computer extremely slow and full of trojans

[TechieRanger]

The files we checked seem to be OK.

Please run OTL.exe.

• Copy/paste the following text written inside of the code box into the Custom Scans/Fixes box located at the bottom of OTL

:OTL
IE - HKCU\..\SearchScopes,bProtectorDefaultScope = {AFDBDDAA-5D3F-42EE-B79C-185A7020515B}

:Commands
[purity]
[Reboot]

• Then click the Run Fix button at the top.
• Let the program run unhindered, reboot when it is done.
• Then post the results of the log it produces.

In your next reply, please provide the following:

• OTL log.
• Update on how your PC is running.

Regards,

Richard

[Edgecrusher]

ESET did find 2 trojans though

[Edgecrusher]

========== OTL ==========
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchScopes\\DefaultScope| /E : value set successfully!
========== COMMANDS ==========

OTL by OldTimer - Version 3.2.69.0 log created on 11072012_223417

[Edgecrusher]

after updating flash player, the same thing still happens. but then i did a little bit of browsing and came across this site, that someone probably has the same problem as me, with the "video starts playing but audio lags (~less than a second) and starts just after the video, resulting in the audio to be out of sync with the video throughout the entire duration."

"Users mention that disabling pepflashplayer.dll fixes it".

im guessing this could be the problem, but not sure.

[TechieRanger]

The items found by ESET seem to be Potentially unwanted applications (not necessarily intended to be malicious). They do not need to be removed.

The audio out of sync problems could be the result of the 15% fragmentation on Drive C, not enough RAM, and unnecessary programs running.

Please run a defrag:

• Open My Computer.
• Right-click the local disk volume that you want to defragment (usually your C:\ drive) > then click Properties.
• On the Tools tab > click Defragment Now.
• Click Defragment.

Next

Please try Disabling hardware accelerated video playback.

Next

You may wish to try StartupLite. Simply download this tool to your desktop and run it. It will explain any optional auto-start programs on your system, and offer the option to stop these programs from starting at startup. This will result in fewer programs running when you boot your system, and should improve performance.

Next

Your version of Internet Explorer is out of date. You can download Internet Explorer 8 which works with all versions of Windows XP from here.

How is the computer running?

In your next reply, please provide the following:

• Update on how your PC is running.

Regards,

Richard

[Edgecrusher]

just to let you know, im away tomorrow 10 november for one week. so will be back 17th november. please keep this topic open if possible.

[Edgecrusher]

managed to defrag the c drive and the other things you mentioned in your previous post, but after rebooting the computer, it still did take 5 mins to load up and still got the video issues. i wont be back until 17th november.

[TechieRanger]

No problem Thanks for letting me know.



Regards,

Richard

[Edgecrusher]

i am now back. but i dont think anything else could be more done about this problem. its probably just the video graphics card that is old.

[TechieRanger]

Do you experience the sync issues on all video quality settings?

Since the Flash Player for Firefox, Internet Explorer and Chrome are quite different, you may find that one browser provides you with a better experience than another.

If the sync issues continue, you can try the steps mentioned in Slow Computer/browser? Check Here First; It May Not Be Malware.

If you are not having any other malware problems, it is time to do our final steps:

I'm pleased to let you know that the infections seem to have been taken care of!

Thank you for your patience, and performing all of the procedures requested. I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize for any delay that may have occurred.

Now, we need to do some house cleaning. You have out of date programs that leave you susceptible to future malware infections, so we will be updating those as well.

Step 1

Uninstall ComboFix

Follow these steps to uninstall ComboFix:

• Make sure your security programs are totally disabled.
• Ensure ComboFix.exe is on your Desktop.
• Press the Windows key + R to open a Run box.(Windows key is between the "Ctrl" key and "Alt" key)
• Now copy/paste the following into the Run box and click OK:
  
  ComboFix /uninstall
  
  Note the space between the ...X and the /U, it needs to be there.

Step 2

OTL CleanUp and Leftover Tool/Log Removal

Run OTL.exe

• Click the green CleanUp! button on the OTL start screen.
• Accept any prompts to let the program proceed.
• This will remove any tools we used, including itself, and will require a reboot.

Leftover Tool/Log Removal

Please remove the following logs/tools left on your Desktop (Right click and delete them.):


SecurityCheck.exe
checkup.txt
AdwCleaner[R1].txt
AdwCleaner[S1].txt
Avira logs.
AVSCAN-20121002-191354-06007368.zip
ESETScan log.
MBAM log.
MBR.dat
MBR.zip


After deleting these, please empty your Recycle Bin. To do this navigate to your Desktop, right click on the Recycle Bin icon and select Empty Recycle Bin.

Step 3

Uninstall AdwCleaner

• Double-click AdwCleaner.exe to run the tool.
• Click Uninstall.
• Confirm with yes.

Step 4

Update Adobe Reader
Your version of Adobe Reader is out-of-date. There are serious security issues with older versions of Adobe Reader.
I'm not asking you to update the Adobe Acrobat installation, which can be quite costly. I am going to insist that you update your Adobe Reader software.
Then use the Reader for viewing PDF files... you can use the Acrobat software for your other needs.

Please download the current version of Adobe Reader.
Please UNCHECK the box for the: Free McAfee Security Scan.

• Click the Download now button. If you don't already have Adobe DLM, you may recieve a prompt.
• If prompted to install Adobe DLM, note that this software is not a requirement to obtain the latest Adobe Reader software.
  The Adobe (DLM) Download Manager allows you to pick up where you left off, if your download process is interrupted. A good idea if you are using dial-up.
  If you choose to install Adobe DLM, it will start the download automatically. Adobe DLM software removal instructions available here if wanted.
• If not using Adobe DLM, click on the highlighted click here to download text to begin the Reader download.
  Save the file to your desktop.
  
  • Uninstall OLD Adobe Reader
  • Please uninstall Adobe Reader before installing the latest version... Go to Start > Control Panel
  • Double click on Add/Remove Programs... Locate:
    Adobe Reader...version to remove
  • Click on Change/Remove to uninstall it. Once uninstalled, Close and exit Control Panel.
• Click on the Adobe Acrobat Reader (AdbeRdrxx_en_US.exe) icon, on your desktop to install the new (free) version.
  The Adobe Reader download file name will be different, depending on the language or OS chosen. xx in the name = version numbers.
• The Adobe installer will check your system and begin the installation process. Use the default installation parameters.
• When the installation is complete... Close and re-open your Internet browser.

Step 5

Update your AntiVirus Software

It is imperative that you update your antivirus software at least once a week. The best solution is to enable automatic updates. If you do not update your antivirus software, then it will not be able to catch any of the new variants that may come out.

Please see below for tips on how to better protect your computer from future malware infections.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MICROSOFT UPDATES
It is very important that you get all of the critical updates for your Operating System and Internet Explorer. Keeping your OS and browser up to date will help make you less susceptible to attacks by Trojans and viruses. Please go to Microsoft and download all the critical updates to help prevent possible re-infection.


Passwords
It is good security practice to change your passwords to all your online accounts on a fairly regular basis, this is especially true after an infection. Refer to this Microsoft article
Strong passwords: How to create and use them and consider a password keeper, to keep all your passwords safe.


SPYWARE PREVENTION
This is a good time to set up protection against further attacks. In light of your recent problem, I'm sure you'd like to avoid any future infections. Please read these well written articles:

• • How Did I Get Infected In The First Place? by TonyKlein
  • How to Prevent Malware by miekiemoes
  • PC Safety and Security--What Do I Need?

Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware

Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware is an excellent application and I advise you keep this installed. Check for updates and run a scan once a week.

Emergency Recovery Utility NT

You should keep a copy of ERUNT installed as a means to create a complete backup of your registry and restore it when needed.

Make your Internet Explorer more secure

Please follow these instructions:

• From within Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu and then click on Options.
• Click once on the Security tab
• Click once on the Internet icon so it becomes highlighted.
• Click once on the Custom Level button.
• Change the Download signed ActiveX controls to Prompt
• Change the Download unsigned ActiveX controls to Disable
• Change the Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe to Disable
• Change the Installation of desktop items to Prompt
• Change the Launching programs and files in an IFRAME to Prompt
• Change the Navigate sub-frames across different domains to Prompt
• When all these settings have been made, click on the OK button
• If it prompts you as to whether or not you want to save the settings, press the Yes button.
• Next, press the Apply button and then the OK to exit the Internet Properties page.

Keep a backup of your important files
It's easy to protect your digital files: http://www.geekstogo.com/keep-your-files-s...ckup-made-easy/. This article presents good information on alternatives for home backup solutions.

To help protect your computer in the future I recommend that you get the following free programs if you do not already have them:

• 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 add-on available for both Firefox and IE.

• SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based malware, blocks cookies, and restricts the actions of "bad" sites. See tutorial here

Follow this list and keep your antivirus program and antispyware programs updated and scan with them on a regular basis. By doing so, your potential for being infected again will reduce dramatically.

Hopefully this should take care of your problems! Good luck.

Do you have any questions to ask? Please do not hesitate to do so.



Regards,

Richard