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Consumer Products => Avast Free Antivirus / Premium Security (legacy Pro Antivirus, Internet Security, Premier) => Topic started by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 01, 2012, 06:46:56 AM

Title: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 01, 2012, 06:46:56 AM
Hi, I recently had a virus which the tech removed & then he installed avast! free antivirus (so I don't get any more viruses). Before avast I was using mozilla firefox but now I can't open it. I've tried deleting and reinstalling firefox and even tried google chrome (as suggested on the avast! website) but that won't open either :-( I've tried adding firefox into the sandbox files to be excluded but that hasn't worked... I've tried searching on your website help/support too, hence why I am posting a new topic/question... can someone help me please? I am not a techinically minded user, just your average website junkie  ;D CHEERS :)
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: Pondus on November 01, 2012, 07:51:28 AM
well.....maybe your computer Tech did not remove it all....or removed something he should not


follow the guide and attach the logs....not copy and paste   http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0

AdwCleaner
Malwarebytes
OTL
aswMBR




it may take hours before a malware remover arrive so be paitient







Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 04, 2012, 09:27:48 AM
Hi, I've followed your advise and attached the logs for you. Please let me know if you have an answer to my avast! problem.
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: mchain on November 04, 2012, 09:47:19 AM
hi VickiEdwardsBrown,

Missing aswMBR.exe, or is that on the way?
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 04, 2012, 10:26:39 AM
I've tried and tried to download aswMBR... I can download it but it won't run/open :-( I see that it has a user account control on it, but I am the only user and administrator so am not sure why it won't open...
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: Chris Thomas on November 04, 2012, 10:28:30 AM
Hi, I recently had a virus which the tech removed & then he installed avast! free antivirus (so I don't get any more viruses). Before avast I was using mozilla firefox but now I can't open it. I've tried deleting and reinstalling firefox and even tried google chrome (as suggested on the avast! website) but that won't open either :-( I've tried adding firefox into the sandbox files to be excluded but that hasn't worked... I've tried searching on your website help/support too, hence why I am posting a new topic/question... can someone help me please? I am not a techinically minded user, just your average website junkie  ;D CHEERS :)

Hi there

You can try Firefox in the safe mode. Go to 'RUN' and type
'Firefox -safe-mode' and click OK. Make sure you tick Reset Firefox when Firefox starts. If Firefox doesn't run, can you open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del and go to 'Process' and see if Firefox is running?
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: Asyn on November 04, 2012, 10:31:06 AM
I've tried and tried to download aswMBR... I can download it but it won't run/open :-(

Try it in safe mode.
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: MAG on November 04, 2012, 11:45:23 AM
I've tried and tried to download aswMBR... I can download it but it won't run/open :-(

Try it in safe mode.
To get to W7 safe mode tap F8 during boot (before windows logo appears)
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: essexboy on November 04, 2012, 12:32:30 PM
The tech did not remove the virus, he papered over the cracks

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/RKScan.GIF)   
 
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/RKDelete.GIF)     
Please post:    All RKreport.txt text files located on your desktop.

THEN

 Warning This fix is only relevant for this system and no other, using on another computer may cause problems

Be advised that when the fix commences it will shut down all running processes and you may lose the desktop and icons, they will return on reboot

Run OTL
Code: [Select]
:OTL
64bit-FF - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\\{336D0C35-8A85-403a-B9D2-65C292C39087}: C:\PROGRAM FILES\WEB ASSISTANT
O3 - HKLM\..\Toolbar: (no name) - {98889811-442D-49dd-99D7-DC866BE87DBC} - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-21-2901728405-2068089449-3904833795-1002\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {687578B9-7132-4A7A-80E4-30EE31099E03} - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-21-2901728405-2068089449-3904833795-1002\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {7FEBEFE3-6B19-4349-98D2-FFB09D4B49CA} - No CLSID value found.
O16 - DPF: {4F29DE54-5EB7-4D76-B610-A86B5CD2A234} Reg Error: Key error. (GameTap Player)
[2012/10/23 11:02:16 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\Users\Vicki\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\File Restore
[2012/10/20 06:19:35 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\Users\Vicki\AppData\Local\Symantec
[2012/10/23 11:02:17 | 000,000,677 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Users\Vicki\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\File_Restore.lnk
[2012/10/23 11:02:16 | 000,000,368 | ---- | M] () -- C:\ProgramData\PcokAMgBSbZBTk
[2012/10/13 09:30:20 | 000,000,000 | ---- | M] () -- C:\ProgramData\cc2977f1613dff32e0a25d054c27d6b8_c
[2012/10/25 09:20:08 | 000,005,120 | -HS- | M] () -- C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_32\Desktop.ini
[2012/10/25 09:20:08 | 000,006,144 | -HS- | M] () -- C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_64\Desktop.ini

:Files
c:\ProgramData\Browser Manager
C:\$Recycle.Bin\S-1-5-18\$439b9e1bbe54c1afede48dabbe2bd58b

:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]
[Reboot]
FINALLY

Download and Install Combofix
 
Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:
Link 1  (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)
Link 2 (http://www.forospyware.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)
 
VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop
 
* IMPORTANT - Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. If you have difficulty properly disabling your protective programs, refer to this link here  (http://forums.whatthetech.com/How_Disable_your_Security_Programs_t96260.html&pid=494216#entry494216)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/NSIS_disclaimer_ENG.png)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/NSIS_extraction.png)

Notes:
1. Do not mouse-click Combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
2. Do not "re-run" Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
3.  If after the reboot you get errors about programmes being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.


Please make sure you include the combo fix log in your next reply as well as describe how your computer is running now
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 05, 2012, 01:44:44 AM
The tech did not remove the virus, he papered over the cracks

  • Download RogueKiller (http://www.sur-la-toile.com/RogueKiller/RogueKiller.exe)  and save it on your desktop.
     
    NOTE: If using IE8 or better Smartscreen Filter will need to be disabled

  • Quit all programs
  • Start RogueKiller.exe.
  • Wait until Prescan has finished ... 
  •     Click on Scan
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/RKScan.GIF)   
 
  • Wait for the end of the scan. 
  • The report has been created on the desktop. 
  • Click on the Delete button.
(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/RKDelete.GIF)     
  • The report has been created on the desktop.
  • Next click on the ShortcutsFix   
    (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/RKFixShortcuts.GIF)
  • The report has been created on the desktop.
Please post:    All RKreport.txt text files located on your desktop.

THEN

 Warning This fix is only relevant for this system and no other, using on another computer may cause problems

Be advised that when the fix commences it will shut down all running processes and you may lose the desktop and icons, they will return on reboot

Run OTL
  • Under the Custom Scans/Fixes box at the bottom, paste in the following
    (https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/OTL_Fix.GIF)

Code: [Select]
:OTL
64bit-FF - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\\{336D0C35-8A85-403a-B9D2-65C292C39087}: C:\PROGRAM FILES\WEB ASSISTANT
O3 - HKLM\..\Toolbar: (no name) - {98889811-442D-49dd-99D7-DC866BE87DBC} - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-21-2901728405-2068089449-3904833795-1002\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {687578B9-7132-4A7A-80E4-30EE31099E03} - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-21-2901728405-2068089449-3904833795-1002\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {7FEBEFE3-6B19-4349-98D2-FFB09D4B49CA} - No CLSID value found.
O16 - DPF: {4F29DE54-5EB7-4D76-B610-A86B5CD2A234} Reg Error: Key error. (GameTap Player)
[2012/10/23 11:02:16 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\Users\Vicki\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\File Restore
[2012/10/20 06:19:35 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\Users\Vicki\AppData\Local\Symantec
[2012/10/23 11:02:17 | 000,000,677 | ---- | M] () -- C:\Users\Vicki\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch\File_Restore.lnk
[2012/10/23 11:02:16 | 000,000,368 | ---- | M] () -- C:\ProgramData\PcokAMgBSbZBTk
[2012/10/13 09:30:20 | 000,000,000 | ---- | M] () -- C:\ProgramData\cc2977f1613dff32e0a25d054c27d6b8_c
[2012/10/25 09:20:08 | 000,005,120 | -HS- | M] () -- C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_32\Desktop.ini
[2012/10/25 09:20:08 | 000,006,144 | -HS- | M] () -- C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_64\Desktop.ini

