Solved Action Center missing from Control Panel

[andrew129260]

Hmmmm.....This is not good. You have a lot of missing reg keys and files as well as critical services.

Did this version of windows come preinstalled with your laptop?

 

[gravis]

Hmmmm.....This is not good. You have a lot of missing reg keys and files as well as critical services.

Did this version of windows come preinstalled with your laptop?

Yes, it was already on it, when I got it. So I guess that according to the log files, I don't have any virus or malware on my computer? Also, it seemed to work fine. I mean apart from being slow sometimes I didn't have any issues with it. And as I mentioned I have some anti-virus program on it, which did not report anything apart from the KMPlayer update downloader. What could be the issue? Or is it possible, that these were already missing, from the very first day?

 

[andrew129260]

action center was there before?

No I believe you are infected.



1.) Download herdprotect: (choose the portable version)

Download herdProtect - Free Anti-Malware Platform

2.) Run the scan.

3.) When the scan finishes, save the results per the screenshot below. Then upload the log here.

DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING YET. I will advise if anything needs removed when I receive the log.

Attached Images

Ok. And

 

[gravis]

I'm not sure if Action Center was there or not. This is the first time I need to use it.

 

[andrew129260]

Here is what I want you to remove when you run herdprotect. Click the item, then choose action-remove.

list:

File path: 		c:\users\rendszergazda\appdata\local\temp\kmp_3.6.0.87.exe
Publisher: 		Softonic                                        
Signer: 		Softonic International
MD5: 			8e41b4a4e974f5e866b1c6aa38ac89b1
SHA-1: 			306dce87865fdfba72d7086bb9b53c40420fb7ea
Created: 		7/6/2013 11:01:57 PM
Detections: 		9
Determination: 		Adware

File path: 		c:\users\rendszergazda\appdata\local\temp\kmp_3.7.0.109.exe
Publisher: 		Softonic                                        
Signer: 		Softonic International
MD5: 			d9653deaf933ddb521087b13e1a67f5c
SHA-1: 			828be715c95287cec8b648e39b73e03e4901619b
Created: 		9/16/2013 4:57:05 PM
Detections: 		22

File path: 		c:\users\rendszergazda\appdata\local\temp\kmp_3.8.0.123.exe
Publisher: 		CNET Download.com
Signer: 		CBS Interactive
MD5: 			5f73ed0afe3183c508c728c831067770
SHA-1: 			d3485cfdefca1678ba3e791ef29d592a1e32945a
Created: 		5/4/2014 3:16:53 PM
Detections: 		2

File path: 		c:\users\rendszergazda\appdata\local\temp\kmp_3.9.0.124.exe
Publisher: 		CNET Download.com
Signer: 		CBS Interactive
MD5: 			5f73ed0afe3183c508c728c831067770
SHA-1: 			d3485cfdefca1678ba3e791ef29d592a1e32945a
Created: 		5/24/2014 6:07:01 PM
Detections: 		2

File path: 		c:\users\rendszergazda\desktop\új mappa\archives\játék\testdriveunlimited-1.66a-trn.exe
Publisher: 		
MD5: 			aff03d7ecfa5ade76266d90af95cd5a8
SHA-1: 			66813301d694988b250296da2c021b80d232449d
Created: 		5/11/2013 10:31:56 PM
Detections: 		12

File path: 		c:\programdata\ask\apn-stub\ptv\local\apnic.dll
Publisher: 		Ask.com
Signer: 		Ask.com
MD5: 			8afe423e5c14742821f9c7212e06c9aa
SHA-1: 			35873b520946874a6ece24488e341a4ff4861fec
Created: 		10/9/2012 5:25:40 PM
Detections: 		2

File path: 		c:\programdata\installmate\{e58316bf-3ad0-4d62-af89-72f23e603449}\custom.dll
Publisher: 		StarApp
MD5: 			040458b8a374526036fe84b1688d65b4
SHA-1: 			77f707ff7a99d01a841c2f056559642baabc5a40
Created: 		5/2/2013 1:51:58 PM
Detections: 		15
Determination: 		Adware

File path: 		c:\programdata\installmate\{e58316bf-3ad0-4d62-af89-72f23e603449}\_setup.dll
Publisher: 		
MD5: 			2f7aa05cd4b769775dc4aeaad469815f
SHA-1: 			3d93ef91c5e9a80db1183d2441bbc47b5d36030c
Created: 		5/2/2013 1:49:40 PM
Detections: 		5

Remove all of those listed.

I also want you to do the following:

*Delete all the items in your downloads folder. You have multiple installers in there that are filled with adware and have malicious intent.

*Uninstall Dameon tools. It is a known cause of issues for PCs.

Once the malware was removed, RESTART THE PC.

Then run a new scan with herdprotect and post the log. Then we will move into the cbs log and get your windows install worked out.

You got burned because a lot of the adware came from cnet's downloader.

Make sure to always use the direct download link, it is almost always located beneath the download button. Here are some screenshots of examples: ( the first 2 are safe usually and ok, the 3rd one you need to click direct download)

 

[gravis]

I did what you asked for, here is the log after restarting.

 

[andrew129260]

Log looks good.

Let see what else is going on here:

1.) Download malwarebytes anti malware found here:

https://www.malwarebytes.org/

Choose the Free version download.

2.) After it downloads, run the installation and install it.

3.) After install, open malwarebytes.

Choose to update now.

When your updated, you should see something like this in the screenshot:

4.) Then choose to run a scan after updates complete.

5.) After the scan completes, Remove anything found. Restart the computer.

6.) Open malwarebytes. Click the history button.

