Jump to content

Welcome to Geeks to Go - Register now for FREE

Need help with your computer or device? Want to learn new tech skills? You're in the right place!
Geeks to Go is a friendly community of tech experts who can solve any problem you have. Just create a free account and post your question. Our volunteers will reply quickly and guide you through the steps. Don't let tech troubles stop you. Join Geeks to Go now and get the support you need!

How it Works Create Account
Photo

MSSECES.exe & Firewall not accessible by XP - Rootkits found


  • Please log in to reply

#16
RKinner

RKinner

    Malware Expert

  • Expert
  • 24,701 posts
  • MVP
No real change except we want to also run ESET's service repair:


Download ESET's Service Repair http://kb.eset.com/l...vicesRepair.exe and Save it then right click on it and Run As Admin.



To fix the stuck download you can try the FixIt:

http://support.micro...l_and_Uninstall

If that doesn't work then Windows Repair All-in-one should do it:



http://www.tweaking....all_in_one.html

Download it and save it then run it.

You can skip to step 4 or 5 where it gives you the same picture as in the above link.

Make sure all of these are checked before hitting Start:

Reset Registry Permissions
Reset File Permissions
Register System Files
Repair WMI
Repair Windows Firewall
Repair Internet Explorer
Repair MDAC & MS Jet
Repair Hosts File
Remove Policies Set By Infections
Repair Icons
Repair Winsock & DNS Cache
Remove Temp Files
Repair Proxy Settings
Unhide Non System Files
Repair Windows Updates
Repair CD/DVD Missing/Not Working

Reboot when done.
  • 0

Advertisements


#17
LVAD

LVAD

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 92 posts
OK I have done everything that you told me. The Security Center and Firewall problem are now fixed as well as the Windows .NET framework update problem. This was all fixed by tweaking.com all-in-one Windows repair.

MSE uninstall was a breeze with Revo Uninstaller. I have downloaded and installed Avast and will run the scan as you instructed overnight tonight.

HOWEVER, I think it is important to let you know that the Avast installer FORCED a Google Toolbar install on me as it was installing the program. There was no way to stop it nor did it ask me before it did it. It just said "Now installing Google Toolbar, please wait. This may take a while" . While it was installing it, the "cancel' button on the installer was made inactive.

I personally think that this is a bad thing for a security software company to force a toolbar on you upon installation of it's security program. But I will use it as you suggested for the purposes of fixing my problem. Just thought I would forewarn you about this since many PC security professionals consider the Google toolbar a form of malware/spyware. Avast needs to rethink this.

Will post my Avast log tomorrow.

Here are my VEW logs...



Vino's Event Viewer v01c run on Windows XP in English
Report run at 03/10/2013 8:52:14 PM

Note: All dates below are in the format dd/mm/yyyy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'System' Log - error Type
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Log: 'System' Date/Time: 03/10/2013 8:50:36 PM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7023 Source: Service Control Manager
The Computer Browser service terminated with the following error: The specified service does not exist as an installed service.

Log: 'System' Date/Time: 03/10/2013 8:50:36 PM
Type: error Category: 0
Event: 7000 Source: Service Control Manager
The helpsvc service failed to start due to the following error: The system cannot find the file specified.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'System' Log - warning Type
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Vino's Event Viewer v01c run on Windows XP in English
Report run at 03/10/2013 8:54:05 PM

Note: All dates below are in the format dd/mm/yyyy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Application' Log - error Type
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Application' Log - warning Type
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Log: 'Application' Date/Time: 03/10/2013 8:49:50 PM
Type: warning Category: 1
Event: 32068 Source: Microsoft Fax
The outgoing routing rule is not valid because it cannot find a valid device. The outgoing faxes that use this rule will not be routed. Verify that the targeted device or devices (if routed to a group of devices) is connected and installed correctly, and turned on. If routed to a group, verify that the group is configured correctly. Country/region code: '*' Area code: '*'

Log: 'Application' Date/Time: 03/10/2013 8:49:50 PM
Type: warning Category: 1
Event: 32026 Source: Microsoft Fax
Fax Service failed to initialize any assigned fax devices (virtual or TAPI). No faxes can be sent or received until a fax device is installed.

Edited by LVAD, 04 October 2013 - 03:04 AM.

