directions below. If malware remains the problem this should get it sorted for you. Once you are done please come back to us so we will know how you made out and see if there are any issues remaining.

 

Your computer is probably infected with Malware.

 

• Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent.
  It is a combination of the words malicious and software.
  The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.
  

 

• Required Cleanup Steps
  
  1. Disable the Spybot Search & Destroy TEA TIMER if you use it and if it is enabled
     
  2. Run a Temporary file and cache cleaner (ATF)
     
  3. Run 2 Anti-Malware scanners (Listed Below)
     
  4. Run an Online Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware Scanner (Listed Below)
     
  5. Clear out old System Restore points
     
  6. If continued Malware type activity is present you may be asked to post a TrendMicro™ HijackThis™ Log file, do not do so unless requested.
     

The reason to run multiple scanners is to ensure that no single scanner is missing something.

The time it takes will vary depending on your system and your internet connection speed.

Typically the SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes scanners will take between 10 to 90 minutes.

The ESET online scan should take between 1 to 3 hours.

In most cases, these scans will suffice to clean and disinfect your computer.

Heavily infected systems or slower PCs can take much longer to scan and clean.

 

For best results print the following instructions and bookmark this Web page

To keep this guide printer-friendly, use your cursor to highlight the contents below.

From your browser select File - Print and in the printer dialog box under "Print range"

click the

Selection

choice to print out these instructions for removal of malware.

 

 

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/printer-selection.gif

 

____________________________________________

STEP 1

• Disable Spybot Search & Destroys' TEA TIMER: (if installed, if not go to Step 2)
  
  
  1. Run Spybot-S&D in Advanced Mode.
     
     
  2. If it is not already set to do this Go to the Mode menu select "Advanced Mode"
     
     
  3. On the left hand side, Click on Tools
     
     
  4. Then click on the Resident Icon in the List
     
     
  5. Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts.
     
     
  6. Restart your computer.
     
     

__________________________________________________

STEP 2

• Follow these instructions carefully.
  
  
• Download ATF-Cleaner from
  Snapfiles.com
  to remove un-needed temporary files from your computer that may contain malware.
  
  
• You can also download it from
  Majorgeeks.com
  
  
• When you run ATF-Cleaner, check the items as shown below for Main.
  
  
• For FireFox, be sure to click on the FireFox tab on top and check the items as shown below for FireFox
  
  
• NOTE:
  If you don't have FireFox or Opera installed then they will be grayed out and can be ignored
  
  
• Then click on "Empty Selected".
  
  

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/atf-cleaner01.gif

.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/atf-cleaner02.gif

__________________________________________________

STEP 3

• Install and run the free version (not the Professional version) of SUPERAntiSpyware from
  SUPERAntiSpyware.com
  
  
  • Accept any prompts to allow SUPERAntiSpyware to install the latest rules and infection definition files.
    
    
  • You do not have to send them your e-mail address, just click next.
    
    
  • You can leave the automated check for updates on.
    
    
  • You can uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to research center" if you don't want to send the information.
    
    
  • DO NOT
    allow SUPERAntiSpyware to protect your Home Page settings.
    
    
  • On the
    Top Left
    select the
    Scan your computer
    button.
    
    
  • Make sure there is a CHECK MARK on all
    Fixed Drives
    .
    
    
  • Click "Perform a Complete Scan". Click "Next" to Repair issues found and reboot the computer when prompted to do so.
    
    

__________________________________________________

STEP 4

• Install and run
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  from
  Malwarebytes - (direct download)
  
  
  • Accept all defaults for the installer
    
    
  • Allow the program to update the definitions
    
    
  • Click on the
    Quick Scan
    and click Next.
    
    
  • If any items are found allow it to clean them and then Reboot your computer.
    
    

__________________________________________________

STEP 5

• Run an online scan with ESET from
  Free Virus Scan: Use ESET's Online Antivirus Scanner
  
  
  • You
    must
    use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
    
    
  • If your computer is running Window's Vista, then you
    must first
    start Internet Explorer as an Administrator. To do so, right-click on the
    Internet Explorer
    icon in the Start Menu and select "
    Run as administrator
    " from the popup context menu.
    
    
   
  • Accept the terms and click "Start".
    
    
  • Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
    
    
  • Click "Start" to begin the scan.
    
    
  • When completed restart your computer
    
    

__________________________________________________

Make sure your internet firewall security is enabled, and then please return to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

 

If required this is the download link for TrendMicro™ HijackThis™

Unless instructed to by the Technician helping you then do not download this tool.

 

Once you and the Technician agree that your system appears to be clean then you should delete all your System Restore points and recreate a new one.

Please follow the instructions here

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows XP

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows Vista

[Blondieblue]

Thanks for the reply. I downloaded and used the cleaner, scanned with superantispyware (already had it installed) and downloaded and used the malware byte, removed the threats found; and rebooted. Something still isn't quite right though, because it still took a couple of attempts to get it to boot up right; and I couldnt use the online scanner in the last step- I kept getting an error message saying it required administrative rights- but I checked on my comp and I had admin rights- I'm the only user account actually. I'll try the last step again later, and will rescan with my other programs

[BeeCeeBee]

You do need admin. rights to use the eset scan. Are you certain that you did not create a second account for yourself perhaps with a name change?

 

I also notice that you have a lot of different antimalware and antivirus on your machine.

 

As I am sure you know more is not always better. Do you know, other than the ones we mentioned in the malware removal program, which of these programs were running at the time of the scans.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Right click on IE Blondie and hit Run as Administrator.

[Blondieblue]

Thanks Bee and Wolf. I am beginning to delete some of the antispy/virus programs on my machine, someone in another forum also suggested that maybe I had too many; think I went a little crazy- being so anxious to get all the crap off my comp :) I am certain that I didn't create another user account, as I'm the only one who really uses this comp; and the guest account is listed as being turned off. At the time of the scans, I also had AVG, trend micro; and zone alarm running for real time protection- I've already noticed a difference since removing the trend micro. I will see what other ones I can remove, and try the antivirus scan again; and get back to you

[Guest Wolfeymole]

It's one of Vista's quirky little features that sometimes you have to hit Run as Admin to get some stuff working right even though you are the admin.

 

Consider looking at our recommended security products here Blondie.

 

If a piece of software is not on that list then..............well draw your own conclusions.

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

[Blondieblue]

Thanks wolf, went back and clicked on IE and "run as administrator; so will go back and try the scan now- and will also check out the security recommendations

[Seth]

Hi Blondieblue.

 

We'll see how you make out, but the symptoms indicate operating system corruption, and not an infection.