Solved Programs Missing From Control Panel Programs List

[engineco16]

So yesterday I noticed that programs are missing from my control panels program list. Right now there is only 19 items and I use to have probably over 60. Notable missing are all my AVS4You and Topaz Labs software. Also anything with the name Windows is not listed. I can't think of anything I installed to cause this. All I saw was some Windows updates. I've searched other threads and ran some of recommended programs. I then downloaded and ran Malwarebytes software and it found 55 problems, deleted those but my problem still exists. I also did a system restore back to 3/21. I'm at a loss now. Any ideas? Also I'm using MS Security Essentials for protection.

 

[AmericanPharaoh]

Try these tools. Download to Desktop.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/junkware-removal-tool/

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

 

[engineco16]

I used those two tools and here is the results in the zip file.

View attachment JRT.zip

 

[ShamrockRig]

Hey, Thanks for the logs, I would highly recommend staying away from Optimizer Pro and programs Alike, The "Fix all PC issues" and similar "Eye Grabbers" are signs that usually mean, they will do more harm than good, They also tend to load computers with bloatware that they say "Optimizes" your PC. Some Registry entries and a few other programs, Nothing much.


RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes
so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections.
Please download Rkill by Grinler from one of the links below and save it to your desktop.

Link 1
Link 2

• On Windows XP double-click on the Rkill desktop icon to run the tool.
• On Windows Vista/Windows 7 or 8, right-click on the Rkill desktop icon and select Run As Administrator
• A black DOS box will briefly flash and then disappear. This is normal and indicates the tool ran successfully.
• If not, delete the file, then download and use the one provided in Link 2.
• If it does not work, repeat the process and attempt to use one of the remaining links until the tool runs.
• If the tool does not run from any of the links provided, please let me know.
• Do not reboot the computer, you will need to run the application again.

Please run the Rkill swiftly followed by


Please download RogueKiller and save it to your desktop.

You can check here if you're not sure if your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit

• RogueKiller 32-bit | RogueKiller 64-bit
• Quit all running programs.
• For Windows XP, double-click to start.
• For Vista,Windows 7/8, Right-click on the program and select Run as Administrator to start and when prompted allow it to run.
• Read and accept the EULA (End User Licene Agreement)
• Click Scan to scan the system.
• Click Delete to delete items found.

Now, download TFC by Old Timer TFC - Temp File Cleaner by OldTimer - Geeks to Go Forums and save it to your desktop.
Save any unsaved work. TFC will close ALL open programs including your browser!
Double-click on TFC.exe to run it. If you are using Vista/Windows 7 right-click on the file and choose Run As Administrator.
Click the Start button to begin the cleaning process and let it run uninterrupted to completion.
Important! If TFC prompts you to reboot, please do so immediately. If not prompted, manually reboot the machine anyway to ensure a complete clean.


Thanks

 

[engineco16]

I'll do all of this in the morning. BTW I've never downloaded Optimizer Pro or any other programs like that. Thanks for the help, so far

 

[ShamrockRig]

I've seen it in a few logs before, seems suspect, il look into it buddy, Your welcome.

 

[Layback Bear]

Optimizer Pro is a new tag along that is coming with many programs.
PUP.
You may have downloaded it and not know you did so.

It's the new PUP on the block.

A PUP (potentially unwanted program) is a program that may be unwanted, such as spyware, despite the possibility that users consented to download it.

 

[ShamrockRig]

Thanks for the info I'd seen it in a few logs posted by other members so i knew it looked familiar.

 

[whs]

I'll do all of this in the morning. BTW I've never downloaded Optimizer Pro or any other programs like that. Thanks for the help, so far

Those programs did not appear out of thin air. How do you figure they got there.

I would suspect they came as a byproduct of downloading other programs thru 'shady' download sites. E.g Cnet likes to do that and add junk to downloads if you don't watch out.

 

[engineco16]

I haven't had a chance to go through everything today, hopefully tomorrow, but this strange thing just happened. I had Chrome open, selected a new tab then clicked on my Flickr link. Another window opened and here's what it showed.

 

[whs]

Did you run the programs that JohnSmith posted.

 

[engineco16]

OK I've ran everything as said to above. Here are the txt files from the scans. I'm not seeing anymore weird popups so far. But the original problem with programs missing in CP still exists.

View attachment RKreport[0]_S_03252014_081942.zip

 

[whs]

I am not sure I understand what you mean by 'Control Panel'. Below is a picture of the control panel. Can you post a snip where the programs are missing.

 

[engineco16]

As you can see in the screen capture not all my programs are listed in the programs or features.

 

[whs]

That is indeed very strange. Are the program still present in the x86 program files or are those just empty folders - e.g. Nero.

One other thing you can check is install the Revo uninstaller (an excellent uninstaller) - download the free version in the left column. See whether Revo shows those programs.

 

[engineco16]

All my programs are still installed and work fine. Revo shows even less programs LOL
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[Jacee]

This is the 'browser add-on' that Malwarebytes' blocked (contentexplorer.exe):
Remove Content Explorer from your computer


The IP 54.200.40.74 is from Amazon 54.200.40.74/ec2-54-200-40-74.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com IP Address Whois | DomainTools.com


From the RK report:
¤¤¤ Bad processes : 1 ¤¤¤
[SUSP PATH] ContentExplorer.exe -- C:\Users\Dave\AppData\Roaming\ContentExplorer\ContentExplorer.exe [7] -> KILLED [TermProc]


I'd like you to scan your machine with ESET OnlineScan

1. Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
   ESET OnlineScan
2. Click the
   
   button.
3. For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)
   1. Click on
      
      to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
   2. Double click on the
      
      icon on your desktop.
4. Check
   
5. Click the
   
   button.
6. Accept any security warnings from your browser.
7. Check
   
8. Push the Start button.
9. ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
10. When the scan completes, push
    
11. Push
    
    , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
12. Push the
    
    button.
13. Push
    

 

[engineco16]

All the malware problems have been solved, not it's just the Control Panel problem listed above.

 

[akjudge]

Revo shows even less programs LOL
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View attachment 311676

Not really surprising since Revo Uninstaller will not show 64 bit programs...

 

[whs]

Revo shows even less programs LOL
\
View attachment 311676

Not really surprising since Revo Uninstaller will not show 64 bit programs...

This is correct. But for the rest I am baffled - especially since all the programs work. Something must be corrupted. Question is what.