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PC running weirdly slow.

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Re: PC running weirdly slow.

Unread postby capnkrunch » May 14th, 2016, 2:20 pm

Hello RoboHobo :)

Good job running those fixes. Is the computer still performing OK?

We have one more scan to do. Assuming it comes back clean then we can move on to cleaning up the tools we used and talk a bit about staying secure. This scan is very thorough and can take several hours to complete. I usually recommend running it overnight as you should not use your computer while it is running.

ESET Online Scanner
NOTE: ESET Online Scanner can be run from Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome.
  • First please disable any antivirus you have active, as shown in this topic.
  • Close all open programs and windows.
  • Open your browser by right clicking and selecting Run as administrator.
  • Go to the ESET Online Scanner site.
  • Click on the green Run Scanner button.
    • If using Firefox or Chrome, you will need to download a small utility.
    • Right click esetsmartinstaller_enu.exe and select Run as administrator.
  • Check the box to agree to the terms of use and click Start.
    • If using Internet Explorer, click Install when prompted to install the add-on.
  • Check Enable detection of of potentially unwanted applications.
  • Click Advanced settings.
  • UNCHECK Remove found threats.
  • Ensure the following are checked:
    • Scan archives
    • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
    • Enable Anti-Stealth technology
  • Click Start.
  • ESET Online Scanner will download its virus signature database then automatically start the scan.
    The scan will take a while. Please be patient and do not use your computer during the scan. Some people find it best to let the scan run overnight.
  • When the scan completes press the text: Image
  • Press the text: Image then save the file to your desktop as ESETScan.txt.
  • Press the Back button then press the Finish button.
  • Copy and paste the contents of ESETScan.txt in your next reply.
    Note: If no threats are found, there is no option to create a log. Just report back to me there was nothing found.
IMPORTANT: Do not forget to re-enable your antivirus software.

Please post each log separately to prevent it being cut off by the forum post size limiter.
Check each after you've posted it to make sure it's all present, if any log is cut off you'll have to post it in sections...

In your next reply please include:
  • Did you have any problems with the instructions?
  • ESETScan.txt
  • Are there any changes in computer behavior?
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Re: PC running weirdly slow.

Unread postby RoboHobo » May 15th, 2016, 8:46 pm

I've completed the scan fine, and it's only detected 3 items.

C:\Program Files (x86)\Cheat Engine 6.4\standalonephase1.dat a variant of Win32/HackTool.CheatEngine.AF potentially unsafe application
C:\Users\ChunkyMonkeyMan\Desktop\Stuff\Gamestuff\Extreme Injector v3.6.1 - by master131_mpgh.net.rar Win32/DllInject.DM potentially unsafe application
C:\Users\ChunkyMonkeyMan\Desktop\Stuff\Gamestuff\Extreme Injector v3.exe Win32/DllInject.DM potentially unsafe application
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Re: PC running weirdly slow.

Unread postby capnkrunch » May 16th, 2016, 11:39 pm

Hello RoboHobo :)

I'm going to split this last post into two for readability. The first post will be my normal All Clean post and will include the cleanup instructions and some general security advice. The second post will talk briefly about what to do when your computer is running slowly. This is mostly fundamental stuff so you may have heard all this before. That said, it never hurts to remind ourselves of the basics.

Step one...

DelFix
  • Please download DelFix by Xplode and save it to your Desktop.
  • Double-click on delfix_*version*.exe to run it.
  • Check the following boxes and then click Run:
    • Activate UAC
    • Remove disinfection tools
    • Purge system restore
  • If any logs or programs remain, you may delete them now.

Step two...

The version of Java on your computer is outdated. Outdated versions of Java are a major vector for infection. It is essential to keep Java up to date and since very few websites require Java anymore I strongly recommend disabling it in your browsers.

