50 copies of wuauclt.exe process, and can't restart

[keithgmccall]

Well, automatic updates is now on and I am not getting an error, but I still cant open the automatic updates page. I can open the security center and close it not. The error that I was getting, (but not anymore) was rundll32.exe is not responding. From security center, I can open both windows firewall settings and internet options, but not automatic updates.

[jmw3]

So when you click on Automatic Updates from the Security Center, what happens? Does it open with everything greyed out? Or does it just not open at all?

[keithgmccall]

It doesn't open at all most of the time. Every once in a while it opens like ten minutes later. It seems like the restarting problem. Sometimes it doesn't do anything, other times it starts and takes a long time.

[jmw3]

As this is a dedicated malware removal site & this issue does not appear to be malware related, I'm going to refer you to some sites that will have more expertise with this than I do:
The following sites are excellent tech support sites (in no particular order):
Tech Support Forum
What the Tech
The Elder Geek

Clean Up
Now we need to clear out the programs we've been using to clean up your computer, they are not suitable for general malware removal and could cause damage if used inappropriately.
Remove ComboFix
The following will implement some cleanup procedures as well as reset System Restore points:
Click Start > Run then copy/paste the following bolded text into the Run box and click OK:
ComboFix /Uninstall
OTC
Download OTC by Old Timer here & save it to your desktop.
Double click on OTC.exe. Click on CleanUp!.
You will receive a prompt that it needs to restart the computer to remove the files. Click Yes.
It will restart your computer automatically. If it doesn't, please restart your computer manually.
You can delete the following from your desktop:
TFC.exe
The Gmer.exe file (it will be randomly named .exe file)
Any logs that may have been saved to your desktop
You can remove the Kaspersky & Eset Online Scanners. This can be done via Add or Remove Programs
You should also remove HijackThis. This also can be done via Add or Remove Programs

All Clean
Now that your system is free of malware, we would like you to keep it that way. Take the time to follow these recommendations & it will greatly reduce the risk of further infections and greatly diminish the chances of you having to visit here again.

Create a Clean System Restore Point
Create a new, clean System Restore point which you can use in case of future system problems:
Press Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->System Restore
Select Create a restore point, then Next, type a name like All Clean then press the Create button and once it's done press Close
Now remove old, infected System Restore points:
Next click Start->Run and type cleanmgr in the box and click OK
Ensure the boxes for Temporary Files & Temporary Internet Files are checked. You can choose to check other boxes if you wish but they are not required.
Select the More Options tab, under System Restore click Clean up... and click Yes to the prompt
Click OK and Yes to confirm.

Microsoft Windows Update
Microsoft releases patches for Windows and Office products regularly to patch up Windows and Office products loopholes and fix any bugs found. Install the updates immediately if they are found.
To update Windows
Go to Start > All Programs > Windows Update
To update Office
Open up any Office program.
Go to Help > Check for Updates

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a new and powerful anti-malware tool. It is totally free but for real-time protection you will have to pay a small one-time fee.
You can find a tutorial here. Keep it updated & run it regularly.

SpywareBlaster
Download and install Javacools SpywareBlaster from here
SpywareBlaster adds a list of ActiveX controls, tracking cookies and sites which will be blocked in either Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers. You need to manually check for updates regularly.

Download and Install a HOSTS File
A HOSTS file is a big list of bad web sites. The list has a specific format, a specific name, (name is just HOSTS with no file extension), and a specific location. Your machine always looks at that file in that location before connecting to a web site to verify the address. So the HOSTS listing can be used to "short circuit" a request to a bad website by giving it the address of your own machine.
Install MVPS Hosts File From Here
The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer.
You can Find the Tutorial HERE

Web of Trust
WOT, Web of Trust, warns you about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware or send spam. Protect your computer against online threats by using WOT as your front-line layer of protection when browsing or searching in unfamiliar territory. WOT's color-coded icons show you ratings for 21 million websites, helping you avoid the dangerous sites:

• Green to go
• Yellow for caution
• Red to stop

WOT has an addon available for both Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Install WinPatrol
Download it here
You can find information about how WinPatrol works here

Read some information here on how to prevent Malware.

Hopefully these steps will help keep your computer clean.

[keithgmccall]

Thanks for all of your help. I really appreciate the that you have put into this.

[jmw3]

No problem at all... Glad I could be of some help to you.

Good Luck & Surf Safe

[jmw3]

As your malware problems appear to have been resolved, this topic is now closed.

We are pleased we could help you resolve your computer's malware issues.

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