I had earlier posted a comment confessing my newbie status. But the avast messages keep appearing. I did what was recommended, i.e. download the farbar software, did a scan and now have several FRST.txt file logs generated. The “fix” function did not do anything other than than remind me the FRST.txt file are in the same folder as the .exe file. I also get the message “no frst.txt found”. Here are some samples of the .txt log files starting with the latest. Clear instructions to a newbie would be greatly appreciated. Please help! Thanks
Preparing fix. Await my reply.
Hi alwish1, 
My name is Valinorum and I will be the acolyte today. Before we proceed, please, acknowledge yourself the following(s):
[*]Please do not create any new threads on this while we are working on your system as it wastes another volunteer’s time. If you are being helped/have solved the issue/no longer wish to continue, notify me in your reply and I will quickly close this thread. Failing to comply will result in denial of future assistance.
[*]Please do not install any new software while we are working on this system as it may hinder our process.
[*]Malware removal is a complicated process so don’t stop following the steps even if the symptoms are not found. Keep up with me until I declare you clean.
[*]Please do not try to fix anything without being ask.
[*]Please do not attach your logs or put them inside code/quote tags. Do a Copy/Paste of the entire contents of the log file and submit it inside your post unless directed otherwise.
[*]Please print or save the instructions I give you for quick reference. We may be using Safe mode which will cut you off from internet and you will not always be able to access this thread.
[*]Back up your data. I will not knowingly suggest your any course that might damage your system but sometimes Malware infections are so severe that only option we have is to re-format and re-install the operating system.
[*]If you are confused about any instruction, stop and ask. Do not keep on going.
[*]Do not repeat the steps if you face any problems.
[*]I am not an omniscient. There are things even I cannot foresee. But what I know took years to learn and perfect the skill. This site is run by volunteers who help people in need in their own free time. I would ask you to respect their time and be patient as sometimes real life demands our time and replies to you can be delayed.
[*]Private Message(PM) if and only if I have not responded to your thread within three days or your query is offtopic and personal. Do not PM me under any other circumstances. Your thread is the only medium of communication.
[*]The fixes are for your system only. Please refrain from using these fixes on other system as it may do serious damage.
Uninstall AVG anti-virus from your system.
[*]Step #1 Fix with FRST
Make sure that you still have FRST.exe on your Desktop. If you do not have it, download the suitable version from here to your Desktop.
[*]Open Notepad.exe. Do not use any other text editor software;
[*]Copy and Paste the contents inside the code-box to your Notepad –
Start
CreateRestorePoint:
CloseProcesses:
EmptyTemp:
HKLM-x32\...\Run: [] => [X]
CHR HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google: Policy restriction <======= ATTENTION
ProxyEnable: [S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000] => Internet Explorer proxy is enabled.
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL =
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL =
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL =
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL =
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
HKU\S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?type=avastbcl&hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs-001&p={searchTerms}
SearchScopes: HKLM -> {A25AC313-DD19-4238-ACA2-401D6BEE4321} URL =
DPF: HKLM-x32 {6A060448-60F9-11D5-A6CD-0002B31F7455}
FF ExtraCheck: C:\Program Files (x86)\mozilla firefox\firefox.cfg [2015-04-28] <==== ATTENTION
FF HKU\S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000\...\Firefox\Extensions: [uc@uc.com] - C:\Program Files (x86)\Unfriend Checker\FF
2015-04-25 03:28 - 2015-04-28 15:29 - 00000000 ____D () C:\ProgramData\AVG Security Toolbar
2015-04-25 03:27 - 2015-04-28 15:28 - 00000000 ____D () C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG Web TuneUp
2015-04-06 20:26 - 2015-04-06 20:39 - 00000000 ____D () C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchProtect
CMD: bitsadmin /reset /allusers
CMD: ipconfig /flushdns
End
[*]Click on File > Save as…
[list][*]Inside the File Name box type fixlist.txt
[*]From the Save as type drop down list, choose All Files
[*]Save the file to your Desktop;
[*]Re-run FRST.exe and click Fix;
[*]Note: If FRST advises there is a new updated version to be downloaded, do so/allow this.[]After the completion, a log will be produced;
[]Attach the log in your next reply.[/list]
[*]Required Log(s):
[*]FRST Fix Log
Regards,
Valinorum
Thank you so much Valinorum for the clear instructions. I did as you suggested and below is the log generated (copied and paste). Before proceeding further, kindly advise what I should do to back up my data? Thanks!