  • 0

#18
LVAD

LVAD

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 92 posts
Avast Boot Time Scan completed. I am now current with all your instructions. Will await your response and further instructions...

10/03/2013 22:59
Scan of all local drives

File C:\Documents and Settings\user\Desktop\AdsenseTemplates.com by Cody Moya\Bonuses\ArticleSiteDir.zip|>ArticleSiteDir\footer.php is infected by JS:Iframe-JH [Trj], Moved to chest
File C:\Documents and Settings\user\Desktop\AdsenseTemplates.com by Cody Moya\Bonuses\ArticleSiteDir.zip|>ArticleSiteDir\header.php is infected by JS:Iframe-JH [Trj], Moved to chest
File C:\Documents and Settings\user\Favorites\duncan.url is infected by INI:Shortcut-inf [Trj], Moved to chest
File C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\orvz0z36.default\Cache\B\1A\E0856d01|>chrome\lastpass.jar Error 42125 {ZIP archive is corrupted.}
File C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Opera\Opera\profile\cache4\opr0004B|>{gzip} is infected by JS:Decode-BAN [Trj], Moved to chest
File C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Opera\Opera\profile\cache4\opr0001F|>{gzip} is infected by JS:Decode-BAN [Trj], Moved to chest
File C:\FRST\Quarantine\Install\Install\{4aa9fb7b-322d-b513-d21b-7d58662767c6}\ \ \???\{4aa9fb7b-322d-b513-d21b-7d58662767c6}\U\80000000.@ is infected by Win64:Sirefef-A [Trj], Moved to chest
File C:\FRST\Quarantine\Install\Install\{4aa9fb7b-322d-b513-d21b-7d58662767c6}\ \ \???\{4aa9fb7b-322d-b513-d21b-7d58662767c6}\U\80000001.@ is infected by Win32:Sirefef-BUF [Rtk], Moved to chest
File C:\Program Files\ArcSoft\PhotoStudio 5.5\PrintProcess.exe is infected by Win32:Patched-AMM [PUP], Moved to chest
File C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE4.0\OpproGer.chm|>#TOPICS Error 42136 {CHM archive is corrupted.}
File C:\System Volume Information\_restore{45B5E8B9-949A-471E-999D-F381DA56A2D3}\RP11\A0001446.exe is infected by Win32:Patched-AMM [PUP], Moved to chest
Number of searched folders: 20832
Number of tested files: 927913
Number of infected files: 9
  • 0

#19
RKinner

RKinner

    Malware Expert

  • Expert
  • 24,701 posts
  • MVP
Copy the next 3 line:

sc config browser start= disabled
sc config helpsvc start= disabled
sc config fax start= disabled

Start, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt to bring up a Command Window. Right click and Paste (or Edit then Paste) and the copied lines will appear. Hit Enter. Did you get an error? If not that should correct the errors shown in VEW.

That should be all unless you need some help getting rid of Google Toolbar. It should be running OK now. Is it?

Stick with Avast for a while and see how you like it. Some people object to the voice notification of updates. To turn it off, click on the Avast ball then on Settings. Then on Sounds and uncheck Automatic Updates OK. (It will still update it just won't tell you about in a loud voice in the middle of the night.)

They have also started using their info popup to try and get you to upgrade so I go into Settings, Popups and change the first two to 1 second.

The registration is good for 12-14 months then you will need to register again. They will, of course, try to talk you into buying the product but you can always register again for another year free tho it won't be the default option.


If so then it's time to clean up:


We need to clean up System Restore.

Copy the following:


:Commands
[CLEARALLRESTOREPOINTS]
[Reboot]

Run OTL. In the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the copied text (Ctrl + v) and then hit Run Fix.

You can uninstall or delete any tools we had you download and their logs.

OTL has a cleanup tab so if you run it again and select cleanup it will remove itself and its backup files.

To hide hidden files again (If you do not run OTL cleanup):

XP

# Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
# Double-click on the My Computer icon.
# Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
# After the new window appears select the View tab.
# Uncheck the checkbox labeled Display the contents of system folders.
# Under the Hidden files and folders section select the 'Hide protected operating system files (recommended)' option.
# Check the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
# Press the Apply button and then the OK button and exit My Computer.