Uninstall Programs
  • Press the Windows Key + R.
  • Enter appwiz.cpl into the text box and click OK.
  • Locate the following programs:
    Java 8 Update 77
  • Press the Uninstall or Uninstall/Change button and carefully follow any prompts to uninstall the program.
    • Take care to read through any prompts completely! Some uninstallers may attempt to trick you into keeping the program.
    • Do this for every program listed.
    • Don't worry if you can't find one of the programs. Just be sure to let me know in your reply.
  • Once finished reboot your computer.

Reinstall Java
  • Please download the lastest version of Java HERE.
  • Double-click jxpiinstall.exe to run it. Allow it to make changes to your computer if prompted by UAC.
  • Click Install.
  • Be sure to uncheck any Optional offer on the next page.
  • Click Next to begin the installation.
  • Once the installation is finished click Next and then Close to exit the installer.

Java - Recommended Security Settings
  • Click Start.
  • Type Configure Java into the search box and select it from the results.
  • Recommended settings:
    • Update - ensure Check for Updates Automatically is checked.
    • Security - Uncheck Enable Java content in browser (see Note below).
  • Click OK to apply the settings and close the window.
Note: most websites no longer require Java to work. However, if you find that you do require Java for some sites, I recommend disabling it in your main browser and using a secondary browser solely for visiting the sites that require Java. See HERE for how to disable Java in specific browsers.

In addition to these security settings, it is a good idea to prevent plugins from running automatically by enabling click-to-play in all your browsers. Please see How to Enable Click-to-Play Plugins in Every Web Browser for instructions how to do this.

As far as security programs go, Avast! and Malwarebytes is a pretty good suite. I would recommend adding an anti-exploit program as well. These are a relatively new type of security software that works with you other programs to provide important protection from unknown and new malware. Two good free options are:
  • Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit. This is easy to set up, you install it and go. The free version offers protection for browsers, browser plugins and Java which is where most of the danger lies. The paid version includes protection for PDF readers, Office programs and media players along with other additional features.
  • Microsoft Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET). This free tool from Microsoft is very powerful but requires some knowledge to configure properly and so is not recommended for novice users or users who do not wish to spend much time setting it up.

Software can only provide so much protection. Security begins and ends with the user so let's talk a bit about good security habits.

Update, update, update
Keep your Antivirus and other software up to date. Consider using a program to assist you.
Secunia Personal Software Inspector - Copyright © Secunia.
FileHippo.com Update Checker - Copyright © FileHippo.com

Watch out for bundled software
Many "free" programs come bundled with prechecked "offers" for third-party software. At best bundled software is useless and at worst it can be full-on malware. You had a couple Potential Unwanted Programs (PUPs) installed that are known to spread this way. The best defense is choosing Custom or Advanced installation as opposed to Express or Automatic when given the option and carefully reading all installer prompts.

As an extra layer of security you may want to try installing Unchecky. Unchecky runs in the background and can automatically uncheck many third-party offers. Be aware that Unchecky is a complement to, not a replacement for using caution when installing programs.

Practice safe browsing habits
Like I said before, no software or group of software is foolproof. Security starts with the user and browsing the internet is where users are most vulnerable. There is a lot of advice that can be given for safe browsing but most of it boils down to common sense. Here are some of the more important things you can do:
  • Avoid shady sites: gambling, pornography, piracy/warez sites. Also avoid using P2P software.
  • Don't click on popups or ads in general. Warnings that say you have a virus or ads that say you've won a prize are always tricks to get you to install unwanted software or give away personal information.
  • Don't download anything you didn't go looking for. If site says you need to update Flash or install a codec DON'T. Almost without fail it will be malware instead.
  • Use strong passwords and use a different password for every site. Consider using a password manager to assist you. KeePass is a good free one. LastPass is what I use, it has a free version as well as a paid one with additional features.
You may want to try using an addon such as Web of Trust (WOT) or McAfee SiteAdvisor. These are not foolproof but can be a good place to start when deciding whether or not a site is safe to visit.

