Malaware Causing explorer.exe not to run.


  1. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Malaware Causing explorer.exe not to run.


    Hey guys, I have a big issue. I had someone else using my HP Compaq desktop and they downloaded a "lyrics finder" application - of course it was loaded with tons of toolbars, etc. Sadly my antivirus didn't catch it. Anyways, avast caught it later that night and "removed the threats." Upon restarting my computer the next morning my explorer.exe was gone. As soon as I start up my PC I get an error message telling me that windows explorer has crashed. I can still open task manager - when I try to run a task through it (explorer.exe) it crashes once again.

    I am currently using the desktop in safemode and it opened perfectly fine. I've ran numerous virus scans with avast and malawarebytes. It's found the threat and "removed" it but once again it's still there when restarting my PC.

    It's nearly impossible for me to type this out right now because of the extensive amount of ads that are opening every few seconds. The ads from "Keep now" I removed the browser extension and uninstalled it from my PC but it comes back upon restart.

    What can I do to get rid of this virus?

    PS: I'm using Windows 7 Ultimate
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 22
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Also, when I go into regedit the shell is still there with "explorer.exe."
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 2,470
    Windows 7 Home Premium
       #3

    JacobMCB,

    Please use the following diagnostic tool:

    Farbar Recovery Scan Tool
    Download: Farbar Recovery Scan Tool Download

    Select the version that applies to your system.
    Save it to your Desktop.
    Double-click the downloaded file to run it.

    When the tool opens click Yes to the disclaimer.
    At the program's console, press the Scan button.

    When done, the tool produces a log, FRST.txt, in the same directory from which the tool is run (Desktop).
    Please provide the FRST.txt in your reply.

    The first time the tool is run, it also makes another log: Addition.txt
    Also post the Addition.txt in your reply.


    Next, please use the tool Zoek:
    Download > Download zoek.exe version 5.0.0.0

    When the Zoek.exe download appears, save to the Desktop.
    On the Desktop, right-click Zoek.exe and select: Run as Administrator
    Give it a few seconds to appear.

    Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware programs, so they don't interfere with the running of Zoek.exe.
    You can find instructions how to disable your security applications here:
    How To Temporarily Disable Your Anti-virus, Firewall And Anti-malware Programs - Security Mini-Guides

    Click the Options button and place a checkmark only on the following options:

    Do a Deep Scan
    Installed Programs


    Now...
    • Close any open Browsers.
    • Click the Run script button, and wait. It takes a few minutes to run all the script.
    • When the tool finishes, the zoek-results.log is opened in Notepad.
    • The log is also found on the systemdrive, normally C:\
    • If a reboot is needed log is opened after the reboot.

    Please post the zoek-results.log in your reply.
      My Computer


 

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