Windows Security Center can't be started because of virus/malware

If you have a W7 DVD, you can use that to make a clean VM using VirtualBox. If you do not have a W7 DVD, you can get one from here: Dell Community

download/install VirtualBox
https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
and then just follow the instructions.
If things are not clear - turn to YouTube...
...or adapt this info to put W7 on W7.
Linux - Install on Windows 7 Virtual Machine using VirtualBox

Crumble,

You do not need problems with ComboFix. We need to look at the system before Windows starts,
and to work with the program described below, you need to find someone who has a computer you can use for just a few minutes. That would be the easiest way to go.

Also, you may want to print these instructions so you can have access to follow them.

Please plug a flash drive into a clean computer.
Go to Start > Computer
Double-click Computer, and select the flash drive.
Right-click and select: (Quick) Format
Press Start on the Format prompt.
Remove when done.

Now, download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool (32-bit):
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/down...ery-scan-tool/

Save the program to the >> USB flash drive.

Next, plug the flash drive into the infected computer.




>>>Restart the computer.

• As soon as the BIOS is loaded begin tapping the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
• Use the arrow keys to select the Repair your computer menu item.
• Select your language settings, and click: Next
• Select your User account and click: OK (If you did not set a password, leave blank.)

On the System Recovery Options menu you get the following options:

• Startup Repair
• System Restore
• Windows Complete PC Restore
• Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
• Scan your computer's memory for errors.
• Command Prompt

Select Command Prompt

• In the Command window, at the bliking cursor type notepad and press: Enter
• In Notepad, under the File menu select: Open
• Double-click Computer, find the flash drive letter, remember what letter it is, click on it, and press: Open
• Close out of Notepad.
• Click the Command window
• Type g:\frst.exe, and press: Enter
  Note: Replace the drive letter g with the drive letter of your flash drive, if necessary!
• The tool starts and prepares to run. Follow the prompts.
• Click Yes to the disclaimer.
• Press the Scan button.
• The program saves the FRST.txt, on the flash drive.
• Click the Command prompt window, type exit, and press: Enter
• Back at the System Recovery Options, press: ShutDown, or Restart

Please provide the FRST.txt (located in the flash drive) in your reply.

It is your choice as to which program you want to use at this point. Both programs scan the computer for malicious entries.

FRST allows us to analyze the system, identify the malware before Windows starts, and for us to decide what to remove and what other actions need attention.

MDO removes the malware found, using its malware definitions. However, malware definitions vary amongst programs.

More than likely, we will end up using both programs.



@UsernameIssues,

Thanks for all the useful links.

Crumble,


Important!

Today, a notice came out that an executable in ComboFix is infected.

Quoting the notice:

The steps we suggest you take to make sure your computer is not infected are:

• Scan your computer with ESET's Online Scanner.
• Download and scan your computer with the Kaspersky Rescue Disk
• Use SalityKiller if you are unable to use the above tools for some reason. When using this tool, you should disconnect from your network first.
• Use AVG Sality Remover Tool. When using this tool, you should disconnect from your network first.

At this point, before you pursue any instructions, suggest you download and run the Free version of ESET Online Scanner.

You need to use Internet Explorer for this scan.

Please right click the IE shortcut and select: Run as Administrator

Click on: Run ESET Online Scanner
Click: Start

When asked, allow the add/on to be installed
Click: Start again
Click on: Advanced Settings


Make sure these options are checked:

• Scan for potentially unwanted applications
• Scan for potentially unsafe applications
• Enable Anti-Stealth Technology

Click: Scan

When the scan is complete

If threats are found:

• Click on: List of threats found
• Click on: Export to text file
• Save to the Desktop and name it ESET Scan Results
• Click on: Back
• Place a check on: Uninstall application on close
• Click on: Finish, and close the program.

Please provide the ESET report in your reply.