Solved Infected with Adshost - relentless!!!

Well, first step is encouraging.

Before your fixlist, even clicking in this window without a single keystroke produced the re-direct to adshost.

Can you tell me what you did? I am very thankful for your perseverance.
 
I found some suspicious files/services which were loading at the startup and which I didn't notice before:
direct3dvbicodecProvider.exe
direct3dqdvdTask.exe
commandos_64.exe

Simply look at the "fixlist" file.

Update Adobe Flash Player: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Make sure you UN-check Yes, install McAfee Security Scan Plus

NOTE 1: Beginning with Adobe Flash Version 11.3, the universal installer includes the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the Flash Player.
NOTE 2: While installing make sure you UN-check any extra garbage which wants to install alongside.

If things stay cool...

Your computer is clean

1. This step will remove all cleaning tools we used, it'll reset restore points (so you won't get reinfected by accidentally using some older restore point) and it'll make some other minor adjustments...
This is a very crucial step so make sure you don't skip it.
Download
51a5ce45263de-delfix.png
DelFix by Xplode to your desktop. Delfix will delete all the used tools and logfiles.

Double-click Delfix.exe to start the tool.
Make sure the following items are checked:
  • Activate UAC (optional; some users prefer to keep it off)
  • Remove disinfection tools
  • Create registry backup
  • Purge System Restore
  • Reset system settings
Now click "Run" and wait patiently.
Once finished a logfile will be created. You don't have to attach it to your next reply.

2. Make sure Windows Updates are current.

3. If any trojans, rootkits or bootkits were listed among your infection(s), make sure, you change all of your on-line important passwords (bank account(s), secured web sites, etc.) immediately!

4. Check if your browser plugins are up to date.
Firefox - https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/
other browsers: https://browsercheck.qualys.com/ (click on "Scan without installing plugin" and then on "Scan now")

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), AdwCleaner and Junkware Removal Tool (JRT) weekly (you need to redownload these tools since they were removed by DelFix).

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. When installing\updating ANY program, make sure you always select "Custom " installation, so you can UN-check any possible "drive-by-install" (foistware), like toolbars etc., which may try to install along with the legitimate program. Do NOT click "Next" button without looking at any given page.

11. Read:
How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html
Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/keep-your-computer-safe-online/
About those Toolbars and Add-ons - Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) which change your browser settings: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/for...curity-questions-best-practices/#entry3187642

12. Please, let me know, how your computer is doing.
 
Thanks again Broni. You sure are good at this and you stay with it until things are clean. I know I speak for many people when I say, "Thank you ever so much."

I've had problems with Flash Player not working right to play some the games available from FreeRide games. I've used that site for years to play simple games.

I just clicked to update Flash Player and got this longish message:

-------------
Your Google Chrome browser already includes Adobe® Flash® Player built-in. Google Chrome will automatically update when new versions of Flash Player are available.

Download the Adobe® Flash® Player system plug-in or view the instructions to enable it.

To learn more about the enhanced support for Flash Player in Chrome, including information for developers, see this TechNote.

Do you have a different operating system or browser?

Are you an IT manager or OEM?
----------------

Do I still have to try to update the Player?

I'll do the rest of the cleanup now and report back ... so far, no popup or re-direct.

Dennis
 
Good news :)

As for Flash if you don't use any other browser you're fine.

Good luck and stay safe :)

p22012530.jpg
 
Windows Update failed twice now on 5 optional updates. Here's the text of the error message box:

-------------------------------

Some updates were not installed

Failed: 5 updates

Review optional updates (link)


Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3006121) 298 kb
Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3006625) 1.6 MB
Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3009736) 2.9 MB
Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3013410) 677 kb
Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3014406) 93 kb

Error(s) found:
Code 80243004 Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

Get help with this error (link)


5 optional updates selected Try Again (button)

-------------------------------

Thanks for the well wishes, especially about safety ... very important, no?

Dennis
 
FYI -- 2 of the programs we used did not disappear from my desktop after using DelFix ...

MBAR and Sophos ... no big deal, just letting you know.
 
You can delete both.
They don't install.

As for updates try to install them one by one to see which one is causing issues.
 
That's good advice ... I'll do it.

I'm glad to report that I've been happily clicking away on trusted links that initiated the popup/re-direct (I still don't what to call it) in the recent past. No nuisance anything has come up in about 2 hours.

Fantastic job, Broni !!!

... I know your deal with Malware etc., but a few things went wrong all at the same time as the malware. It began with me not having access to any Office 2010 docs. I eventually had to get Open Office so I could work on my documents. Uninstall/re-install of Office seemed to make matters worse. Is this something you would be interested in exploring further?
 
Well then, thank you very much for solving this problem I had.

Until next time (I hope not !!!), Happy New Year (love your blue HNY greeting),

Dennis the Viking
 
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