Solved Malware? Constant cycling of Windows installer

[Broni]

Uninstall:
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment 6 Update 1
Java(TM) 6 Update 2
Java(TM) 6 Update 3
Java(TM) 6 Update 5
Java(TM) 6 Update 7

=================================================================

Update Adobe Reader

You can download it from https://www.techspot.com/downloads/2083-adobe-reader-dc.html
After installing the latest Adobe Reader, uninstall all previous versions.
Note. If you already have Adobe Photoshop® Album Starter Edition installed or do not wish to have it installed UNcheck the box which says Also Download Adobe Photoshop® Album Starter Edition.

Alternatively, you can uninstall Adobe Reader (33.5 MB), download and install Foxit PDF Reader(3.5MB) from HERE.
It's a much smaller file to download and uses a lot less resources than Adobe Reader.
Note: When installing FoxitReader, make sure to UN-check any pre-checked toolbar, or any other garbage.

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When ready, give me as much details as you can (maybe a screenshot) about that installer thingy.

 

[hollang]

Windows Installer

What's happening is that a window pops up about Windows Installer but only briefly, not long enough to do a screen capture, then disappears. It happens multiple times a minute. Then, it stops, usually only briefly. but sometimes for longer periods, seemingly when some other process or program starts up that takes a lot of computer resources, like, for example, for most of the time when OLT was running, the cycling stopped. I'll see what I can do about getting a screen shot of it. Let's see, what's the shortcut for a screen shot, Ctrl+PrtScreen?

Will be a while before I can do the uninstalls and updates you have just flagged as I have to finish another activity on another computer for work whereas this problem is on home computer.

 

[Broni]

No problem.
As for a screenshot, just press PrtScr. That will copy it to a clipboard.
Next, you open MS Paint and press CTRL+V. That will paste the screenshot into Paint.

 

[hollang]

Log from EScan

Ran Escan in Safe Mode and got the following:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\execeget.dll a variant of Win32/Urlbot.NAF trojan
C:\WINDOWS\system32\polugnet.dll a variant of Win32/Urlbot.NAF trojan

At least there's now maybe a name to the culprit!

 

[Broni]

I doubt those are active, but who knows...

Run OTL

• Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following
  
  

  :OTL
  
  :Services
  
  :Reg
  
  :Files
  C:\WINDOWS\system32\execeget.dll 
  C:\WINDOWS\system32\polugnet.dll
  
  :Commands
  [purity]
  [emptytemp]
  [emptyflash]
  [Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done
• You will get a log that shows the results of the fix. Please post it.

 

[hollang]

screen shot of Wininstall situation

attached is screen shot of the wininstall popup. it just flashes up for a second or show, then goes away and comes back. very annoying and you can only do things by repeating things until what you do slips between two popup cycles.

will try OLT thing again. Thanks.

 

[Broni]

I see. Not much info there.
Run OTL fix and update me on installer thingy.
We'll go from there.

 

[hollang]

New Log

on this reboot, saw the windows installer flash a couple of times, then go away while OLT log was being generated. Not flashing right now either. Anyway, here's the log:

All processes killed
========== OTL ==========
========== SERVICES/DRIVERS ==========
========== REGISTRY ==========
========== FILES ==========
C:\WINDOWS\system32\execeget.dll moved successfully.
C:\WINDOWS\system32\polugnet.dll moved successfully.
========== COMMANDS ==========

[EMPTYTEMP]

User: Administrator
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 15115755 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 456 bytes

User: All Users

User: Daddy Monster
->Temp folder emptied: 21197580 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 3124027 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 470 bytes

User: David Holland
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: Default User
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 0 bytes

User: LocalService
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes

User: Nancy Holland
->Temp folder emptied: 4004 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 1686448 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: NetworkService
->Temp folder emptied: 16384 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes

%systemdrive% .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot% .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32 .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\dllcache .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\drivers .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
Windows Temp folder emptied: 109563 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 0 bytes
RecycleBin emptied: 0 bytes

Total Files Cleaned = 39.00 mb


[EMPTYFLASH]

User: Administrator
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: All Users

User: Daddy Monster
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: David Holland
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: Default User

User: LocalService

User: Nancy Holland
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: NetworkService

Total Flash Files Cleaned = 0.00 mb


OTL by OldTimer - Version 3.2.25.0 log created on 07042011_190016

Files\Folders moved on Reboot...
File\Folder C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Temp\Perflib_Perfdata_6c0.dat not found!

