CPU/RAM usage spikes, music files going bad, something suspicious?

[Coco423]

Hello again. i have a Lenovo Thinkpad W500 running Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit with 4 GB RAM. I have no antivirus except for Windows Defender, behind a definition update, and Windows Firewall. PC says it has a Intel Core 2 Duo P9400 or Q9400, although it has a T9400 2.53 Ghz. Started recently. Whenever I install any programs besides the ones I have installed, I experience CPU/RAM usage spikes. I had this issue before with Speccy, Recuva, Defraggler, and CCleaner, all Piriform, from the Piriform site with the CPU/RAM usage spikes. Uninstalled them, issue solved. This time, I installed Braina, from www.brainasoft.com/braina, official site. This time my music files are hitting 0 bytes or going bad, espically in iTunes and Windows Media Player, have not looked at Windows Media Center. A few days ago I had 50 iTunes songs in my libary with the "!" symbol next to them, restored them from a month old Windows Backup, keeps happening, had to restore about 20 songs today, a few days later. DVD drive driver not working, used Windows Backup I had. CPU usage hits a high of 100% at light usage, RAM usage hit a high of 99% under that same light usage once, hovers about 88%. Please help, any help appreciated in advance, as I do almost all my PC needs on this computer! Prefer to keep PC offline. Had (still have)  Avast online setup file, Opera and Firefox setup file, all from the official site, but need to have internet connection to setup, very hard to do on 1 GB or less of hotspot data heavily used to browse on the phone on a phone that has 3G data that turns to 2G a lot. A lot. Also have Microsoft Visual Studio C++ 2017 or 2018 open source code from the Microsoft website, PC was given to me a few months ago, Microsoft Visual Studio C++ 2008 Redistributable setup file that randomly appeared, accidentaly installed it, then the bad file issue came up. Please help, any help appreciated in advance!

[SuperDave]

Hello and welcome to Computer Hope Forum. My name is Dave. I will be helping you out with your particular problem on your computer.

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.

If you can't access the internet with your infected computer you will have to download and transfer any programs to the computer you're using now and transfer them to the infected computer with a CD-RW or a USB storage device. I prefer a CD because a storage device can get infected. If you use a storage device hold the shift key down while inserting the USB storage device for about 10 secs. You will also have to transfer the logs you receive back to the good computer using the same method until we can get the computer back on-line.
*************************************************************************
Something weird is going on with that computer. Let's run some basic scans and see what comes up. Windows Defender in Windows 7 is only  malware protection, not an Av. You should install MicroSoft Security Essentials. Below
MicroSoft Security Essentials   All versions and all languages.

Please download AdwareCleaner onto your Desktop. AdwCleaner

Before starting AdwCleaner, close all open programs and internet browsers, then double-click on the AdwCleaner icon.



If Windows prompts you as to whether or not you wish to run AdwCleaner, please allow it to run.
When the AdwCleaner program will open, click on the Scan button as shown below.



AdwCleaner will now start to search for malicious files that may be installed on your computer.
To remove the files that were detected in the previous step, please click on the Clean button.



AdwCleaner will now prompt you to save any open files or data as the program will need to reboot the computer. Please do so and then click on the OK button. AdwCleaner will now delete all detected adware from your computer. When it is done it will display an alert that explains what PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) and Adware are. Please read through this information and then press the OK button. You will now be presented with an alert that states AdwCleaner needs to reboot your computer.
Please click on the OK button to allow AdwCleaner reboot your computer.A log will be produced. Please copy and paste this log in your next reply.
*********************************************
Download and install: Please download Malwarebytes' scanner to your desktop.
Double Click mbam-setup.exe to install the application.

• It should update automatically if the computer is connected to the internet.
• Click on Threat Scan and click on Scan Now.
  
• The scan may take some time to finish,so please be patient.
• When the scan is complete make sure all the infections have "quarantine" selected in the Action box.
  
• Click on "Apply actions" You may be asked to Restart your computer to completely remove the infections.
  
• When disinfection is completed you can click on "Copy to Clipboard".
  
• Paste the log in you next reply (CTRL+ V)

*************************************************
Download Security Check by screen317 from the following link and save it to your desktop.

Security Check

* Double-click Security Check.bat
* Follow the on-screen instructions inside of the black box.
* A Notepad document should open automatically called checkup.txt
* Post the contents of that document in your next reply.

Note: If a security program requests permission from dig.exe to access the Internet, allow it to do so.

