Blue Screen When Loading Desktop

[RaiuKusanagi]

My computer's OS is Windows 7.

Avast recently gave a popup warning about an undefined program/virus/something & my computer abruptly restarted.

Now, every time I try to start it up, it takes 5-10 minutes to get the desktop loaded and within 30 seconds of that, I receive a BSOD.  Most of the BSODs claimed a 0xA error while a couple claimed a 0x1E error.  The only time I do not receive a BSOD is when I boot into safe mode.

The warning mentioned above happened within an hour of updating itself/its virus definitions.  I read online that some people have experience Avast 7 causing BSODs, so I used a system restore to remove it, hoping that's all the problem was.  The BSODs continued, unfortunately.

When I reinstalled Avast, I was unable to use my name & email to register it and my computer suffered another BSOD - I don't recall the error listed - when I tried to register through Facebook.  When I got back into safe mode after that, I found that Avast's Scan Computer tab was empty and any custom scans I created ignored the options I chose & used only the defaults.

After running Malwarebytes, when I tried to start Windows normally, an error popped up saying MBAM's cleanup.dll could not be found.

Following the instructions listed in http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0 I've pasted the MBAM log & attached the OTL & aswMBR logs below.

Given my limited skill with fixing computer problems, the only option I can think of right now is to format my main drive & reinstall my OS, so any help in avoiding having to do that would be greatly appreciated.

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.65.1.1000
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2012.11.21.03

Windows 7 x64 NTFS (Safe Mode/Networking)
Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385
Robert Sussen :: ROBERTSUSSEN-PC [administrator]

11/20/2012 11:30:08 PM
mbam-log-2012-11-20 (23-30-08).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 237721
Time elapsed: 7 minute(s), 10 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 1
C:\Windows\svchost.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> 1688 -> Delete on reboot.

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 1
C:\Windows\svchost.exe (Trojan.Agent) -> Delete on reboot.

(end)

[Pondus]

also run and post AdwCleaner log

[RaiuKusanagi]

also run and post AdwCleaner log

Damn.  Ran it, but missed the part in the instructions about posting the log.  Sorry.

Should I run it again, anyway?

[magna86]

I'm on it ...


edit: Essexboy was faster.  . Essex will continue 

[essexboy]

Nope no need for that, this will be a busy fix but it should kill it

Download the latest version of TDSSKiller from here and save it to your Desktop.
 
 

• Doubleclick on TDSSKiller.exe to run the application
  
  
  
• Then click on Change parameters.
   
  
   
  
• Check the boxes beside Verify Driver Digital Signature and Detect TDLFS file system, then click OK.
   
  
• Click the Start Scan button.
   
   
  
• If a suspicious object is detected, the default action will be Skip, click on Continue.
   
  
   
  
• If malicious objects are found, they will show in the Scan results and offer three (3) options.
• Ensure Cure is selected, then click Continue => Reboot now to finish the cleaning process.
  
  
• Get the report by selecting Reports

 

• Note: If Cure is not available, please choose Skip instead, do not choose Delete unless instructed.
  

Please attach its contents on your next reply.

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
  
  
  

Code: [Select]

:OTL
FF - prefs.js..extensions.enabledItems: {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0021-ABCDEFFEDCBA}:6.0.21
FF - prefs.js..extensions.enabledItems: {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0026-ABCDEFFEDCBA}:6.0.26
O4 - HKLM..\RunOnce: [DeleteOnReboot] C:\Windows\DeleteOnReboot.bat ()
[2012/11/20 23:43:19 | 000,020,480 | ---- | C] (Microsoft Corporation) -- C:\Windows\svchost.exe
[2012/11/16 08:57:47 | 000,005,120 | -HS- | M] () -- C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_32\Desktop.ini
[2012/11/16 08:57:47 | 000,006,144 | -HS- | M] () -- C:\Windows\assembly\GAC_64\Desktop.ini

:Files
C:\$Recycle.Bin\S-1-5-18\$1add993887717aa4a51f07707c6a39f6

: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
Link 2
 
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

• Double click on ComboFix.exe & follow the prompts.
  
• Accept the disclaimer and allow to update if it asks

• 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

[RaiuKusanagi]

Okay, here's my TDSSkiller log.  Wasn't sure if you wanted all the logs at once or as I get them, so I'm going with the latter.

Also, since I probably followed the instructions a little TOO exactly, this is the second TDSSkiller log.  The first time I ran it, a malicious file came up, and I did the Continue > Reboot as instructed, but didn't copy the log - was following the instructions point by point - & TDSSkiller didn't popup when I rebooted.  However, the malicious file was gone according to the second scan.

[essexboy]

Aye following the order is correct as TDSSKiller will remove the MBR infection, OTL then kills the associated files and combofix follows up doing the repairs and sweeping up any I missed

There will be one further TDSSKiller run at the end but you are making good progress 

[RaiuKusanagi]

Here are the OTL logs.  One came up when I rebooted after Run Fix & another after Quick Scan.  They are labeled as such.

[essexboy]

OK combofix will now do the repairs to windows updates, system restore etc 

Once combofix has completed you may need to repair Avast, but let me know how the computer is behaving 

[RaiuKusanagi]

And here is my ComboFix log.  My computer took roughly 6 minutes to boot up from shut down, two of which were spent loading the desktop & some startup programs, like Steam & Skype.  I'm running a MBAM quick scan to check some stuff, but once my computer finally fully booted up, it seemed to be running fine.

EDIT: Just went back & the quick scan came back clean.  Running a full scan just in case the quick scan missed anything.  Thankfully, no BSODs.  Yet.

[essexboy]

OK last step

Re-run TDSSKiller with the same parameters
When this appears select delete :

\Device\Harddisk1\DR1 ( TDSS File System )

Avast will alert whilst the files are being moved

Then could you let me know of any outstanding problems

[RaiuKusanagi]

Okay, did that & my computer seems to be running just fine now.  Thank you so much for the help.

The only problem left is Avast 7 claiming my free trial has expired and either returning a "system file could not be found" error or freezing up when I try to register.

Before I started getting the BSODs, I had almost a full year left on my registration to Avast.  After I used the system restore to remove it, I had reinstalled it yesterday.  So, how should I go about fixing that?

[essexboy]

If it is the free one then re-register it
If it is either Pro or AIS then conduct a repair of Avast and re-insert the licence file

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 ComboFix

• Hold down the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will display the Run dialogue box
  
• In the Run box, type in ComboFix /Uninstall
   (Notice the space between the "x" and "/")
  then click OK
  
  
  
  
• Follow the prompts on the screen
• A message should appear confirming that ComboFix was uninstalled

Run 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

• Click Start.
• Open My Computer.
• Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
• Select the View Tab.
• Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Do not show hidden files and folders.
  
• Click Yes to confirm.
• Click OK.

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

Malwarebytes.

Update and run weekly to keep your system clean

Download and install FileHippo update checker 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

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

• Microsoft Windows Update

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 ?Keep safe  :wave:

[RaiuKusanagi]

I CAN'T re-register free Avast, though.  When I try, it either returns an error or freezes, as I mentioned above.

EDIT: Alright, the cleanup went just fine, but Avast is still screwy.  While it's now acknowledging my prior registration, the Scan Now part of the Scan Computer tab is empty and the Additional Protection tab is not responding in any way when I click on it.

[essexboy]

Repair Avast to cure that