Hi! My computer seems to be infected with something that redirects my browser, has disabled my real time virus scanner (Avast), and won't let me update either Avast or Malware Bytes. I noticed yesterday that my Windows Firewall notification kept popping up, and then it would go away again and then shortly after this, I noticed that my Avast icon had disappeared from the system tray. I tried re-opening Avast and updating, but it wouldn't update. I ran a full scan anyway and it found nothing. I opened Malware Bytes and tried to update and it wouldn't let me. I performed a Quick Scan and it also found nothing. Shortly after this, while researching the problem through Google search my browser began redirecting me to unrelated sites. Obviously, something is wrong.
I found your forums, and it seems like others are having the same problem. I followed the steps in your Removal Guidelines, here are my results:
I have Spybot Search and Destroy (it's scan also finds nothing), but I don't have Tea Timer enabled.
Step A) Avast- it won't update, but I ran a second scan anyway for the purposes of following your instructions in order and it still found nothing. The crappy Microsoft Security Center in the control panel says it's working properly, but the real time scanner has been disabled, it looks like.
Step 1) I didn't see anything unfamiliar in my Add/Remove Programs section.
Step 2) Ran CCCleaner and it appeared to work like it should.
Step 3) Installed Super Anti-Spyware and will attach log. It found nothing to remove. :/
Step 4) Ran another Malware Bytes scan and again it found nothing. I was unable to update though. I followed these instructions: If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download them from here and just double-click on mbam-rules.exe to install. but Malware Bytes still says the last update was 4/29. I will attach the log.
Step 5) Verified my Java version and it told me "Congratulations!
You have the recommended Java installed (Version 6 Update 13)." So I assume all is well there.
Step 6) Will attach my Hijack This log. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary, but I'm a novice...
If anyone can help me figure out what is causing this and how to fix it, I would appreciate it.
My symptoms are still:
1) both Firefox and IE redirecting
2) programs won't update (Avast and Malware Bytes)
3) Firewall won't stay on
4) Virus Scanner disabled and am unable to open it up
Thank you,
SMK
ETA on 05/23/09- I have a new symptom. Now I can't burn anything to DVD or CD for some reason. I haven't changed anything else on my system since this post but now I can't burn anything. My other symptoms still persist.
Also, I ran a complete MalwareBytes scan as suggested by Helpmeh, but I was afraid to bump the topic and lessen my chances of an expert noticing my post. Since it's been a couple weeks since my original post I am hoping this edit is appropriate since I have new symptoms that might aid in identifying the culprit. I have uploaded the Malware Bytes complete scan results.
Any help would be appreciated.
I think this file that appears in my registry might be the problem:
C:\DOCUME~1\HP_ADM~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\..\mxlknm.sdw
But I have no idea how to find it, or remove it, or if it really is the problem.
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