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Removal instructions for Windows Efficiency Console

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Metallica

Metallica

    Spyware Veteran

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Content is republished with permission from Malwarebytes.

What is Windows Efficiency Console?

The Malwarebytes research team has determined that Windows Efficiency Console is a fake anti-malware application. These so-called "rogues" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have been compromised. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue. You are strongly advised to follow our removal instructions below.

How do I know if I am infected with Windows Efficiency Console?

This is how the main screen of the rogue application looks:

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You will find this icon in your taskbar:

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And see these warnings:

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How did Windows Efficiency Console get on my computer?

Rogue programs use different methods for spreading themselves. This particular one was installed by a trojan.

How do I remove Windows Efficiency Console?

Our program Malwarebytes Anti-Malware can detect and remove this rogue application. But since the rogue blocks all other programs you will have to boot into "Safe mode with networking".
Once you are in safe mode, you can continue with the instructions below.

  • Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to your desktop.
  • Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • At the end, be sure a check-mark is placed next to the following:

    • Update Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
    • Launch Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
  • Then click Finish.
  • If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version.
  • Once the program has loaded, select Perform quick scan, then click Scan.
  • When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results.
  • Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. Reboot your computer if prompted.
  • When completed, a log will open in Notepad. The rogue application should now be gone.

Is there anything else I need to do to get rid of Windows Efficiency Console?
  • No, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware removes Windows Efficiency Console completely.

How would the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware help protect me?

We hope our application has helped you eradicate this malicious software. If your current security solution let this infection through, you might please consider purchasing the FULL version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for additional protection.

As you can see below the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware would have protected you against the Windows Efficiency Console rogue. It would have warned you before the rogue could install itself, giving you a chance to stop it before it became too late.


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Technical details for experts

Signs in a HijackThis log:
Running processes:
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\guard-dxla.exe

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [GuardSoftware] C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\guard-dxla.exe

Alterations made by the installer:

  File System
  ===============
    In the existing folder C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data
      Adds the file guard-dxla.exe"="21:46 17/12/13 1314640 bytes

  Registry
  ===============
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\MpCmdRun.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\MpUXSrv.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\MSASCui.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msconfig.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msmpeng.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msseces.exe]
      "Debugger"="'svchost.exe'"
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]
      "GuardSoftware"="'C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\guard-dxla.exe'"


Malwarebytes Anti-Malware log:
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.75.0.1300
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2013.12.21.02

Windows XP Service Pack 3 x86 NTFS (Safe Mode/Networking)
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702
{username} :: MBAM-D3E8C91ACC [administrator]

12/21/2013 9:55:55 AM
mbam-log-2013-12-21 (09-55-55).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 236769
Time elapsed: 55 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 6
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\MpCmdRun.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\MpUXSrv.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\MSASCui.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msconfig.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msmpeng.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\msseces.exe (Security.Hijack) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Values Detected: 1
HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run|GuardSoftware (Rogue.WindowsEff) -> Data: C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\guard-dxla.exe
 -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 1
C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\guard-dxla.exe (Rogue.WindowsEff) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

(end)


As mentioned before the full version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware could have protected your computer against this threat.
We use different ways of protecting your computer(s):
  • Dynamically Blocks Malware Sites & Servers
  • Malware Execution Prevention
Save yourself the hassle and get protected.
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