Cannot install ANY programs?

[Watchen]

Ms Security Updates & Security SW

Hi,
Just checked before I go to bed. I was trying to install some Ms Security Updates for WinXP. WindowsXP-KB958644.exe
Security Update for Windows XP (KB956841)
Malicious Software Removal Tool: Windows-KB890830-v2.5.exe
Security Update IE 7: IE7-WindowsXP-KB960714.exe
AVG 8.0, CounterSpy and Spyware Doctor.

SpywareDoctor, the newest version will install but it will not clean unless you pay for it. I have an older version with a license but it will not install, as well as 30 other programs I tried just for the heck of it ??

Two or three NEW security SW will install, like MBAM and some others, don't remember right now, that PC is off but I guarantee I have installed all of these programs on other computers and I tried using two different memory sticks, CDs and downloading these programs to install. The key seems to be 'Security SW"! Also I have never seen the Dos Cmd box popup before when installing a program ?

 

[gillianbrown]

Maybe you should try running a Windows repair as per this thread HERE, as obviously something's not right.

 

[Bobbye]

Watchen, it is useless to continue with cleaning unless you get some security on the system. You have NO antivirus, no firewall or other security programs. Services shows are not sufficient to run the system correctly.

Step 1: https://www.techspot.com/community/...lware-removal-preliminary-instructions.58138/

Links on site.
Antivirus scanning

If you're NOT running any antivirus or firewall software, you should install one ASAP If you already have an Anti-virus program - please be sure to check for updates and run a full scan of your system - Please note anything that it finds in your thread.

Recommended Free Anti Virus:
Avira Free
Avast Free
Recommended Free Firewall:
Comodo
Zonealarm

gillianbrown, when you check the logs, make sure the proper security is running- this also include making sure there is only one antivirus, one firewall, make sure the Java is updated, make sure Adobe is updated. There is more to the logs than just malware!

 

[Bobbye]

I was trying to install some Ms Security Updates for WinXP.

Please don't attempt updating while the cleaning process is being done. First thing for your attention is the security issue.

You list AVG v8 but it is not showing in the HijackThis log. Additional malware infections in Malwarebytes are showing no progress is being made:

Please rescan with HijackThis and attach a new log.

 

[Watchen]

"Security Issues"

Hello ALL, I have not been on this forum for 3 days but I have been 'very busy'!

Two days ago I installed {all the latest versions}: AVG Free, Spybot S&D, ZoneAlarm, SpywareBlaster and SUPERAntiSpyware. I updated all of the programs and definitions, and then ran the scans (including MBAM which I had previously installed). Needless to say I found LOTS of malware, (all were removed or quarantined)! The last ones that I did yesterday all showed clean or "0".

Well I thought that I had everything cleaned up but I was running some final scans this AM (12/31/08). While running SUPERAntiSpyware the AVG Resident Shield popped up with 12 infection warnings, it has a 'Hide Details' button so I clicked on it and all 12 were linked to SUPERAntiSpyware?? All this showed was the file address C:\Program Files\ {etc.}\SuperAntiSpyware.exe Process ID 3596?? No idea what this was all about? Was it due to the scan or was AVG identifying SUPERAntiSpyware as running/loading trojans?

I then checked on AVG and it was having problems updating (both Automatically and manually), so I did a 'Install Repair' and then manually updated it, and then at 12 noon I let it do it's "Auto Daily Scan".

AVG found 27 items (18 infections but 8 of these were in the System Volume Info. folder; 7 Spyware and 2 Warnings (tracking cookies) - all were removed or quarantined.

However, I am concerned every one of my last scans, with all of the above, showed that the PC was clean. Three of the files ID'd as spyware 'Trojans' were old mp3 files my grand-daughter had downloaded back in March?? So why did not MBAM, AVG Free, Spybot and SUPERAntiSpyware identify these files as trojans??

So my question is just how much can we trust these programs?
1. To do a good job -and- 2. That THEY are not also scams and part of the problem, like many of the phony Registry & Spyware Scanners? And like the one that really started all of this was "SpywareGuard2008". It also went unidentified as a trojan through the first 5-6 scans!

I also did a hijackthis scan after all of the above were completed, 30 minutes ago and have included that here.

THANKS AGAIN for All of Your Help Guys, Wachen

P.S. NotePad_ is a notepad.exe replacement I have been using for 5 years and know that it is safe.

 

[Bobbye]

Well, we've all been busy and this is New Year's eve. So I will ask that you update and run Malwarebytes and SuperAntispyware-again-followed by a new scan with HijackThis. Attach all three logs when through.

I need to see what is being found. Some malware requires special cleaning programs.

 

[Watchen]

More Scans

Hi, I tried logging on earlier, on another computer but it would not accept my user name and password?

My son came and got his computer this morning and took it home. I thought it was clean but I was still having trouble with AVG's automatic update! But no trouble with a manual update. All 'full' AVG, Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware scans were clean. I did not do a Hijackthis scan at the time!

I will be at his house on Friday the 9th, so I'll do the scans then and post them ASAP.

Thanks

P.S. I see in the 8-Step Malware Removal list they do not recommend AVG but Avira and Avast. Would you recommend I switch to one of these?

 

[kimsland]

Yes definitely use Avira (and uninstall useless AVG)

 

[Watchen]

Thanks

Thanks for your quick reply. One last question and then I'll come back later, after I have done all necessary scans, with the logs.

However, I have two of my own computers I need to check now, had some minor problems with them. Both have router firewalls, ZoneAlarm firewall, and AVG but still got some things on them, seems to be OK now?

What about Cyber Defender, I have seen a lot of talk about it lately and some have even listed it as best in class. Or do you prefer Avira and SuperAntiSpyware as being better.

I haven't tried Avira yet (just downloaded it) but I am impressed with SuperAntiSpyware. I have been using CounterSpy for about 4-5 years before that it was WebRoot but I like "FREE".

Thanks Again

 

[Bobbye]

Both have router firewalls, ZoneAlarm firewall, and AVG but still got some things on them

A comment: the first line of security is the user. NO matter what or how much security is on the system, safe surfing and email opening is up to the user. Logging on to questionable sites, clicking on pop-ups, opening emails from names you don't recognize, opening many forwards, opening unknown attachments-even from friends-all put the user at risk for malware.

And when the friend or the grand kids use the computer, it presents another risk.

And quite frankly, some ISP have better filters for their networks. So factor all of this in when you evaluate the safety of the system.