100% CPU usage / flickering cursor timer / no internet access

[westonschmeston]

To Whom It May Concern (my helper):

My computer has something wrong with it for sure, I just don't know what. The CPU usage is constantly at 100% even with no programs open. Every time I start my computer the cursor timer constantly flickers non-stop. Also, my internet connection shows that it's fine, but I can't connect to any websites. And I'm sure it's not my ISP because I can access the same network from other computers. I have followed all the steps in the Malware Removal Guide and posted the three logs that were requested below this post. Please get back to me as soon as possible and let me know what other information you need or what the next step is to get my computer back up and running.

Weston



[log removed at request of OP]


[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]

[SuperDave]

Hello and welcome to Computer Hope Forum. My name is Dave. Sorry for being so late in getting to your post. Everyone is especially busy. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer. I am working under the guidance of one of the specialist of this forum so it may take a bit longer to process your logs.

1. I will be working on your Malware issues. This may or may not solve other issues you have with your machine.
2. The fixes are specific to your problem and should only be used for this issue on this machine.
3. If you don't know or understand something, please don't hesitate to ask.
4. Please DO NOT run any other tools or scans while I am helping you.
5. It is important that you reply to this thread. Do not start a new topic.
6. Your security programs may give warnings for some of the tools I will ask you to use. Be assured, any links I give are safe.
7. Absence of symptoms does not mean that everything is clear.

Windows 7 severely limits the number of tools I can use to scan your computer but I'll try my best. Sorry

Open HijackThis and select Do a system scan only

Place a check mark next to the following entries: (if there)

R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,SearchAssistant =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Search,CustomizeSearch =
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName =

Important: Close all open windows except for HijackThis and then click Fix checked.

Once completed, exit HijackThis.

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

Download OTL to your desktop.

* Double click on the icon to run it. Make sure all other windows are closed and to let it run uninterrupted.
* When the window appears, underneath Output at the top change it to Minimal Output.
* Check the boxes beside LOP Check and Purity Check.
* Click the Run Scan button. Do not change any settings unless otherwise told to do so. The scan won't take long.

When the scan completes, it will open two notepad windows. OTL.Txt and Extras.Txt. These are saved in the same location as OTL.

Please copy and pate the contents of these files, one at a time, into your next reply.

Note: You may need two or more posts to fit them all in.

[westonschmeston]

Dave,

Thank you in advance for your help. I have followed the steps you posted in your reply and have attached my OTL and Extras logs as follows:

log removed at client's request.

[SuperDave]

The free space on your C: drive is getting dangerously low. You should have at least 15% to operate without problems. I would suggest you keep an eye on this.
I'm not finding very much wrong with your computer but, as I mentioned previously, I have very few tools to work with.

P2P - I see you have P2P software installed on your machine (Vuze and LimeWire ). We are not here to pass judgment on file-sharing as a concept. However, we will warn you that engaging in this activity and having this kind of software installed on your machine will always make you more susceptible to re-infections. It is certainly contributing to your current situation.

Please note: Even if you are using a "safe" P2P program, it is only the program that is safe. You will be sharing files from uncertified sources, and these are often infected. The bad guys use P2P filesharing as a major conduit to spread their wares.

I would strongly recommend that you uninstall them, however that choice is up to you. If you choose to remove these programs, you can do so via Control Panel >> Add or Remove Programs.

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

I'd like to scan your machine with ESET OnlineScan

•Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
ESET OnlineScan
•Click the button.
•For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)

• Click on to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
  
• Double click on the icon on your desktop.
  

•Check
•Click the button.
•Accept any security warnings from your browser.
•Check
•Push the Start button.
•ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
•When the scan completes, push
•Push , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
•Push the button.
•Push
A log file will be saved here: C:\Program Files\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\log.txt

[westonschmeston]

I recently received help and got my computer back to normal, but now it has started again with the constant 100% CPU usage. When I'm trying to play music it will sometimes slow the music down and give it a stuttering electronic sound. I can only assume there is some sort of spyware or malware that is causing my CPU usage to be eaten up. Here are my logs:

Logs removed at client's request.

[SuperDave]

You need to run the ESET scan and post the log.