Registry entries deleted on Reboot...

 

[Broni]

Restart computer and let me know how the issue is.

 

[hollang]

Java Uninstal

Hadn't been able to uninstall the Java Updates you'd asked me to and thought I'd try again. Bad Idea, I guess. It didn't work (see screenshot ttached) & now the wininstall thingee is back flashing again.

 

[hollang]

oops forgot attachment

Sorry about that. here's the screenshot with the uninstall failure message.

 

[hollang]

Rebooted

Well, rebooted, Wininstalled flashed a couple of times and stopped. Bet if I tried to install/uninstall something else it would start flashing again, but will sit on hands until your next advice for fear of screwing something up. Guess I'm impatient.

 

[Broni]

Download Autoruns for Windows: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx
No installation required.
Simply unzip Autoruns.zip file, and double click on autoruns.exe file to run the program.
Go File>Save, and save it as AutoRuns.txt file to know location.
You must select Text from drop-down menu as a file type:

Attach the file to your next reply.

 

[hollang]

Wininstall Flashey thing is back

Just sitting there and after some time, it came back. Is intermittant. sometims active, sometimes dormant. mind of its own.

 

[Broni]

OK, give me Autoruns log.

 

[hollang]

had to reboot after autoruns

for some reason, couldn't get anywhere on ie. had to reboot and reset my router. Anyway, log is attached. Will be away for a while now.

 

[Broni]

OK, let's disable some unnecessary startups and we'll see how it goes.

Re-run Autoruns, click on "Logon" tab and UN-check following items:

+ "ATICCC"
+ "ATIPTA"
+ "iTunesHelper"
+ "Motive SmartBridge"
+ "RoxWatchTray"
+ "SetRefresh"
+ "SSBkgdUpdate"
+ "ISUSPM"

Restart computer and let me know how it goes.

 

[hollang]

hmmm rebooted nio problem so far

well, rebooted and so far, no hassles. I'll let it ride for awhile. BTW, on the list you disabled, I can recognize all but the last one, ISUSPM which is supposedly according to the description field "Macrovision Software Manager" "Macrovision Corporation" and so far as I know, I don't have any macrovision software installed.

We'll wait and see how it goes!

 

[hollang]

still can't uinstall anything

same problem as previous screenshot if I try to uninstall any of the unnecessary old versions of Java, for example. This must mean something is still squirrely with Windows Installer.

 

[Broni]

I believe ISUSPM was the culprit, so I'm glad to see those pop-ups gone.

As for Java, I wouldn't worry too much about it.
You won't be a very first person, who is having same issue.
JavaRa ran, so I believe those are just orphaned, not active entries.
Let me know, if you have any install/uninstall issue with any other program(s).

For now...

Your computer is clean

1. We need to reset system restore to prevent your computer from being accidentally reinfected by using some old restore point(s). We'll create fresh, clean restore point, using following OTL script:

Run OTL

• Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following:

:OTL
:Commands
[purity]
[emptytemp]
[EMPTYFLASH]
[CLEARALLRESTOREPOINTS]
[Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done
• Post resulting log.

2. Now, we'll remove all tools, we used during our cleaning process

Clean up with OTL:

• Double-click OTL.exe to start the program.
• Close all other programs apart from OTL as this step will require a reboot
• On the OTL main screen, press the CLEANUP button
• Say Yes to the prompt and then allow the program to reboot your computer.

If you still have any tools or logs leftover on your computer you can go ahead and delete those off of your computer now.

3. Make sure, Windows Updates are current.

4. If any Trojan was listed among your infection(s), make sure, you change all of your on-line important passwords (bank account(s), secured web sites, etc.) immediately!

5. Download, and install WOT (Web OF Trust): http://www.mywot.com/. It'll warn you (in most cases) about dangerous web sites.