Fix result of Farbar Recovery Tool (FRST written by Farbar) (x64) Version: 29-04-2015
Ran by Alwi at 2015-04-29 14:30:19 Run:1
Running from C:\Users\Alwi\Downloads
Loaded Profiles: Alwi (Available profiles: Alwi & Guest)
Boot Mode: Normal
Content of fixlist:
Start
CreateRestorePoint:
CloseProcesses:
EmptyTemp:
HKLM-x32.…\Run: =>
CHR HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google: Policy restriction <======= ATTENTION
ProxyEnable: [S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000] => Internet Explorer proxy is enabled.
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page =
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL =
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL =
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL =
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL =
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
HKU\S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?type=avastbcl&hspart=avast&hsimp=yhs-001&p={searchTerms}
SearchScopes: HKLM → {A25AC313-DD19-4238-ACA2-401D6BEE4321} URL =
DPF: HKLM-x32 {6A060448-60F9-11D5-A6CD-0002B31F7455}
FF ExtraCheck: C:\Program Files (x86)\mozilla firefox\firefox.cfg [2015-04-28] <==== ATTENTION
FF HKU\S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000.…\Firefox\Extensions: [uc@uc.com] - C:\Program Files (x86)\Unfriend Checker\FF
2015-04-25 03:28 - 2015-04-28 15:29 - 00000000 ____D () C:\ProgramData\AVG Security Toolbar
2015-04-25 03:27 - 2015-04-28 15:28 - 00000000 ____D () C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG Web TuneUp
2015-04-06 20:26 - 2015-04-06 20:39 - 00000000 ____D () C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchProtect
CMD: bitsadmin /reset /allusers
CMD: ipconfig /flushdns
End
Restore point was successfully created.
Processes closed successfully.
HKLM\Software\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\ => value deleted successfully.
“HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google” => Key deleted successfully.
HKU\S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ProxyEnable => value deleted successfully.
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Search Page => Value was restored successfully.
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Search Page => Value was restored successfully.
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Default_Page_URL => Value was restored successfully.
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Default_Page_URL => Value was restored successfully.
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Default_Search_URL => Value was restored successfully.
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Default_Search_URL => Value was restored successfully.
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Local Page => Value was restored successfully.
HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Local Page => Value was restored successfully.
HKU\S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\Search Page => Value was restored successfully.
“HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes{A25AC313-DD19-4238-ACA2-401D6BEE4321}” => Key deleted successfully.
HKCR\CLSID{A25AC313-DD19-4238-ACA2-401D6BEE4321} => Key not found.
“HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Code Store Database\Distribution Units{6A060448-60F9-11D5-A6CD-0002B31F7455}” => Key deleted successfully.
“HKCR\Wow6432Node\CLSID{6A060448-60F9-11D5-A6CD-0002B31F7455}” => Key deleted successfully.
C:\Program Files (x86)\mozilla firefox\firefox.cfg => Moved successfully.
HKU\S-1-5-21-3757267446-2453856724-4146302372-1000\Software\Mozilla\Firefox\Extensions\uc@uc.com => value deleted successfully.
C:\ProgramData\AVG Security Toolbar => Moved successfully.
C:\Program Files (x86)\AVG Web TuneUp => Moved successfully.
C:\Program Files (x86)\SearchProtect => Moved successfully.
========= bitsadmin /reset /allusers =========
BITSADMIN version 3.0 [ 7.5.7601 ]
BITS administration utility.
(C) Copyright 2000-2006 Microsoft Corp.
BITSAdmin is deprecated and is not guaranteed to be available in future versions of Windows.
Administrative tools for the BITS service are now provided by BITS PowerShell cmdlets.
Unable to cancel {2324E009-0B84-489A-9D30-DE9EBADF2A36}.
Unable to cancel {C79261BE-9262-4729-9EAD-3ED727086C19}.
{C1F691EA-C4D0-476B-B770-22BEB99A159E} canceled.
1 out of 3 jobs canceled.
========= End of CMD: =========
========= ipconfig /flushdns =========
Windows IP Configuration
Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.
========= End of CMD: =========
EmptyTemp: => Removed 167.8 MB temporary data.
The system needed a reboot.
==== End of Fixlog 14:31:41 ====
I am in the process of backing up using an external drive. Back up in progress. Thanks.
Backup done. Awaiting further instructions with thanks.
From my last post, I have not seen any more avast alerts. If that means I am good, I cannot thank you enough Valinorum!
Perusing your logs, I see no infection currently present in your system. Unless you are having any issue(s), the machine appears to be Malware-free as we speak.
Removal of Tools and Quarantined Files
Despite the tools we have used are clean, they are powerful removal tools and made in a way so that they carry out any commands given to them without (most cases) asking for a confirmation. In the hands of an inept person, they can make the machine un-bootable – a scenario we do not wish to see. Also, we need to remove the quarantined files/folders from your system as a dormant malware can be as bad as an active one if given the proper environment. I shall now give you the guidelines to remove the tools and the quarantined files from your system.