Then Click on application logs.

Choose the latest scan log, and click the view button.

Click on the export button, then choose text file. Save it somewhere.


7.) Post your results by using the paperclip and upload the log.

***We only have a few people who are very good at solving the cbs log and posting fixes. So it might take some time for them to show and be able to help. So please be patient.

Another option if you cannot wait for someone to help you is what is called a repair install.

A repair install allows you to keep all programs and data, and will only reinstall windows.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

Which will also solve your problem. But I want to finish the malware scans before we move onto this.***

 

[gravis]

Thank you very much! I will only be able to do the Malwarebytes scan tomorrow, so I'll post the log then. Thank you very much again for helping me.

 

[gregrocker]

You have a perfect storm of problems starting with running the HP factory preinstalled Win7 which has the worst load of bloatware of all brands, including duplicate utilities which interfere with better versions built into Win7. Most tech enthusiasts will not run such an install but instead do a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. Everything needed is in the blue link to get and keep a perfect install, enjoying Win7 native performance for the first time on that PC.

Compounding that is such serious infection that even if our outstanding Security specialists can help you clean it up, you'll never experience real Win7 performance since you have the crappy HP install to begin with. So I'd strongly consider skipping to the reinstall now. Read the SPecial Note to HP Owners at end because you may have an HP model that offers a Minimal Recovery which is close to a Clean Reinstall and does it all for you.

 

[gravis]

So, here is the Malwarebytes log.
About the reinstall, I was thinking about a clean reinstall too. I would be really grateful for all the help this community gave me, but I think that there is no point tweaking around with the system, because I'm not sure if I could do it right or not. And a clean reinstall wouldn't hurt anyways. So as soon as I get home I'll do it, and until then, if we get rid of all the malware/virus etc, and regularly use Malwarebytes, herdProtect and some AV, I will be fine without Action Center, right?

 

[andrew129260]

Ok, clean the threats found by malwarebytes. You can go into the quarantine section and remove them.

I personally do not recommend to keep using the pc until you can clean install unless you have no other alternative. If you are going to clean install I would just packup all your data, and scan it with your antivirus, as well as malwarebytes.

Then do the clean install.

Here are my recommend security guidelines to do once you clean install and get all windows updates, before doing anything else:


I advise you to install and use the following security programs so you do not get infected again:

-Panda antivirus -You can only have 1 antivirus installed at a time, I recommend using this one and uninstalling what you are using now.

-Malwarebytes
-Superantispyware
-Should I remove it

Run them around once every 2 weeks.

Should I remove it is not a malware scanner. What it does is it looks at all of the installed programs on your PC and gives you a percentage % of how many people uninstall the software. If the percentage % is high, I would remove it as it is most likely not a good program. It also gives a ton of information about what the program does and how it behaves.

I also suggest using a standard user account in windows, and only using an admin account when you need to install software:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/181024-user-account-create.html

When using a standard account and you make a change or install a program that affects the whole system, UAC will prompt you to continue. Make sure the setting or program you are tying to install is listed, then click yes to continue. If you are just browsing the web and the prompt appears with a program you have not heard of, or do not know what it is, it is much safer to click no then yes. No will block the action, and if you were trying to do something, you can always start it again and choose yes.

UAC makes this easy, see here:

What is user account control (UAC)?

I also suggest choosing always notify for UAC:

What are User Account Control settings?

Those are my recommendations to you, and I Highly suggest you follow them.

 

[gregrocker]

I gave you the steps which if followed will achieve and maintain a perfect install, just as they have for tens of thousands of other ordinary consumers.

 

[NoelDP]

I can't find any SFC scan logs posted?
We need those, and probably also the CheckSUR scan results, so please follow the Windows Update Posting Instructions and post all the requested data.

 

[andrew129260]

Noel he decided to clean install, so thanks anyway.

It was on page 2 post 18

 

[gravis]

Sorry, I didn't have time to check the forum.
Yes, I decided to reinstall, I think that this will be the safest choice. Unfortunately I don't have anything to save my stuff on, or a Windows install disc. So it has to wait a bit, but hopefully the laptop will survive. Is there a way to give a +1 or something for you guys? You helped me a lot, thank you very much!

 

[Layback Bear]

Gravis one more question if I may.

Have you ever used Advanced System Care by Iobits or any other of their programs?

 

[andrew129260]

Sorry, I didn't have time to check the forum.
Yes, I decided to reinstall, I think that this will be the safest choice. Unfortunately I don't have anything to save my stuff on, or a Windows install disc. So it has to wait a bit, but hopefully the laptop will survive. Is there a way to give a +1 or something for you guys? You helped me a lot, thank you very much!

Your welcome. You can give rep if you like by clicking the scale in the top right corner of a post.

 

[gravis]

Gravis one more question if I may.

Have you ever used Advanced System Care by Iobits or any other of their programs?

To be honest I can't remember. It sounds familiar, I might have used it, but I'm not sure if I used it on this computer or another.

 

[gregrocker]

If you can't remember all of the tweaking you may have done then its a good sign you've tweaked once too many. These various optimizer suites and Registry cleaners all do serious damage to Win7 and most often require a clean reinstall and swearing them off to never be tempted by the crapware again. That's why the tools which work best for Win7 for its entire life are compiled in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 so that you have all you need to keep a perfect install and don't need to be tempted by snake oil.

Depending upon how much data you have you might want to store it in MS OneDrive which offers 7gb free storage to the cloud with each MS mail ID. You can then also sync your User folders using this method to Sync, Backup and Store your Files to the Cloud with Skydrive - Windows 7 Forums