I can't enable windows update or windows firewall

Viruses and worms
1

I’m have read that this is a virus related issue, but I can’t seem to get them enabled.
Various forums have said to run a full virus scan, run windows defender offline, run ccleaner and Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware.
None have solved my problem.
Can you please help?

2

hey and welcome to the forum. i will drop a note to one of our malware expert here on the forum to help you out.

3

Thankyou mikaelrask.

4

I can see from your otl logs that you still have Norton( Symantec ) installed, you can only use/have one antivirus installed on the system at any one time so please uninstall it then run the Norton removal tool from here to remove leftovers http://singularlabs.com/uninstallers/security-software/ ( 26a ) in the list.

You can also disable Defender if your running avast.

It looks like you have used AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials in the past also so please use the link posted to run the removal tools for those as well.

5

Ok all old anti-virus programs have been removed and defender has been disabled.
Though windows update still doesnt work.

6

Ok, now just wait for one of the malware guys to help ( notified ), they should be on a bit later due to time zone differences.

7

Hi the services have been deleted so rather than give you multiple registry fixes I will use a tool to do it

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


:OTL
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-1657701759-703862110-3653542139-1000\..\URLSearchHook: {ebd898f8-fcf6-4694-bc3b-eabc7271eeb1} - No CLSID value found
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-21-1657701759-703862110-3653542139-1000\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {7FEBEFE3-6B19-4349-98D2-FFB09D4B49CA} - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-21-1657701759-703862110-3653542139-1000\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {EBD898F8-FCF6-4694-BC3B-EABC7271EEB1} - No CLSID value found.
O7 - HKU\S-1-5-18\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O7 - HKU\S-1-5-19\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O7 - HKU\S-1-5-20\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
O7 - HKU\S-1-5-21-1657701759-703862110-3653542139-1000\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Restrictions present
[2013/01/01 15:12:06 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\ProgramData\McAfee
[2012/07/05 21:55:49 | 000,000,000 | ---- | C] () -- C:\ProgramData\c7fe4a49cc0285a590f8508664f6b6dc_c
[2004/12/06 16:23:04 | 000,028,672 | ---- | M] (NewFreeHost.com) -- C:\Windows Explorer.exe

: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.

THEN

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

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.

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

FINALLY

Download and run farbar service scanner

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/FSS.gif

Tick “All” options.
Press “Scan”.
It will create a log (FSS.txt) in the same directory the tool is run.

Please copy and paste the log to your reply.

8

Hi Essexboy.
The PC is running great! Windows updates and the firewall is enabled.
I thank you so much for your effort in solving my problem.

Here are the attachments requested. though I can’t find the ComboFix txt file. I ran it just before going to work and must not have saved a txt file.
I will run it again and post the results.

9

Here is my Combo fix file that you requested Essexboy.
I forgot to thank CraigB and mikaelrask for your help also.

10

Subject to no further problems :slight_smile:

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:

Run AdwCleaner and press the uninstall button

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

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee362/Essexboy3/Misc%20screen%20shots/CF_Uninstall-1.jpg

[]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.

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:
[] Go to this site and click Do I have Java
[] It will check your current version and then offer to update to the latest version

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.

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:

11

I have one problem now. After installing about 250Mb of patches for windows update. I get an error message evertime I start windows. I have tried windows fixit, deleting the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder and a few other things, but it wont go away.

An Error has occured in the program during initialization.
If this problem continues, please contact your system administrator.

Error code: 0x80070002

12

Did you use the aggressive mode on the fixit ?

If so then try this small programme http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/repair_windows_updates.html

13

I did not try the aggressive mode because I did not want to break the PC anymore.
I ran that “repair windows update” tool that you posted, restarted the PC, and the problem was still there.
So I ran the aggressive mode of windows fixit, restarted the PC, and the problem is still there.

14

Could you take a screenshot of the error as I need to know what it actually refers to

15

Here is a screenshot of the error that appears each time windows is started.

16

OK that is MSE and not windows updates

Could you run the fixit on this page please http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2435760

17

I scrolled down the page and did it manualy, restarted, but no fix.
So I downloaded the fixit file and ran that, restarted and no different.
Ohwell, its only 1 click to turn it off when windows starts. I dont event really have to click it. It’s a small annoyance. and the PC so much better than what it was.
Thanks for your support.

18

A final option would be to uninstall MSE (unless you have already done that )

Or you could run a fresh OTL scan and I will remove it manually

19

I dont have MSE installed.
I am running a fresh OTL scan, and will post in a few.

20

Here they are.
I wont be able to reply to the post for about 8 hrs. I need some sleep :slight_smile: