Weird EXE files in Startup

Viruses and worms
1

Dear All

I have recently noticed that I have some odd executable files in STARTUP which according to Windows Task Manager Processes are actually running.
If I end the process they just come straight back, I cannot delete them from Startup using MSCONFIG as they just reinstate.

I have run AVAST both quick and full as well as at Boot and all 3 methods have found zero viruses.
I am baffled what they are and although they are not being reported as Viruses I have a bad feeling about them.

The file is called pUNm36fZ8oXm.exe with a description of ywTAqxVwTGmT
Look at the last 3 files in the attachment.

Any suggestions

Best regards
John

2

Lets have a look see

Download OTL to your Desktop
Secondary link

[*]Double click on the icon to run it. Make sure all other windows are closed and to let it run uninterrupted.

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

[*]Select All Users
[*]Under the Custom Scan box paste this in

netsvcs
BASESERVICES
%SYSTEMDRIVE%*.exe
/md5start
services.*
explorer.exe
winlogon.exe
Userinit.exe
svchost.exe
winsock.*
/md5stop
CREATERESTOREPOINT

[*]Click the Run Scan button. Do not change any settings unless otherwise told to do so. The scan wont take long.
[*]When the scan completes, it will open two notepad windows. OTL.Txt and Extras.Txt. These are saved in the same location as OTL.
[*]Post both logs

3

Many thanks for the assistance.
I ran OTL as stated and I have attached the 2 files.
Not sure if it is going to help much as I can’t see anything obvious in them but hey lets hope you can.

Regards
John

4

I notice you also have McAfee installed, either that or Avast must go as two is not better than one in this case

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 - HKLM\..\SearchScopes\{fe8a5a30-7831-4eb2-a9e7-8402c384c841}: "URL" = http://search.mywebsearch.com/mywebsearch/GGmain.jhtml?p2=^AIC^xdm007^YY^cz&si=CK_J0eSs97ICFUy5zAodcy4Aqg&ptb=1D35A8B2-5BCD-4B9A-ADF8-C63698D47110&ind=2012101017&n=77ee3999&psa=&st=sb&searchfor={searchTerms}
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-1890986604-2802390556-4079768779-1000\..\URLSearchHook: {7473b6bd-4691-4744-a82b-7854eb3d70b6} - No CLSID value found
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-1890986604-2802390556-4079768779-1000\..\SearchScopes,DefaultScope = {CFF4DB9B-135F-47c0-9269-B4C6572FD61A}
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-1890986604-2802390556-4079768779-1000\..\SearchScopes\{2600C670-FBAE-4447-81B3-BDE8FCC885B1}: "URL" = http://search.conduit.com/ResultsExt.aspx?q={searchTerms}&SearchSource=4&ctid=CT3220468
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-1890986604-2802390556-4079768779-1000\..\SearchScopes\{4BAB9C68-9083-4E90-9F48-5E9DB5262DB7}: "URL" =
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-1890986604-2802390556-4079768779-1000\..\SearchScopes\{CFF4DB9B-135F-47c0-9269-B4C6572FD61A}: "URL" = http://mystart.incredibar.com/mb185/?search={searchTerms}&loc=IB_DS&a=6PQOjXfUs4&i=26
IE - HKU\S-1-5-21-1890986604-2802390556-4079768779-1000\..\SearchScopes\{fe8a5a30-7831-4eb2-a9e7-8402c384c841}: "URL" = http://search.mywebsearch.com/mywebsearch/GGmain.jhtml?p2=^AIC^xdm007^YY^cz&si=CK_J0eSs97ICFUy5zAodcy4Aqg&ptb=1D35A8B2-5BCD-4B9A-ADF8-C63698D47110&ind=2012101017&n=77ee3999&psa=&st=sb&searchfor={searchTerms}
O2:64bit: - BHO: (no name) - {7DB2D5A0-7241-4E79-B68D-6309F01C5231} - No CLSID value found.
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - No CLSID value found.
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7DB2D5A0-7241-4E79-B68D-6309F01C5231} - No CLSID value found.
O3:64bit: - HKLM\..\Toolbar: (no name) - Locked - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKLM\..\Toolbar: (no name) - Locked - No CLSID value found.
O3 - HKU\S-1-5-21-1890986604-2802390556-4079768779-1000\..\Toolbar\WebBrowser: (no name) - {2318C2B1-4965-11D4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - No CLSID value found.
O4 - Startup: C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\dDYY7jLJTytR.exe (z4VtKimKPEoA)
O4 - Startup: C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\HTsqKv94HpnV.exe (z4VtKimKPEoA)
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: (c:\progra~2\wxdown~1\sprote~1.dll) - c:\Program Files (x86)\WxDownload\sprotector.dll ()
[2013/03/21 13:22:04 | 000,142,336 | ---- | C] (Mozilla Corporation) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndcBBT0F22J.exe
[2013/03/21 11:34:46 | 000,068,608 | ---- | C] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndcBM783CLI.exe
[2013/03/21 11:31:41 | 000,068,608 | ---- | C] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndc4GNFFRM8.exe
[2013/03/21 09:54:35 | 000,000,000 | ---D | C] -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Local\Avg2013
[2013/03/19 21:54:56 | 000,068,608 | ---- | C] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndcX0NSA76X.exe
[2013/03/19 21:52:25 | 000,068,608 | ---- | C] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndcRMR7YMCQ.exe
[2013/03/19 21:38:21 | 000,068,608 | ---- | C] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndc8LBYWCPG.exe
[2013/03/19 15:48:30 | 000,044,544 | ---- | C] (z4VtKimKPEoA) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\HTsqKv94HpnV.exe
[2013/03/19 15:48:30 | 000,044,544 | ---- | C] (z4VtKimKPEoA) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\HTsqKv94HpnV.bak
[2013/03/19 15:48:30 | 000,044,544 | ---- | C] (z4VtKimKPEoA) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\dDYY7jLJTytR.exe
[2013/03/21 13:22:06 | 000,142,336 | ---- | M] (Mozilla Corporation) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndcBBT0F22J.exe
[2013/03/21 11:34:48 | 000,068,608 | ---- | M] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndcBM783CLI.exe
[2013/03/21 11:31:44 | 000,068,608 | ---- | M] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndc4GNFFRM8.exe
[2013/03/19 21:54:57 | 000,068,608 | ---- | M] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndcX0NSA76X.exe
[2013/03/19 21:52:26 | 000,068,608 | ---- | M] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndcRMR7YMCQ.exe
[2013/03/19 21:38:25 | 000,068,608 | ---- | M] (NoVirusThanks Company Srl) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\ndc8LBYWCPG.exe
[2013/03/19 15:48:01 | 000,044,544 | ---- | M] (z4VtKimKPEoA) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\HTsqKv94HpnV.exe
[2013/03/19 15:48:01 | 000,044,544 | ---- | M] (z4VtKimKPEoA) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\HTsqKv94HpnV.bak
[2013/03/19 15:48:01 | 000,044,544 | ---- | M] (z4VtKimKPEoA) -- C:\Users\JDRKERR\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\dDYY7jLJTytR.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.

5

Ok I think we have some good news.
I have done what you suggested and the attached file is the result.
Before I ran your option I also used RegEdit and searched for the files and found them in various places.
I deleted all references of them from the registry and then rebooted, the problem was still there but the registry was clean after I searched again.
However I persistently kept ending the process tree in the Windows task Manager and after a good number of goes they eventually all disappeared and haven’t come back.
For belt and braces measure I have also run your suggestion so fingers crossed we are now in good shape.
With regard to McAfee I had purchased a 1 year licence and installed it but I did experience some odd issues with software thereafter and was advised that McAfee can cause issues. When the licence expired I tried to uninstall it and somehow it became corrupted and did not get removed.
Now I cant get rid of it and seem to have it running in some shape or fashion although what it is doing I have no idea.
McAfee suggested I purchased a new licence so I could uninstall it properly - which I will not do.

Anyway many thanks for your help and I hope not to be bothering you again with weird EXE files.

John

6

OTL would also have removed the registry keys for you

Download this file to your desktop http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

Reboot to safe mode and then run the tool

Once done reboot to normal windows and run a fresh OTL scan and I will then remove any that is left

7

Hi

I followed your instructions for the removal of McAfee however when I run the tool it stops with an error.
It says that McAfee is still being used and therefore it cannot continue and that McAfee should be uninstalled prior to running this.
There is the problem, when I try to uninstall McAfee a white box appears which I believe is a McAfee screen which has somehow become corrupted and on which I can do nothing other than close it.