[Coco423]

Can I use the Bluetooth on that computer and download the Adware program on my Tracphone and share it through Bluetooth or wired phone connection?
Also, the PC can go online, I just prefer not to have it go online, espically in this case. I would have an antivirus, but, I only find online setup files and the computer is offline.
 I might just get the offline setup file of MSE on my phone and share it through Bluetooth.
My DVD drive driver is not working
(Corrupted, or issue or glitch with it, as it is present, this issue sarted a couple months back, the DVD drive driver issue, when I had the programs from the Piriform site installed.)

[Coco423]

I will have to transfer the logs in a .txt or .rtf file format onto my phone, and post them, as my other 12 yr. PC is running XP SP3, do not want to connect it to the internet, and will not boot regularly without a new battery, even with the AC cord. I have all the setup files on my Tracphone, which was plugged into the PC when I thought it was a glitch. Have a friend that will let me use his PC to get the files on a USB flash drive, ones I have now were also plugged into the PC when I thought it was a glitch, which was before the music files going bad started, can buy more USB drives. Do I need a seperate flash drive for each setup file or can I put all the setup files on one USB Flash drive, and what size do you recommend for a flash drive or SD card? Can I use an SD card? There are plenty of 4 GB USB flash drives on sale at my local store, is that enough size in Gigabytes?

[SuperDave]

Do I need a seperate flash drive for each setup file or can I put all the setup files on one USB Flash drive, and what size do you recommend for a flash drive or SD card? Can I use an SD card? There are plenty of 4 GB USB flash drives on sale at my local store, is that enough size in Gigabytes?

Do them one at a time. Start with MBAM.

[Coco423]

Which one is MBAM? Do I delete the setup file for one after I installed it at that moment? Again, can I get the setup files on my PC with my Tracphone via charging cord or Bluetooth?

[SuperDave]

Which one is MBAM? Do I delete the setup file for one after I installed it at that moment? Again, can I get the setup files on my PC with my Tracphone via charging cord or Bluetooth?

MalwareBytesAnti-malware. Don't delete anything. Just try to run the scanner. Since I don't have a tracphone I cannot answer this question. You may have to download the programs on a friend's computer and put them on a memory stick.

[Coco423]

Okay. Just wanted to ask, trying through Tracphone first then do the friends PC. I have done this through my Tracphone before, so I think it should be fine for the setup files. Also, is there a paticular order I should do them in?

[Coco423]

It appears that Bluetooth wont work for 4 files - catastrofic failure error, Tracphone transfers sucessfully. Multiple files it appears for bluetooth connections get the error said above. Doimg individual files, and via charging cord.

[Coco423]

Can't do bluetooth for large files, either. I get the "Catastrophic failure" error message. Sometimes, a 7 MB file is classified as "too big".

[Coco423]

After quarintining and deleting a PUP found by AdwCleaner and Malwarebytes, in Malwarebytes, a couple hours later I tried copying a .docx file on my Tracphone's internal storage, I got error 0x80030001, checking Bluetooth.

[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]

[Coco423]

AdwCleaner log:

[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]

[Coco423]

MalwareBytes log:

[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]

[Coco423]

Weird appearence where new files apprear in thr category of music in the start menu:

[attachment deleted by admin to conserve space]

[SuperDave]

Please do not attach your logs unless absolutely necessary. Copy and paste them in your reply(ies)

ESET Online Scanner
Note : If you use Internet Explorer to get the ESET Online Scanner, you won't have to download, nor install the tool, as everything will be ran in a contextual (pop-up) window of Internet Explorer. However, for every other browsers, you will have to download and install ESET Online Scanner. In this set of instruction, I'll use Google Chrome to download it and run it (since a lot of people will do it), however, except for the download and installation procedure, the same instructions applies if you use Internet Explorer. Please note that two or three prompts will appear if you use Internet Explorer asking you to reload the page, authorize the application, execute it, etc. Accept all of them in order to run ESET Online Scanner.

