Cannot turn WIndows Update on

[yonyz]

Hello,

I am using Windows 7 (duh) 64 bit, and somehow, and sometime, Windows Update got turned off. Now I cannot turn it back on. I change the settings to "let me know when there's updates and I'll choose whatever I like...", hit OK, and then... nothing. It's still of.
It's been like that for weeks, no matter the restarts or the specific setting I choose (I even tried the Recommended setting).

I suspected it's a virus or whatever, but Avast, MalwareBytes and Spybot all found nothing.

What else can I try?

 

[karlsnooks]

rb: | SERVICES.MSC | ENTER

Scroll the list and scroll the list to Windows Update.

Make sure that the service is started and set to automatic(delayed start)

Take a look at this snip:

 

[yonyz]

It's already set to that option, but it's not running, and attempts to run it have failed (access denied, error no. 5). I am the administrator, btw.

 

[seth500]

Navigate to this registry key by typing "regedit" without quotes in the search box and hitting enter:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\wuauserv

Right click on the wuauserv folder in the left pane and click on permissions then set yourusername to have full control permissions like in the screenshot below:

 

[yonyz]

Thanks, but that didn't help. Same problem as before. BTW, are you using Windows 7 as well? If yes, I'd like to know a bit about your theme.

 

[karlsnooks]

yonyz

Do you have a system restore point from before this problem:

WIN | type SYSTEM RESTORE | ENTER |
Check the Choose a different restore point radio button | NEXT |
Check Show more restore points (lower-left) |
Select the desired restore point |
Scan for Affected Programs button | note the affected programs |
CLOSE | NEXT | FINISH

WIN is the key with wavy Microsoft flag on top.

 

[karlsnooks]

yonyz,

There is the possibility that you have a rootkit infection.

Please execute a FULL SCAN using the Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper.

PUT SYSTEM SWEEPER ON A USB STICK


System Sweeper, https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper, allows you to start an infected PC and perform an offline scan to identify and remove viruses, rootkits and other advanced malware. System Sweeper is a free standalone, bootable malware and virus remover from Microsoft.

Safety Scanner, Microsoft Safety Scanner - Antivirus | Remove Spyware, Malware, Viruses Free, is free, downloadable, provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software.

If the target computer has a working internet connection, then you may prefer to use the Safety Scanner.


Download System Sweeper (about 576 kB):
https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

Insert 256 MB or larger USB stick into a usb port.

Run the downloaded program--mssstool64.exe or mssstool32.exe

Choose the option to install to USB.
Caution: The install program will format the usb stick.

The install program will download about 200 mB more.

After the install is finished, leave the stick in the usb slot.

Run the program you downloaded once again.

This 2nd run, and any subsequent runs, will download the very latest anti-virus definitions (about 60 mB).

To keep System Sweeper up-to-date, simply reinsert the usb stick and run the installation program, mssstool64.exe or mssstool32.exe, again.

The initial, full scan by System Sweeper can easily take several hours, but subsequent quick scans will be shorter.

Remember, your computer is being very thoroughly checked for all types of malware.

The results of System Sweeper will be in:
\Windows\Standalone System Sweeper\Support as one or more files with a LOG extension which can be viewed with Notepad.

 

[yonyz]

I'm not sure Windows Restore is even enabled, since I never use it. I'll run the Sweeper utility later.

 

[karlsnooks]

System Restore is always enabled unless you took other steps.

Fortunately, Win7 creates restore points before such things as updates.

You have with a high probability a root kit infection.

Run the Microsoft Standalone System Sweper now.

 

[yonyz]

I cannot boot the USB stick. I have four boot-USB options, none of which worked:
USB-FDD
USB-ZIP
USB-CDROM
USB-HDD

The third option, USB-CDROM, shows the "Boot CD/DVD..." message, but it doesn't go beyond that.

 

[karlsnooks]

and where do those options appear?

 

[yonyz]

In the Boot menu, which is accessed by pressing F12.
I also made a CD with the sweeper tool, and while it boots, the program fails to start:
"Microsoft Standalone System Sweeper cannot be started. Please contact support. Error code: 0x8004cc05".

 

[karlsnooks]

That means you did not perfectly follow the directions I gave.

Start over and this time follow each and every step precisely.

 

[yonyz]

I was able to get the CD to work. I had to disable the floppy drive (which I don't even have) on the BIOS and Device Manager.
The Sweeper found one virus, and now Windows Update is ON, but when I open it, I see a blank, unresponsive window.

 

[karlsnooks]

Yonyz,


The results of System Sweeper will be in:
\Windows\Standalone System Sweeper\Support as one or more files with a LOG extension.

Attach those files to your next post please.

 

[yonyz]

The file infected is dvm.dll, which belongs to the game Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (it's a cracked file, which could be the reason the Sweeper thinks it's a virus).

 

[seth500]

Thanks, but that didn't help. Same problem as before. BTW, are you using Windows 7 as well? If yes, I'd like to know a bit about your theme.

The themes are by Hyperdesk this particular one is called DarkMatter Subspace.

Hyperdesk: The ultimate desktop themes for Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, skins, icons, wallpapers, widgets, desktop themes for Disney, Pixar and Star Trek, themes for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable and more!

I do change themes quite regular using third party themes from Mr. Grim and others as well which take a little bit of install knowledge if your into that stuff..as for that cracked file are you not able to get rid of it?

 

[Jacee]

(it's a cracked file, which could be the reason the Sweeper thinks it's a virus).

Threat Name:VirTool:Win32/Obfuscator.XZ
came 'packed' with Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Beyond Good and Evil\gogwrap.exe->(UPX)

 

[yonyz]

No, that BGE file is not cracked. It's a Good Old Games package. No way they would put a virus inside it.
The infected cracked file is called dvm.dll, and belongs to the Riddick game. And I did quarantine the file, but now Windows Update is off again.

Honestly, I don't think it's a virus. My brother messed with the networking services a few weeks ago, trying to get sharing to work between two Windows 7 computers, though he didn't succeed at that.

 

[karlsnooks]

run the system file checker.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

Believe us. The file is infected.