Special note on Java. Old Java versions should be removed after first clearing the Java Cache by following the instructions in:
http://www.java.com/...lugin_cache.xml
Then remove the old versions by going to Control Panel, Programs and Features and Uninstall all Java programs which are not Java Version 7 update 25 or better. These may call themselves: Java Runtime, Runtime Environment, Runtime, JRE, Java Virtual Machine, Virtual Machine, Java VM, JVM, VM, J2RE, J2SE. Get the latest version from Java.com. They will usually attempt to foist some garbage like the Ask toolbar, Yahoo toolbar or McAfee Security Scan on you as part of the download. Just uncheck the garbage before the download (or install) starts. If you use a 64-bit browser and want the 64-bit version of Java you need to use it to visit java.com.
Due to multiple security problems with Java we are now recommending that it not be installed unless you absolutely know you need it. If that is the case then you should go in to Control panels, Java, Security and set the slider to the highest level.

Also make sure you have the latest versions of any adobe.com products you use like Shockwave, Flash or Acrobat.

Whether you use adobe reader, acrobat or fox-it to read pdf files you need to disable Javascript in the program. There is an exploit out there now that can use it to get on your PC. For Adobe Reader: Start, All Programs, Adobe Reader, Edit, Preferences, Click on Javascript in the left column and uncheck Enable Acrobat Javascript. OK Close program. It's the same for Foxit reader except you uncheck Enable Javascript Actions.

To help keep your programs up-to-date you should download and run the UpdateChecker:
http://www.filehippo.../updatechecker/
(You don't need to download Betas and if there is a program you don't use you can just uninstall it rather than update it. You can right click on the updatechecker icon (looks like a downward green arrowhead) and select Settings and tell it no betas. If you don't use MSN Messenger I would not upgdate it. MS installs a bunch of stuff when you do. You can tell the program to not show you that update.)
If you use Firefox or Chome then get the AdBlock Plus Add-on.

If Firefox is slow loading make sure it only has the current Java add-on. Then download and run Speedy Fox.
http://www.crystalidea.com/speedyfox . Click on Speedup my Firefox. When it finishes click on Exit.

Be warned: If you use Limewire, utorrent or any of the other P2P programs you will almost certain be coming back to the Malware Removal forum. If you must use P2P then submit any files you get to http://virustotal.com before you open them.

If you have a router, log on to it today and change the default password! If using a Wireless router you really should be using encryption on the link. Use the strongest (newest) encryption method that your router and PC wireless adapter support especially if you own a business. See http://www.king5.com...-120637284.html and http://www.seattlepi...ted-1344185.php for why encryption is important. If you don't know how, visit the router maker's website. They all have detailed step by step instructions or a wizard you can download.


XP does not automatically run defrag so it needs to be done manually every couple of months or it will slow down. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848


XP has been out a long time so most XP computers are starting to get clogged with dust. This makes them overheat which will also slow them down. To clean a desktop, shut it down but leave it plugged in. Remove the lid or open it up and use a vacuum cleaner hose and a small brush to clean the air vents in the front and back and the fins of the heatsink and of the fans - including the fan of the power supply. You may need to unscrew the four screws that hold the fan to the heatsink and lift the fan off to really clean the heatsink. Start it up while the lid is off and watch the fan (after screwing it back down again if you removed it). It should start up right away and be at full speed in no time (it may stop running shortly after starting - this is normal). A fan that is slow starting or which makes noise is worn out and needs to be replaced. Cleaning a laptop is unfortunately major surgery for most brands. Make sure the vents are clear and that it is run on a hard surface. Never on a bed or your lap as that blocks the air vents. Propping up the back with a book without blocking the air vents will make it run a bit cooler. If you think it might be running hot you can get speedfan

http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php

Download, save and Install it then run it.

It will tell you your temps. If they seem hot (over 50) then check Automatic Fan Speed.
Leave it running and see if the temps drop. If temps are over 80, the CPU will slow down to protect itself. Disassembling a laptop to clean it isn't that hard. There are usually YouTube videos for most brands that show you how to do it if you search for them. Most times you just need some small screwdrivers and maybe a long nose pliers. The hardest part is reassembling it and getting all of the screws in the right places so takes notes or lots of pictures. If you take it apart then you should also pull the heatsink and clean it and replace the old thermal pads with Arctic Silver Thermal compound. Amazon has a kit of cleaner and compound http://www.amazon.co...n/dp/B001FVI91U which I have used.