[*]Cleanup with Delfix
Please download DelFix by Xplode to your Desktop.
Download Link
[*]Double-click to run the program;
[list][*]Note: Windows Vista/7/8 users right-click and choose Run as administrator[*]Make sure that all the boxes are checked;
[*]Click Run;
[*]A log will be opened after the operation is finished;
[*]Copy and Paste it in your next reply[/list]
Prevention and Future Guidelines
Prevention is better than cure – goes the old saying. As much as we love to see you visit our site, we do not want to see you having your PC infected by malwares again.
[*]Keep Windows up-to-date.
It is extremely important that you keep your operating system (Windows) updated when updates are made available. It is set to alert you, so be sure not to ignore these notices and to allow the updates to install. Many of these are critical security packages which could very possibly be the difference between your picking up a future infiltration and simply passing right by it unharmed.
[*]Run antivirus software and keep it up-to-date, too.
Antivirus software is your safety net if all other protections fail. The first line of defense is smart computing, of course, but everyone needs a backup. Once they’re installed, check periodically to ensure they have been successfully updating as well. An out-of-date antivirus is not a happy antivirus!
[*]Keep your web browser plugins and other programs updated also.
This tip is rarely shared by technicians and its importance is not widely recognized, but it’s absolutely critical. Programs such as Java, Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer, and myriad other such web-exposed items are deeply vulnerable to attack, which can quickly lead to a hopelessly infected system no matter what protection you currently have installed. The reason is that these programs are ubiquitous, but are also not perfect and are extremely complex… and as such, security vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited by hackers hoping to gain control over your machine. By performing every update for these programs as soon as it’s made available, you will greatly reduce your exposure to dangerous internet threats.
A great way to do this is to install the Filehippo Update Checker and run it regularly. Also, try not to ignore any notifications you receive regarding updates to programs already installed on your PC.
No scripts is an excellent security device too. I like it but it is not for everyone because it requires you to take action if you want to see some things (pop ups, banners etc.) on sites you visit.
Download NoSript by Giorgio Maone.
Note: Sometimes you will get a site telling you that you need to install Java when actually all you need to do is enable the site through the no script icon down on the right hand side of your computer.
[*]Watch out for new threat named CryptoLocker
CryptoLocker is a new type ransomware family malware that encrypts your important files and asks for a ransom to decrypt them. At the moment of posting this reply there are no tools that can undo the havoc this malware causes. We can help you to remove the malware from your system but the files that was encrypted cannot be recovered without the decryption key. So, I ask for your forbearance and practice constant vigilance. Please read the following article to acknowledge yourself about the safety measures.
How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by CryptoLocker.
[*]And last of all, surf smart.
It doesn’t matter how well the autopilot system works if the pilot keeps flying the plane into mountain ranges. Don’t forget that no matter how much you have protecting yourself, your security ultimately begins and ends with you. Don’t visit dangerous or questionable web sites, avoid suspicious links on Facebook and emails/email attachments you’re unsure about, and just generally keep your wits about you, and you’ll be much safer. Also, avoid illegal downloads, cracks, “warez”, and all other too-good-to-be-true internet offerings: they’re typically laden with malware. Be smart and you can avoid most threats lurking about the darker corners of the internet! And for even more tips, see our article, How Did I Get Infected in the First Place?
My help is free but if you feel like making my day you may donate any amount you wish by clicking the ‘donate’ button. I really appreciate your kindness.
https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donate_SM.gif
Regards,
Valinorum
Thanks. The update checker webpage is not available after several clicks. from the Here is the Delfix log:
DelFix v1.010 - Logfile created 30/04/2015 at 09:51:24
Updated 26/04/2015 by Xplode
Username : Alwi - ALWI-PC
Operating System : Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 (64 bits)
~ Activating UAC … OK
~ Removing disinfection tools …
~ Creating registry backup … OK
~ Cleaning system restore …
Deleted : RP #494 [End of disinfection | 04/30/2015 13:45:45]
New restore point created !
~ Resetting system settings … OK
########## - EOF - ##########
I am making a modest contribution (retired on a modest pension) as a gesture of appreciation. Thanks for the hints!
I meant modest donation.
This may be redundant but I confess to turning off the windows automatic updates because switching on and off my laptop takes forever with configuration after updates are installed because of the “configuring”. I did the updates manually. I guess I will just have to live with the resulting delays.
Thank you very much for you kindness. Surf safely.
I couldn’t have done it without your help. Much obliged.