Virus! No system restore available

[kaoticsolja]

System restore error?

When i try to restore i get "System restore does not appear to be functioning correctly on this system. A volume shadow copy service component encontered an unexpected error. Check the application event log for more information (0x80042302). Im trying to do this because I obviously have a bad virus that is not letting me restore. It will also not let microsoft security essentials update, so i did it manually and ran a full scan, found nothing, spyware doctor, nothing, super anti spy ware, nothing, this virus wont even let me go into preferances, If i right click and go to personalize it gives me an error box that says explorer.exe class not registered. I am using windows 7 and really need help. please if you need more information ask me, plus my premade rig from Best Buy didnt come with a windows 7 disk (P.s my audio stopped working also and my internet connection icon in my tray shows that its not connected and say connection not available, but im posting right now on the forums, hope that gives some insite) (P.s.s I have tried sfc /scannow
to no avail get error windows restore protection could not start repair service, and I ran as admin

 

[kaoticsolja]

Got this message from someone,

got this from yahoo answers, I dont know what he means by rebuild, I dont have my windows 7 disk so i dunno my options,


System Restore Does Not Remove Virus.
http://www.brighthub.com/computing/smb-s…

Computer Infections aka A Compromised Operating System
When you are infected, your system has been compromised and the only way to be completely 100% sure the infection is Gone is to rebuild your system. Most folks don't want to do that and choose to close there eyes hope for the best.
To Be Safe, yes, Most Trojans are designed to share your private information.
When you have been infected, your system has been compromised and the only way to be completely 100% sure the infection is Gone is to rebuild your system. Most folks don't want to do that and choose to close there eyes hope for the best.
To do the right thing, Backup your data and do the Right thing by re-install your system
It's best to have good protection to start with and I recommend the 2 that I Use:
I choose Microsoft Security Essentials 2.0 as my primary Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essent…
I use Malwarebytes to remove Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/
Malwarebytes is a site dedicated to fighting malware. Malwarebytes has developed a variety of tools that can identify and remove malicious software from your computer. When your computer becomes infected, Malwarebytes can provide the needed assistance to remove the infection and restore the machine back to optimum performance.
Malwarebytes' products have proven successful in removing malware from customers computers time and time again. Malwarebytes is constantly working on creating new products which are continuously updated to assist you in keeping your computer infection free.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is an anti-malware application that can thoroughly remove even the most advanced malware. It includes a number of features, including a built in protection monitor that blocks malicious processes before they even start.
FileASSASSIN is an application that can delete locked malware files on your system. It uses advanced programming techniques to unload modules, close remote handles, and terminate processes to remove the file. Please use with caution as deleting critical system files may cause system errors.
How To Remove Malware Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfvhkWBpk…

 

[marsmimar]

Hello kaoticsolja and welcome to the Forum

I'd try to download the Malwarebytes free edition. (Make sure you update the signatures before running it.) Then reboot your machine so you can start it in Safe Mode. Run the full Malwarebytes scan and see if it detects anything.

Malwarebytes

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/69585-safe-mode.html

Let us know if you had any malware detected and/or if you're able to get into system restore. NOTE: if you did have malware it's possible that your system restore was corrupted too. I wouldn't rely on using any restore points and it might be a good idea to delete all of them and create a fresh restore point. Use Method 2 in the tutorial. Once you've deleted all but the most recent restore point, create a new one and then you can go back to delete that one remaining earlier restore point.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/336-system-protection-restore-points-delete.html

 

[kaoticsolja]

I did so and found nothing, I had already tried that but thought what have i got to lose, and no restore still dosnt work. I used maleware and teh previously stated anti virus. I have came to a new problem, I cannot update windows, If i click windows update it says the service is not running and i must restart, obviously this isnt working for me,

I read this on another forum
Right-click on My Computer and select Properties: What Windows version is displayed on the resulting General tab (e.g., Windows 7 Release Candidate 1)?

Start > Right-click on Run and select Run as Administrator > (type) winver > OK : Write down the complete, second line of text displayed in the resulting window & post this information in your next reply.