Make sure you have Windows update working and preferably on Automatic download and install. Go to Internet Explorer, Tools, (or Safety), Windows Updates, Express and see if it has any updates for you.
  • 0

#20
LVAD

LVAD

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 92 posts

Copy the next 3 line:

sc config browser start= disabled
sc config helpsvc start= disabled
sc config fax start= disabled

Start, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt to bring up a Command Window. Right click and Paste (or Edit then Paste) and the copied lines will appear. Hit Enter. Did you get an error? If not that should correct the errors shown in VEW.


the command prompt does not recognize "sc". It tells me...

"'SC' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."

Also, how about the problems Avast found in the log I posted above? Do these not need addressed?

Thanks

Edited by LVAD, 04 October 2013 - 06:36 PM.

  • 0

#21
RKinner

RKinner

    Malware Expert

  • Expert
  • 24,701 posts
  • MVP
sc.exe should be there on XP in c:\Windows\System32\sc.exe but if it's not you can do Start, Run, services.msc , OK and then find each of the three:

browser = Computer Browser

helpsvc = Help and Support

fax = fax

Right click on each and select Properties. Change the Startup Type: to Disabled OK


Avast moved all of the infected items to its Chest which is a quarantine thing so they are no longer a danger. If you click on the Avast ball, Maintenance, Virus Chest you can then delete them if you want to.

It did find a corrupted archive which it didn't move:

C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\orvz0z36.default\Cache\B\1A\E0856d01

If you want to delete it yourself you can. It's not going to hurt anything it's just unusable.
  • 0

#22
LVAD

LVAD

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 92 posts
OK, had to do it manually in services.msc. SC.exe does exist in my System32 folder as you stated, but it simply will not work in my command prompt as you initially instructed.

About my router, security is set to WPA2-PSK [AES], is this what you mean by "encryption"?

Also, these are the 3 security options I have for my router...

WPA-PSK [TKIP]
WPA2-PSK [AES]
WPA-PSK [TKIP] + WPA2-PSK [AES]

Which one should I be using in your opinion?
  • 0

#23
RKinner

RKinner

    Malware Expert

  • Expert
  • 24,701 posts
  • MVP
WPA2-PSK [AES] is the correct encryption to use.
  • 0

#24
LVAD

LVAD

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 92 posts
OK, so I cleaned up system restore and removed OTL as per your instructions. I will continue to use Avast as you suggested to see if I like it. There is only one thing that I came across that I want to run by you as I'm not sure if this might be related to my recent infection or anything that we did to clean up the infection...

When my PC goes into hibernation mode, after I bring it out of hibernation, I get a balloon popup in my system tray that alerts me that my internet connection had has either limited connectivity or is completely unavailable. Using the "repair" function does not restore the connection to normal because the repair fails and states that the reason for the fail is that a new IP address could not be established. The only simple way I found to restore the connection is to go into "network connections, disable the connection and then enable it again. While it is an easy and simple solution, it is an annoyance that it happens and to have to reestablish the connection.

It is important to note that this only happens when I bring my PC out of hibernation mode. It does not happen if I reboot my PC.

Any suggestions?
  • 0

#25
RKinner

RKinner

    Malware Expert

  • Expert
  • 24,701 posts
  • MVP
Right click on My Computer and select Manage then Device Manager. Find the Network Adapters and click on the + in front. Find the adapter you are using to connect and right click on it and select Properties. There should be a Power Management tab, click on it. Usually there is a box to check/uncheck that says Allow the Computer to turn off this device to save Power. Usually this is checked by default. Try unchecking it - if it is checked then try unchecking then OK and reboot. Does it still not connect after Hibernate? Make sure you have the latest driver for the network adapter that is giving you a problem. There is a known problem with Intel 82579V Gigabit Ethernet PHY Network which causes it to not connect after Hibernate.
  • 0

Advertisements


#26
LVAD

LVAD

    Member

  • Topic Starter
  • Member
  • PipPip
  • 92 posts
OK, everything seems to be now. If there are still issues with this connectivity problem, I will open a thread in another forum.

I think this thread can be marked as "solved".

Thanks for your time and expertise!
  • 0






Similar Topics

0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users

As Featured On:

Microsoft Yahoo BBC MSN PC Magazine Washington Post HP