:Files
c:\ProgramData\Browser Manager
C:\$Recycle.Bin\S-1-5-18\$439b9e1bbe54c1afede48dabbe2bd58b

:Commands
[resethosts]
[emptytemp]
[CREATERESTOREPOINT]
[Reboot]
  • Then click the Run Fix button at the top
  • Let the program run unhindered, reboot the PC when it is done
  • Open OTL again and click the Quick Scan button. Post the log it produces in your next reply.
FINALLY

Download and Install Combofix
 
Download ComboFix from one of the following locations:
Link 1  (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)
Link 2 (http://www.forospyware.com/sUBs/ComboFix.exe)
 
VERY IMPORTANT !!! Save ComboFix.exe to your Desktop
 
* IMPORTANT - Disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware applications, usually via a right click on the System Tray icon. They may otherwise interfere with our tools. If you have difficulty properly disabling your protective programs, refer to this link here  (http://forums.whatthetech.com/How_Disable_your_Security_Programs_t96260.html&pid=494216#entry494216)
  • Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
  • Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/NSIS_disclaimer_ENG.png)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v706/ried7/NSIS_extraction.png)

  • When finished, it shall produce a log for you.
  • Please include the C:\ComboFix.txt in your next reply.[/b]
Notes:
1. Do not mouse-click Combofix's window while it is running. That may cause it to stall.
2. Do not "re-run" Combofix. If you have a problem, reply back for further instructions.
3.  If after the reboot you get errors about programmes being marked for deletion then reboot, that will cure it.


Please make sure you include the combo fix log in your next reply as well as describe how your computer is running now


Thanks... I've done the Roguekiller and attach the report now... (then I'll follow your OTL instructions)...
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 05, 2012, 02:09:02 AM
...here's the OTL info...
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 05, 2012, 04:03:21 AM
Here's the combo fix attachment. I can now open Mozilla fine and the links from Outlook are opening fine in Mozilla too YIPEE! You guys are AWESOME!! ;D  ;D  ;D

Q: The internet is still a bit slow but maybe that is normal when using an antivirus system(?)

Q: Do I keep all the programmes  (Rogue, OTL etc) on my computer or can I/should I delete them?
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: iroc9555 on November 05, 2012, 04:26:31 AM
VickiE.

Essexboy probably in bed right now. He is located in UK. Wait for more instructions tomorrow.
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 05, 2012, 04:45:04 AM
I've tried and tried to download aswMBR... I can download it but it won't run/open :-(

Try it in safe mode.

Thanks, I tried it in safe mode and it still won't open. I also tried switching off avast and opening it to install it but no luck  :( however, as per below, I think the problems have been solved (apart from my two questions below). CHEERS, VICKI.
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: essexboy on November 05, 2012, 03:14:53 PM
Once you are happy I will clear all the tools away safely

All the logs now look nice, the tech left a zero access infection behind along with some other bits and bobs

So big question ..  How is the computer behaving ?
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 06, 2012, 02:42:21 AM
Thanks for your reply  ;) and for checking my new logs... interesting that the tech left some issues on my pc - is that normal or was he being a bit slack?!

Re my computer now:

Q: The internet is still a bit slow but maybe that is normal when using an antivirus system(?)

Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: mchain on November 06, 2012, 07:37:49 AM
1.  Not normal, and your tech may not be certified in malware removal.  Essexboy is certified, and is a teacher in malware removal as well.
2.  Internet was likely slower when infected than it is now?
3.  All a/v's slow a computer down from a base speed that is higher with no antivirus program installed.  The better/best ones have the least impact on system performance, and still provide the higher level of protection you need.

######

All fully certified malware experts are trained to do no harm to a victim's computer. 