6. Run Malwarebytes "Quick scan" once in a while to assure safety of your computer.

7. Run Temporary File Cleaner (TFC) weekly.

8. Download and install Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI): https://www.techspot.com/downloads/4898-secunia-personal-software-inspector-psi.html. The Secunia PSI is a FREE security tool designed to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs and plug-ins which expose your PC to attacks. Run it weekly.

9. (optional) If you want to keep all your programs up to date, download and install FileHippo Update Checker.
The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases.

10. (Windows XP only) Run defrag at your convenience.

11. Read How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html

12. Please, let me know, how your computer is doing.

 

[hollang]

cleanup

here is the log from the final OTL run. the computer is not flashing WIndows Installer stuff, but also it seems that "normal" windows installer is broken. I tried to run the Windows7UpgradeAdvisorSetup.exe as this experience is making me think about upgrading the OS on this PC and doing a complete format and clean install to do it, just in case, but it failed. See screen capture attached. And, I couldn't install WOT either for same reason. was able to install secunia though; guess it doesn't use Windows Installer

Any suggestions?

Also, you mention changing passwords in case of trojans, but I'm not certain what the problem was. The EScan reported

"C:\WINDOWS\system32\execeget.dll a variant of Win32/Urlbot.NAF trojan
C:\WINDOWS\system32\polugnet.dll a variant of Win32/Urlbot.NAF trojan"

but you said "I doubt those are active, but who knows..."

I guess best practice would be to change everything just in case...?

Here's the log from the OTL run:
============================
All processes killed
========== OTL ==========
========== COMMANDS ==========

[EMPTYTEMP]

User: Administrator
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: All Users

User: Daddy Monster
->Temp folder emptied: 76866991 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 10677205 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 470 bytes

User: David Holland
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: Default User
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 0 bytes

User: LocalService
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes

User: Nancy Holland
->Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 0 bytes
->Java cache emptied: 0 bytes
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: NetworkService
->Temp folder emptied: 16384 bytes
->Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes

%systemdrive% .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot% .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32 .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\dllcache .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\System32\drivers .tmp files removed: 0 bytes
Windows Temp folder emptied: 771222 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temp folder emptied: 0 bytes
%systemroot%\system32\config\systemprofile\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files folder emptied: 33170 bytes
RecycleBin emptied: 0 bytes

Total Files Cleaned = 84.00 mb


[EMPTYFLASH]

User: Administrator
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: All Users

User: Daddy Monster
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: David Holland
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: Default User

User: LocalService

User: Nancy Holland
->Flash cache emptied: 0 bytes

User: NetworkService

Total Flash Files Cleaned = 0.00 mb

Restore points cleared and new OTL Restore Point set!

OTL by OldTimer - Version 3.2.25.0 log created on 07052011_072611

Files\Folders moved on Reboot...
File\Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temp\~DF2EFA.tmp not found!
File\Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temp\~DF2F11.tmp not found!
File\Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temp\~DF3003.tmp not found!
File\Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temp\~DF3015.tmp not found!
File\Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temp\~DF3120.tmp not found!
File\Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temp\~DF3132.tmp not found!
C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\07DLP0AQ\sh45[1].html moved successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\07DLP0AQ\topic167338-3[2].html moved successfully.
C:\Documents and Settings\Daddy Monster\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\AntiPhishing\2CEDBFBC-DBA8-43AA-B1FD-CC8E6316E3E2.dat moved successfully.
File\Folder C:\Documents and Settings\NetworkService\Local Settings\Temp\Perflib_Perfdata_29c.dat not found!
File\Folder C:\WINDOWS\temp\Perflib_Perfdata_464.dat not found!

Registry entries deleted on Reboot...

 

[hollang]

oops again.

here's the attachment mentioned in the previous post about WinInstaller still failing

 

[Broni]

Go Start>Run, type in:
services.msc
Click OK.

Find Windows Installer service.
Make sure, it's not disabled.
It should be set to "Manual".

 

[hollang]

installer services missing

looked in services.msc and no Windows Installer service lsted at all or any variation I could see.

 

[Broni]

Download and install WindowsXP-KB942288-v3-x86.exe from here: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=8483