BleepingComputer.com: Shutdown at Startup

Hello!

I've been wrestling with a problem for a couple of days now, and I don't seem to be any closer to solving it than I was when I started. Maybe you can help me out.

I'm running Windows XP Home SP3.

Friday morning, the computer was making a strange "clicking" sound. I am still unsure what was causing this, or even if it's related to the problem at hand. I powered the system off and rebooted. I have been unable to replicate this.

Windows loads slowly, then gave me two separate error messages. Both messages are the same.

Generic Host Process for Win32 Services has encountered a problem and needs to close.
EventType: InPageError P1:c000009c P2: 00000003

After roughly a minute or two, the computer initiates a shutdown countdown.
Shutdown initiated by NT AUTHORITY/SYSTEM
DCOM Server Process Launcher service has terminated unexpectedly.

Rinse and repeat.

What I have done:
My own research has uncovered contradictory results. Some suggest that it is a malware rootkit issue. Others suggest that it is an impending hardware failure. Since I'm broke and can't afford to replace hardware right now, I started by treating this as a potential malware issue.

Learned that "shutdown -a" command line stops the shutdown countdown
Ran Spybot Search and Destroy: killed a few cookies, but no real effect
Ran MalwareBytes: full scan, no effect
Ran AVG 9 Free: killed a few cookies, no effect
Ran all of the above in Safe Mode: no effect
Checked the wire connections inside my case: no noticed effect
Used compressed air to clean dust out of my system: no noticed effect
Tried to run RSIT: Failed (line 3903... Error: Variable used without being declared)
Ran ComboFix: no noticed effect
Ran MalwareBytes again: no effect
Ran Spybot Search and Destroy again: no effect
Ran AVG 9 Free again: no effect
For some reason, Ran AVG 9 Free yet again: no effect

I appreciate any help you can offer me. Please let me know if there is any more information I can provide.

Maybe someone installed some kind of joke on your computer. Run msconfig, click the start up tab and list everything that appears under Start Up Item

Your computer is most likely infected...

With the information you have provided I believe you will need help from the malware removal team. I would like you to start a new thread and post a DDS log HERE and include a link to this thread. Please make sure that you read the information about getting started before you start your thread.

It would be helpful if you post a note here once you have completed the steps in the guide and have started your topic in malware removal. Good luck and be patient. Help is on the way!

Thank you for your time and patience with me. I have created the thread as you wished here.

Unfortunately, I was unable to run the GMER scan successfully. Every time I attempted the scan, either lsass.exe or winlogon.exe would suddenly start demanding 100% of my CPU usage, bogging down the system into unusability. I am unsure if running the program in safe mode will have any useful effect, so I have refrained from doing so for now.

Please let me know if there is any further information I can provide.

Thank you.
Sometimes, it happens with GMER.

If for some reason GMER refuses to run, try again.
If it still fails, try to UN-check "Devices" in right pane.
If still no joy, try to run it from Safe Mode.

If still no go, let malware guys know.

Hello,

Now that you have posted a log here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic332778.html you should NOT make further changes to your computer (install/uninstall programs, use special fix tools, delete files, edit the registry, etc) unless advised by a MRT Team member, nor should you ask for help elsewhere. Doing so can result in system changes which may not show in the log you already posted. Further, any modifications you make on your own may cause confusion for the helper assisting you and could complicate the malware removal process which would extend the time it takes to clean your computer.

From this point on the MRT Team should be the only members that you take advice from, until they have verified your log as clean.

Please be patient. It may take a while to get a response because the MRT Team members are EXTREMELY busy working logs posted before yours. They are volunteers who will help you out as soon as possible. Once you have made your post and are waiting, please DO NOT make another reply until it has been responded to by a member of the MRT Team. Generally the staff checks the forum for postings that have 0 replies as this makes it easier for them to identify those who have not been helped. If you post another response there will be 1 reply. A team member, looking for a new log to work may assume another MRT Team member is already assisting you and not open the thread to respond.

Please be patient. It may take several days to get a response but your log will be reviewed and answered as soon as possible. I advise checking your topic once a day for responses as the e-mail notification system is unreliable.

To avoid confusion, I am closing this topic. Good luck with your log.

Orange Blossom