    Download and execute ESET OnlineScan (on this window, click on ESET Smart Installer to trigger the download). People accessing this URL via Internet Explorer will start the integration process of ESET Online Scanner in their browser;
    Once the installation is done (it requires Admin Rights), check the following settings (two of them are under Advanced Settings, click on it to display them) :

        Enable detection of potentially unwanted applications;
        Scan archives;
        Scan for potentially unsafe applications;
        Optional : If you want to scan more drives, click on Change... and select the drives you want to include in the scan;

   

    After you're done checking these options, click on Start and ESET Online Scanner will download it's virus signature database before starting the scan;
   

    Once done, the scan will start automatically. Detections will appear at the bottom of the window. ESET Online Scanner can have an extremely long scan time that can last between 2 or 3 hours. So if you start the scan, do not interrupt it, let it complete until the end;
   

    After the scan is finished, a summary window will appear to give you the information about the scan. Then you'll have to the option to see what threads were found and to manage the threats that were quarantined;
   


    Click on List of found threats, it'll display every threat identified during that scan, their type and what action was taken against them. Click on Copy to clipboard to copy these results on our clipboard and post them in your next reply;
   


    Once you're done, click on the Back button;
    Check both checkboxes at the bottom: Uninstall application on close and Delete quarantined files before clicking on the Finish button;

[Coco423]

It is an online scanner? The computer is offline. I have to install the ESET program. MSE won't work because it needs the latest definition updates and the PC is offline and it needs to be online to download them.
 I am attaching my logs because I don't have access to another computer for a while, have to post logs with my phone, so it is necessary I attach them for the time being. I don't know how to copy and paste on a phone, which is a Tracphone LG Rebel.

[Coco423]

Also, the computer is offline, getting more random (less often) CPU/RAM usage spikes, sometimes when it needs to cool down, at a warm temp (just warm), and, sometimes randomly. Getting slightly better, CPU usage around 80%, RAM usage around 90%, not better by much.

Clearing my desktop off, clearing off the clutter, I tried to move two folders in one I created, I got an error saying it was being used by a program or a file was open in it when that was not the case.

Also, getting random lag. The PC is offline, try to scan with ESET offlne, doubtful, though. Will try to get to WiFi though, getting battery soon.

Plus, because of the bad battery, I can't take it to wifi and the outlets are almost always took up. I use the AC cord. My cell phone hotspot (diffrent phone) is too slow, left data on, now 2G, also not enough data on it.
Getting ESET setup file...
Sorry if it is seems like I am not cooperating, just trying to be helpful.

[Coco423]

My music files aren't going bad or becoming 0 bytes anymore. But... now the computer is freeing up storage itself and that makes me worried. Note: My processor is actually a Intel Core 2 Duo P9400 2.53 Ghz, not a T9400.

[Allan]

Please stop talking to yourself. The way the forum works is you post once and then you wait for a response. Then you post again. You are VERY annoying.

[SuperDave]

You will need to go on-line to get ESET to work.

[Coco423]

Ok. Getting new battery tomorrow, able to get online soon.

[Coco423]

I just got a BSOD a few minutes ago. First one I have had while this PC is mine (given to me three or four months ago). And, in case you are going to ask, I forgot to take a picture of the error message. I got the BSOD a little bit after I installed Total Commander from a setup file on my phone plugged into the computer via charging cord. Booted into safe mode after BSOD. Turns out that PUP on the computer last week resurfaced in the same location, cleaned it in safe mode. And, I deleted the source folder a week ago for it, after I cleaned it the first time, folder on some of my flash drives still, think got in that way when I plugged my flash drives into the PC. At least I think. Uninstalled Total Commander when I booted into safe mode after the BSOD, booted into normal mode again.

[Coco423]

Two BSODs in a row! One in normal mode, surfing the web, another in safe mode, trying to find the problem. The one in normal mode's error was SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION, and the one in safe mode I didn't get a chance to get a picture of the stop codes, but remembered the error from the first one. I deleted a file I downloaded in Chrome in safe mode. It happened about an hour or two in in normal mode, about after 15 - 20 minutes into safe mode. Sorry if it seems like I am repeatedly posting, but I think I should report a BSOD.

Also, I get completely random freeze-ups, completely random lag, and completely random touchpad freeze-ups

[SuperDave]

Download BlueScreenView to your desktop.
BlueScreenView
unzip downloaded file and double click on BlueScreenView.exe to run the program.
when scanning is done, go to EDIT - Select All
Go to FILE - SAVE Selected Items, and save the report as BSOD.txt
Open BSOD.txt in Notepad, copy all of the content, and paste it into your next reply.

[Coco423]

There is no English download option, unfortunately. I speak English.

[SuperDave]

There is no English download option, unfortunately. I speak English.

Just above the language selections there are three links for English downloads.