John

8

That was from safe mode … Correct

In that case run this OTL fix from safe mode

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
SRV:64bit: - [2012/09/10 17:47:50 | 000,383,608 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [On_Demand | Stopped] -- C:\Program Files\McAfee\VirusScan\mcods.exe -- (McODS)
SRV:64bit: - [2012/08/31 13:20:06 | 000,201,304 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Auto | Running] -- C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee\McSvcHost\McSvHost.exe -- (MSK80Service)
SRV:64bit: - [2012/08/31 13:20:06 | 000,201,304 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Auto | Running] -- C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee\McSvcHost\McSvHost.exe -- (McProxy)
SRV:64bit: - [2012/08/31 13:20:06 | 000,201,304 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Auto | Running] -- C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee\McSvcHost\McSvHost.exe -- (McNASvc)
SRV:64bit: - [2012/08/31 13:20:06 | 000,201,304 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Auto | Running] -- C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee\McSvcHost\McSvHost.exe -- (McNaiAnn)
SRV:64bit: - [2012/08/31 13:20:06 | 000,201,304 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Auto | Running] -- C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee\McSvcHost\McSvHost.exe -- (mcmscsvc)
SRV:64bit: - [2012/08/31 13:20:06 | 000,201,304 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Auto | Running] -- C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee\McSvcHost\McSvHost.exe -- (McMPFSvc)
SRV:64bit: - [2012/08/31 13:20:06 | 000,201,304 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Auto | Running] -- C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee\McSvcHost\McSvHost.exe -- (McAfee SiteAdvisor Service)
SRV:64bit: - [2012/07/17 14:52:28 | 000,177,144 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Auto | Running] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\mfevtps.exe -- (mfevtp)
DRV:64bit: - [2012/07/17 14:55:40 | 000,069,672 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Kernel | On_Demand | Running] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\drivers\cfwids.sys -- (cfwids)
DRV:64bit: - [2012/07/17 14:52:38 | 000,335,784 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Kernel | Boot | Running] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\drivers\mfewfpk.sys -- (mfewfpk)
DRV:64bit: - [2012/07/17 14:51:16 | 000,106,112 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Kernel | On_Demand | Stopped] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\drivers\mferkdet.sys -- (mferkdet)
DRV:64bit: - [2012/07/17 14:50:36 | 000,752,672 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Kernel | Boot | Running] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\drivers\mfehidk.sys -- (mfehidk)
DRV:64bit: - [2012/07/17 14:49:36 | 000,513,456 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Kernel | On_Demand | Running] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\drivers\mfefirek.sys -- (mfefirek)
DRV:64bit: - [2012/07/17 14:48:54 | 000,300,392 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Kernel | On_Demand | Running] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\drivers\mfeavfk.sys -- (mfeavfk)
DRV:64bit: - [2012/07/17 14:48:34 | 000,169,320 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Kernel | On_Demand | Running] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\drivers\mfeapfk.sys -- (mfeapfk)
DRV:64bit: - [2012/04/20 16:40:58 | 000,196,440 | ---- | M] (McAfee, Inc.) [Kernel | On_Demand | Stopped] -- C:\Windows\SysNative\drivers\HipShieldK.sys -- (HipShieldK)
O2:64bit: - BHO: (McAfee SiteAdvisor BHO) - {B164E929-A1B6-4A06-B104-2CD0E90A88FF} - c:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee\SiteAdvisor\x64\McIEPlg.dll (McAfee, Inc.)
O2 - BHO: (McAfee SiteAdvisor BHO) - {B164E929-A1B6-4A06-B104-2CD0E90A88FF} - c:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee\SiteAdvisor\McIEPlg.dll (McAfee, Inc.)
O3:64bit: - HKLM\..\Toolbar: (McAfee SiteAdvisor Toolbar) - {0EBBBE48-BAD4-4B4C-8E5A-516ABECAE064} - c:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee\SiteAdvisor\x64\McIEPlg.dll (McAfee, Inc.)
O3 - HKLM\..\Toolbar: (McAfee SiteAdvisor Toolbar) - {0EBBBE48-BAD4-4B4C-8E5A-516ABECAE064} - c:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee\SiteAdvisor\McIEPlg.dll (McAfee, Inc.)
O18 - Protocol\Handler\dssrequest {5513F07E-936B-4E52-9B00-067394E91CC5} - c:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee\SiteAdvisor\McIEPlg.dll (McAfee, Inc.)
O18 - Protocol\Handler\sacore {5513F07E-936B-4E52-9B00-067394E91CC5} - c:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee\SiteAdvisor\McIEPlg.dll (McAfee, Inc.)
O18:64bit: - Protocol\Filter\application/x-mfe-ipt {3EF5086B-5478-4598-A054-786C45D75692} - c:\Program Files\McAfee\MSC\McSnIePl64.dll (McAfee, Inc.)
O18 - Protocol\Filter\application/x-mfe-ipt {3EF5086B-5478-4598-A054-786C45D75692} - c:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee\MSC\McSnIePl.dll (McAfee, Inc.)

:Files
c:\Program Files (x86)\McAfee
c:\Program Files\McAfee
C:\Program Files\Common Files\McAfee

: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.

9

Ok, I have followed the instructions and run OTL as you stated.
The resulting scan is attached for your kind attention.

John

10

McAfee is no more ;D How is the computer behaving ?

11

McAfee is gone - yahoo
The computer seems to be running very nicely indeed.

Many thanks for your help, much appreciated.

John

12

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 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.

Clear Restore Points

Go Start > All Programmes > Accessories > System tools
Right click Disc Cleanup and select run as administrator
When it pops up at the first prompt select OK after it has done some calculations the tabs will appear
Select More Options tab
Press Sytem Restore and Shadow Copies Cleanup button

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/disc%20clean.JPG

: Keep Java Updated :

WARNING: Java is the #1 exploited program at this time. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that computer users disable Java
See this article and this article.
I would recommend that you completely uninstall Java unless you need it to run an important software.
In that instance I would recommend that you disable Java in your browsers until you need it for that software and then enable it. (See How to diasble Java in your web browser and How to unplug Java from the browser)

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:

13

Excellent stuff sir, I have done as you suggested and all seems ok.
I have removed JAVA totally and will see if I need it going forward.
Malwarebytes and File Hippo installed and I will use as suggested.
Will look into the banking software stuff.
I will keep Windows updated and use Avast and firewalls to protect myself.

Once again many thanks for the help, I am in a much better place with my laptop now.

John

14

My pleasure ;D