Solved BSOD and suspected virus infection

[Admiral Awesome]

My PC just encountered a event BlueScreen event quite unexpectedly and unprovoked while I was reading an online newspaper.
An error msg that came up after restart read (approximately, as I have translated it from Swedish as best I know how):
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Windows has recovered after an unexpected shutdown
Problem signature:
Name of the problem event: BlueScreen
OS-version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.48
Language variety-ID: 1053
Further information on the problem:
BCCode: 50
BCP1: FFFFF98053900000
BCP2: 0000000000000000
BCP3: FFFFF80003478A7C
BCP4: 0000000000000000
OS Version: 6_1_7601
Service Pack: 1_0
Product: 256_1
Files that help describe the problem:
C:\Windows\Minidump\110720-17893-01.dmp
C:\Users\Göran\AppData\Local\Temp\WER-30201-0.sysdata.xml
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I have suspected a virus infection since about a week despite using both AdAware and Malwarebytes Premium, both in real-time mode and up to date. I have also run Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830) thorough search as well as unscheduled, thorough searches with MBAM and Adaware - they find nothing.

Yet I notice fishy behavior like screens that pop up for a few tenths of a second, strange events like e.g. when I do a simple search or run any software the search/program screen suddenly freezes with a 'Program Does Not Respond' within the title bar. Programs as well as the Chrome browser crash left and right. Programs take forever to start.

I have also run SFC /Scannow in an elevated DOS session - no problems found. I also receive 'memory running low - Please restart to free memory' despite having 8 GB's of RAM and never having had this problem before. Something untoward is definitely going on.

Thank you ツ

Dell OptiPlex 3040
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, ver 6.1, SP 1
Chrome Version 86.0.4240.111

 

[Snick]

Admiral Awesome,

Here's a linked list to free AV programs & scanners, etc.
View attachment 412762

Hope this helps!

Snick

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Thank you Snick

 

[Snick]

You're welcome. Let us know how some of them work for you if you would please.
Also, if any of the links are broken please let me know.

Snick

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Working on it - I will be back asap with a report though I must say regarding BitDefender Free Edition: you don’t use it but highly recommmend it. How can you recommend something you don't use yourself? However, I will of course try it and everyhing else on the list you so kindly provided.
Like the Arnold said in T2: 'I'll be baack'.

 

[Snick]

I must say regarding BitDefender Free Edition: you don’t use it but highly recommend it. How can you recommend something you don't use yourself?

Because I don't use it doesn't mean I haven't tried/demoed it! I demo/try any and all applications I suggest or recommend. It's that simple. I also peruse many reviews regarding a plethora of applications, software, etc. Additionally, I like free software/applications. Why spend hard earned money on a product when you can obtain an equivalent without cost.

Snick

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Right, I hear you! Meanwhile, I'm busy with your list. SuperAntiSpyware just finished a looong run. I'll post results/evaluations when I have tried them all.

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Results

Hi Snick, attached is my results from trying the AV's etc recommended by you. Thank you for hanging in there with me.

 

[Snick]

See a picture.

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Oops, forgot the file attachment

 

[Snick]

I corrected Avast link. OOPS on my part too!

Did you run ADW Cleaner?
ADWCleaner Malwarebytes recently purchased from Tools.lib, available on both websites. Malwarebytes Premium includes Malwarebytes Anti-Ransomware & Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit.

As with most Anti-Virus programs they have compatibility issues when you try to run 2 or more. That is what BitDefender was complaining about.

Being that you have run almost all the scanners, you are probably good. If you left the default settings you can pretty much safely remove what they find.

I don't like to suggest programs that ask for money. Just like this forum, we provide free help. You can make a donation if you wish, your choice. I use a few programs that are free, if you don't wish to provide a donation. Some that are Open Source.

As for HitmanPro, the trial version, if you choose to delete what it finds it will do so. If you uninstall it with Revo Uninstaller (a recommended uninstaller by SevenForums), it will permit you to use the trial version again.

Revo Uninstaller freeware Download

Are you still having your computer issues you described in your first post?

Snick

 

[Admiral Awesome]

AV trials and tribulations; the vagaries of networked computers

As for ADW Cleaner I already had it when the difficulties began (I ran it last 6 days ago but it only found PUP's) also, as I have the full MalwareBytes 4.2.1 paid version, isn't ADW Cleaner redundant?

Re MBAM, a kind of interesting thing that has recently happened is that the 'Loophole Protection' module in the real-time section has been turned off and won't be turned back on. I have mailed the MBAM people with this and also screenshots, some of wich I attach here.

You say: 'Are you still having your computer issues you described in your first post?' only 'when I do a simple search or run any software the search/program screen suddenly freezes with a 'Program Does Not Respond' within the title bar.' That still happens occasionally and it takes about 10-15 secs before things unfreeze. 10-15 secs is a loong time when using a PC as you know.

Also, back when I posted first, I got several 'memory running low - Please restart to free memory' msg's. With hindsight I think this was my own fault as I had many Chrome tabs open at the time. Chrome is fine in most respects but is a fearful memory hog. After all I have 8GB's of RAM installed.

As for Revo Uninstaller I bought it years ago and it is must have software imo. It, like, REALLY cleans up if you set it up right.

'Sall

 

[Snick]

Admiral Awesome, thank you for your lengthy reply!

1. Do you have hardware acceleration enabled in your browser?

I use Firefox for the most-part exclusively & hardware acceleration caused similar problems that you describe on my desktop AMD quad-core! I also have 8 GB RAM and don't have memory issues with either Win7, Win10 or Linux Lite!

How to Turn Hardware Acceleration On and Off in Chrome

2. Are you still using Adobe flash player? Most websites now support HTML5.

Disable Adobe Flash On Your PC & Why You Would Want To

3. Do you have your page file set to automatic or a specific size? Mine is default automatic!

How to Check Virtual Memory on Your Windows PC - dummies

4. When you get the low memory error what is the available RAM in Task Manager, Performance Tab?

Snick

 

[Admiral Awesome]

But thank you for all your work so far. I am, in the middle of this, moving house but will be back when I've checked your suggestions. Seeyabye.

 

[Admiral Awesome]

1) Well, Hardware Acceleration is now off.
2) Do I still use Flash Player? No, and I haven't for a very long time
3) It is automatic
4) I don't get low memory error anymore. However as I write this, 4,7 GB's out of the available 8 GB's are used. Yet I have only four Chrome tabs open and nothing else running. To me that seems like high memory usage for when the PC is just idling.