The above notwithstanding, your best course of action would be to format the hard-drive & do a clean install of Windows if you've not been able to install updates since 05 .


I tried all this and nothing, I also read maybe an extreme view, they said immediatly take my computer back to the retailer and demand a refund as my computer is critically in trouble. PLEASE HELP lol sorry to yell

 

[thefabe]

Welcome to Seven Forums. I have contacted a member who is really proficient with Security and virus problems. She is offline right now but hopefully she can help you out.

If it was my system I would just do a clean install, I know it's a real pain but sometimes it's the only way to really know you've gotten rid of anything harmful to your system.
Fabe

 

[marsmimar]

Not a problem with the yelling . I know how frustraing computer problems can be. In order to help you better, could you fill out your system specs. At the top of every forum page Quick Links > Edit Your Details > Edit System Spec. It would also help to know when and where you bought your machine in case we need warranty info.

Depending on the manufacturer, you might already have a link in your start menu or perhaps a hidden partition on the hard drive to return your machine to factory settings (the exact condition it was in when you brought it home and took it out of the box.) I think this would be a better option because a clean install will wipe everything off the hard drive. In either case, you'll have to back up any important files, folders, photos, etc but we can help with that too.

 

[Jacee]

Welcome to Seven Forums. I have contacted a member who is really proficient with Security and virus problems. She is offline right now but hopefully she can help you out.

If it was my system I would just do a clean install, I know it's a real pain but sometimes it's the only way to really know you've gotten rid of anything harmful to your system.
Fabe

I agree! I would do a 'clean' install too.

 

[kaoticsolja]

Ok so I added my specs, Im not sure how to do a clean install because I have no windows 7 disc so how do I go about recieveing one or downloading it. I purchased it at best buy. In the box came a Desktop PC warrenty card Its a 12 month, which is still valid.

System Manufacturer/Model Number Asus CM5675
OS Windows 7 64 bit
CPU Intel Core i5 650
Memory 8 GB DDR3
Graphics Card Intel HD Graphics
Sound Card RealTek
Monitor(s) Displays Samsung 25.5 1920x1200

 

[Jacee]

Download one of these Anti-virus 'rescue' .ISO files
FREE Bootable AntiVirus Rescue CDs Download List

Using ImgBurn The Official ImgBurn Website make the CD ... be sure to burn at a slow rate.

 

[kaoticsolja]

Thanks for another option, i will try the bootable virus cd

 

[kaoticsolja]

Thanks for all the help. So marsmimar how would i go about the clean install without a windows 7 disk? I am currently awaiting the results of this bootable virus scan, i have high hopes because it is very therough, 6 hours therough, but would like to know how to prepair for a clean install, or if i should contact the manufacturer

 

[CanIHaz]

before doing a clean install of the OS, why wont you try scanning the PC with Hitman Pro to see if its find anything? If it does detects any sort of malware, you can activate the 30-days trial to remove the malware and see if you can regain the System Restore.

 

[kaoticsolja]

Well I realy thought the kapersky recovery bootable cd would work but, no threats found, I was for sure that this would work and I appreciate the sound advice and will probably use this in the future. AWSOME TO LEARN! But im still stuck with this crappy virus or maybe its another problem, still woundering how I would go about a clean install, I have backed up all important files such as docs, pics, and music. I will be calling the manufacturer tomorrow so any final ideas would be great. P.s. do you think this may just be hardware failure or do viruses become this hard to find?