Additional reading
To help minimize the chances of becoming re-infected, please read:
Computer Security - a short guide to staying safer online
Last edited by capnkrunch on May 17th, 2016, 9:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: PC running weirdly slow.

Unread postby capnkrunch » May 16th, 2016, 11:41 pm

My specialty is malware removal but there are some simple tips for keeping your computer running smoothly.

Clean out temporary files
To do this with the built in Windows 10 Disc cleanup tool:
  • Click Start.
  • Type cleanmgr.exe into the search bar and press Enter.
  • Click Clean up system files.
  • Under Files to delete select the files you want to delete. Unless you have a need for them you shoul usually be OK selecting all of them.
  • Click OK.

You might want to consider using a third party tool. CCleaner is a good option. If you choose to use CCleaner be sure not to use the Registry Cleaner function. Registry cleaners have no effect on computer speed and may damage your computer, even rendering it unbootable.

Uninstall unneeded programs
  • Press the Windows Key + R.
  • Enter appwiz.cpl into the text box and click OK.
  • Locate any programs you no longer need or use.
  • Press the Uninstall or Uninstall/Change button and carefully follow any prompts to uninstall the program.
    • Take care to read through any prompts completely! Some uninstallers may attempt to trick you into keeping the program.
    • Do this for every program you want to remove.
  • Once finished reboot your computer.

Disable unnecessary programs from autorunning
Note: MSConfig is meant for temporary troubleshooting not a permanent startup manager. As such I recommend using a third-party tool. WinPatrol and Autoruns are two good options.

Using WinPatrol:
  • Download WinPatrol.
  • Double-click wpsetup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
  • Click the Scottydog icon in your system tray to open the program.
  • Click the Startup Programs tab.
  • To disable a program, click on it then click Disable. To reenable a program, select it then click Enable.
    Note: it is up to you to research what programs are necessary and what ones can be safely disabled.
WinPatrol is also a security program that works by monitoring important system resources for changes. You can use the free version for startup management but there is also a paid version with additional features.

Using Autoruns:
  • Download Autoruns and unzip the contents.
  • Right click autoruns.exe and select Run as administrator.
  • Click Agree to accept the EULA.
  • Click the Logon tab.
  • To disable a program, uncheck the box next to it. To reenable, simply check the box again.
Note: Autoruns has many options and messing with some of them can be dangerous. This program should only be used by advanced users and even then sticking to the Logons tab will minimize the risk as well as provide the most benefit.

You mentioned an overheating problem as the likely culprit. There are a couple simple things to look at if your computer is overheating.

The first thing to do is to dust your computer. Dusting should be done with computer duster so as to not damage anything.

Warning! Unless you are totally comfortable with it you should never take your computer apart. Most repair stores as well many retail stores will provide this service at a reasonable cost. Also, many laptop models are not easily taken apart and should only be cleaned by a professional.

Beyond that troubleshooting overheating can get more technical and potentially risky as it often involves messing with drivers and/or hardware so I would recommend seeking help. Two free forums that generally provide quality help are:

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. If not please reply to let me know that you have completed the cleanup and read the rest of my posts.

Stay safe ;)
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Re: PC running weirdly slow.

Unread postby RoboHobo » May 17th, 2016, 1:29 am

Thank you! It's good to know that I don't need to worry about malware. The service that you all provide here is top notch, and I really appreciate all you help, especially with keeping the thread open while I was away! Thanks for all the help!
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Re: PC running weirdly slow.

Unread postby capnkrunch » May 17th, 2016, 10:05 am

You're welcome. I'm glad we were able to help. :)
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Re: PC running weirdly slow.

Unread postby NonSuch » May 17th, 2016, 5:56 pm

As this issue appears to be resolved, this topic is now closed.

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

If you would like to make a comment or leave a compliment regarding the help you have received, please see Feedback for Our Helpers - Say "Thanks" Here.
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