[Coco423]

Thanks. I couldn't find that when I posted.

Also, I forgot to mention something. It seems whenever I get a new program or execute any new non-system .exe file, it seems to trigger off a BSOD lately. Two out of three were just after a new program installation, or non-system new .exe file execution. Will try the BSOD tracker like thing you mentioned (I don't know what else you call it), hope it doesn't trigger a BSOD.

(P.S. I remember one of the stop codes when I got the BSOD in safe mode. There were three, one was 0x00000003, I think one was 0x00000001, but not sure about the 0x00000001, and another one I didn't get a chance to read. All of there were in the BSOD that happened in safe mode.

[Coco423]

Should I do the 64-bit zip file, the plain .zip file (the one that dosen't say whether it is 32 or 64 bit), or the one with full install/uninstall support?

I am referring to BlueScreenView.exe

[SuperDave]

Should I do the 64-bit zip file, the plain .zip file (the one that dosen't say whether it is 32 or 64 bit), or the one with full install/uninstall support?

Check your system to determine if it 32 or 64 bit.

it seems to trigger off a BSOD lately.

BSOD's are almost always caused by a hardware issue.

[Coco423]

I know my system is 64 bit. Do you want me to do the full install/uninstall one or the zip file?

[SuperDave]

I know my system is 64 bit. Do you want me to do the full install/uninstall one or the zip file?

Do the full install/uninstall version.

[Coco423]

Since I got the new battery, not getting as hot, no more blue screens. Local computer store said overheoverheatining my BSODs, but I ran into another problem. They said to charge the new battery la or eight hours for the first use, did that. Then tey said to use the battery until it was at 0%, to program the battery. Was doing that, after can use it on AC or battery and can switch as much as I want, charge 2-3 hrs. Except for one thing that arose jus a few minutes ago, PC suddenly shut off with new battery, on battery, when battery was still at about 20%. Not booting up on new battery at all now. Just shows a small flash of screen and shuts off again. By small, I mean 1-2 seconds. Any advice? Try AC despite what local computer store said? Would do eset and update and scan with MSE but don't have internet, and this that just arose.

[SuperDave]

By small, I mean 1-2 seconds. Any advice? Try AC despite what local computer store said? Would do eset and update and scan with MSE but don't have internet, and this that just arose.

I would suspect that the battery is actually dead and not at 20%. Why can't you connect to the internet?

[Coco423]

I can connect to the internet, it's just thatI don't have the internet. Can't afford internet. I have to post this on a prepaid phone.

 Also, I got no critical battery warning or brightness decrease saying battery was almost dead, not sure if volume was turned down. Also, in the screen flash, I got a green battery light.

Saw that new battery voltage was slightly higher than old one (by 0.3) and the Wh was 32 less, 53 instead of 85. I thought to check the voltage. I am trying to cooperate, the best I can right now.

[SuperDave]

Is it possible that your laptop is overheating? Can you hear the fans running?

[Coco423]

The laptop us not overheating now, not lately. I just check and check constantly. It was when I got the BSODs.

[SuperDave]

Download BlueScreenView to your desktop.
BlueScreenView
unzip downloaded file and double click on BlueScreenView.exe to run the program.
when scanning is done, go to EDIT - Select All
Go to FILE - SAVE Selected Items, and save the report as BSOD.txt
Open BSOD.txt in Notepad, copy all of the content, and paste it into your next reply.

[Coco423]

Will still download, but said not getting them now.

[SuperDave]

Will still download, but said not getting them now.

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean.

[Coco423]

I am not getting the BSODs now. But, will still install BlueScreenView.

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean.

[SuperDave]

If you're not getting BSOD's don't bother with that scan. How is the computer working now?

[Lisa_maree]

Hi Coco,

Did you buy an original Lenovo battery the correct one for your laptop?
OEM batteries can work if they are exactly the same specs as the original but it appears the one you received isn't.
Do you remember when you were asking in the hardware section about your laptop getting really hot and me explaining it could make it unreliable and/or damage the ATI graphics chip if you kept using it, Seems you have kept using it.
Did you get the over heating problem fixed by a technician?
With the on going problems over the last 3 months, once the laptop is fixed it would pay to use the Lenovo factory restore disks to reload windows.
*****Backup your important files first!***** 

[Coco423]

I let someone use it and they forgot how to turn the brightness up and pounded on it a couple months ago. Now I need a new hard drive.