 

[marsmimar]

Thanks for all the help. So marsmimar how would i go about the clean install without a windows 7 disk? I am currently awaiting the results of this bootable virus scan, i have high hopes because it is very therough, 6 hours therough, but would like to know how to prepair for a clean install, or if i should contact the manufacturer

I checked the ASUS website and your machine should have a hidden partition so you can reset everything to factory specs. The hidden partition should be protected from any malware. In upper left corner of ASUS site enter your model number and then select Manual. Download from "Global" not Global DLM for PDF version. Chapter 6, page 6-16 of the user manual has specific instructions on how to access the recovery partition.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

 

[kaoticsolja]

Thanks for all the help. So marsmimar how would i go about the clean install without a windows 7 disk? I am currently awaiting the results of this bootable virus scan, i have high hopes because it is very therough, 6 hours therough, but would like to know how to prepair for a clean install, or if i should contact the manufacturer

I checked the ASUS website and your machine should have a hidden partition so you can reset everything to factory specs. The hidden partition should be protected from any malware. In upper left corner of ASUS site enter your model number and then select Manual. Download from "Global" not Global DLM for PDF version. Chapter 6, page 6-16 of the user manual has specific instructions on how to access the recovery partition.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

Thanks alot! I am going to do the recovery today, can anyone tell me if they trust the full backup option in windows 7 or should I nit pick my own documents?

 

[kaoticsolja]

And If I do a complete backup to a External, windows makes an exact image of my HD, will it copy the virus as well?

 

[Golden]

Hi.

I've been reading over this thread several times these last few days, and I find myself wondering whether the situation in terms of a virus infection is as bad as you suspect.

My reasons for saying this are that you suspected a virus because you werent able to perform a system restore, yet you performed scans with:
- MSE : no trace of infection
- Kaspersky : no trace of infection
- Malwarebytes : no trace of infection
- SpywareDoctor : no trace of infection
- SuperAntiSpyware : no trace of infection

I'm not trying to say you are incorrect, but just trying to play devils advocate in an attempt to give you some peace of mind. If we look at the evidence, can we attribute the problems to your system to malware, or it is feasible that this could it be something else entirely?

I understand that in these situations, its best to take the conservative approach and suspect the worst case scenario. But perhaps its worth thinking about whether the assumption that you were infected, has now become "fact" and is possibly hampering your way forward in terms of getting your system back to the way you would like it.

I hope my post makes sense and is able to help you.

Regards,
Golden

 

[marsmimar]

Thanks alot! I am going to do the recovery today, can anyone tell me if they trust the full backup option in windows 7 or should I nit pick my own documents?

And If I do a complete backup to a External, windows makes an exact image of my HD, will it copy the virus as well?

I've used the Win 7 system imaging tool and it has always worked for me. Others on the Forum recommend the free Macrium because it offers a few more options.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

Whichever one you use, the system image will be an exact copy of your hard drive the moment the image is made. IF the hard drive is infected, and IF you make a system image of that drive, then YES the malware will be copied to the system image.

I would agree with Golden that your system restore issues are probably not malware related. If I were in your shoes I'd try using the recovery partition to return the machine to factory settings. Probably take less than 30 minutes. Get your anti-malware of choice fired up (many here recommend Microsoft Security Essentials) and then get your Windows Updates. Install a couple of programs and make a couple of restore points. Try to access the restore points. If you can I believe your problem is solved. Continue installing your other files, photos, documents, etc and make additional restore points. If you can still access them, once you've got your machine the way you want it, make your system image. And don't forget to make the separate system repair disk if you're using the Windows 7 imaging tool.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

If at any point you find you cannot access the restore points, then I'd say go ahead and do a complete clean reinstall of 7.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

Let us know how everything went.

 

[kaoticsolja]

Thanks for the well written reply. I am also concerned about the fact that even the most sophisticated virus detection programs were unable to find a trace of the virus. I have contacted Asus and they have provided me with the option of a clean install via a hidden partition that is not suseptable to virus or corrupt file damage. I am aware that a virus may be very unlikley at this point and have decided to back up my system and effectovly resotre my system to the default settings as i myself, haveing read this many times, may have disterbed my files in a path leading to system corruption (ie. Reg tweeking, disableing services, and adding hardware) not to say it is my fault, but it is a more likley scenario. Or Asus has provided me with an unstable system as i have recieved and repaired multiple BSOD messages. If you habe more input let me know. As for know i plan on only backing up vitle files and skipping the full windows back up

 

[kaoticsolja]

As for my bad grammer , i phone auto spell check