The point is to not damage your system any further than it already is, but to repair it to as close to pre-infection as possible.  This requires extensive training; and this training is ongoing even after successful certification is achieved. 
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: essexboy on November 06, 2012, 04:05:29 PM
What I will do now is remove my rubbish and tidy up...  Then let me know if the internet is still slow

Subject to no further problems   :)

I will remove my tools now and give some recommendations, but, I would like you to run for 24 hours or so and come back if you have any problems 

Now the best part of the day ----- Your log now appears clean  :thumbsup:

A good workman always cleans up after himself so..The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset  System Restore points:

Remove ComboFixRun OTL and hit the cleanup button.  It will remove all the programmes we have used plus itself. 

We will now confirm that your hidden files are set to that, as some of the tools I use will change that(http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/images/javaicon.gif)   Your Java is out of date.
Older versions have vulnerabilities that malware can use to infect your system.
Please follow these steps to remove older version of Java components and upgrade the application.

 Upgrading Java:Now that you are clean, to help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programmes:

(http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7729/mbamicontw5.gif) Malwarebytes (http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php).

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker (http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/) and run it monthly it will show you which programmes on your system need updating and give a download link

If you use on-line banking then as an added layer of protection install Trusteer Rapport  (http://www.trusteer.com/Products/Trusteer-Rapport-for-Online-Banking)

It is critical to have both a firewall and anti virus to protect your system and to keep them updated. To keep your operating system up to date visit To learn more about how to protect yourself while on the internet read our little guide  How did I get infected in the first place ? (http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/topic/225044-preventing-malware-and-safe-computing/)Keep safe  :wave:
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 07, 2012, 10:29:19 AM
Hi and I must say I am THOROUGHLY impressed with the service I've been getting from you guys! I was daunted at first but your instructions were very easy to follow!! It's awesome how much you know about computers :)

The internet is still running slow... especially if I have more than one tab open, it will take a longer time (than previous to getting avast) to connect.

...and I just had a random blue screen error that said: BAD_POOL_(something, can't remember the last word) - was very scary as it shut the computer down. When it restarted it was aok again though... strange!?!
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 07, 2012, 10:33:31 AM
Once you are happy I will clear all the tools away safely

All the logs now look nice, the tech left a zero access infection behind along with some other bits and bobs

So big question ..  How is the computer behaving ?

Hi and I must say I am THOROUGHLY impressed with the service I've been getting from you guys! I was daunted at first but your instructions were actually very easy to follow!! It's awesome how much you know about computers :)

The internet is still running slow... and it's worse if I have more than one tab open, it will take a longer time (than previous to getting avast) to connect. I tried to post this reply but it took forever so I ended up 'stopping' it and then re-posting...

...and I just had a random blue screen error that said: BAD_POOL_(something, can't remember the last word) - was very scary as it shut the computer down. When it restarted it was aok again though... strange!?!
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: essexboy on November 07, 2012, 03:39:25 PM
Bad pool errors are where a programme tries to read the wrong bit of memory

Is the slowdown in Firefox, IE or both 
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: VickiEdwardsBrown on November 07, 2012, 11:47:09 PM
Bad pool errors are where a programme tries to read the wrong bit of memory

Is the slowdown in Firefox, IE or both

Hi, it's slow in both Firefox and IE  :-\

It's sooooo slow ie with connecting to pages but also whilst IN pages ie sending a message via yahoo mail or posting on facebook, it will often be 'loading' but never actually follow through, like I've had trouble posting on here too.
Title: Re: PLEASE HELP, I can't use Mozilla Firefox with avast!
Post by: essexboy on November 08, 2012, 03:31:19 PM
OK lets have a quick look at the net services

Please download MiniToolBox (http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/farbar/MiniToolBox.exe), save it to your desktop and run it.

(https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/minitoolbox.JPG)
 
Checkmark the following checkboxes:

Click Go and post the result (Result.txt). A copy of Result.txt will be saved in the same directory the tool is run.
 
Note: When using "Reset FF Proxy Settings" option Firefox should be closed.