BleepingComputer.com: Windows installer run amok

Some how I have an incomplete installation of something that has left Windows Installer preparing to install or a malware. Apparently, whatever it needs is not available so it continually blinks like a strobe light. It doesn’t last long enough to cancel either in the dialogue box or Task Manager. I think it came when I had a problem with upgrading RealPlayer. Alternating with Windows installer message was a message from Machine Debugger Manager.

MDM.exe was the moderately easy to get rid of, although it was disabled in IE8. Windows Installer has been another problem. In addition to the blinking, it has slowed down some programs and barely impaired others. Outlook, for example, is the worst for seeing the blinking. IE8 and Firefox are relatively normal. Restore worked once, but does not any longer.

These are the steps I have taken:

I went to Restore and went back several days. This did not help, At this time Restore won’t respond to any prior restore point other than the current one.

I uninstalled RealPlayer and reinstalled. In trying to catch what might be missing, I also upgraded.

In searching for installers, I only found one which was for Microsoft Visual Basic or something like that.

I ran CCleaner.
I ran the new version of System Mechanic.

These two scans found a ton of registry problems which they seem to have cleared up, but not my Windows installer problem.

I ran Adaware -- five hours later it found 1 item.
I ran a complete AVG 9 scan. In five hours it found two Trojans in the startup and isolated them. A second scan during the night showed no infections.

The computer was restarted several times.

Today I have run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware which found two trojan.dropper infections. Removal did not clear problem.

Then I ran Hitman Pro 3 by SurfRight which found two tracking cookies.

I have gone through all services and don't recognize anything out of ordinary. Any further searching is probably beyond my knowledge.

I still have blinking dialogue box for windows installer and high usage of cpu. The only program that seems locked in Restore as I cannot access previous dates, only last one.

I don't know what kind of problem I have or what to do next.

Thanks for any suggestions.


This is a 4-year-old HP with XP SP 3
Mr Mac

This post has been edited by mrmac8: 30 November 2010 - 06:58 PM

Hello,

Please follow the instructions in ==>This Guide<==. If you cannot complete a step, skip it and continue.

Once the proper logs are created, then make a NEW TOPIC and post it ==>HERE<== Please include a description of your computer issues and what you have done to resolve them.

If you can produce at least some of the logs, then please create the new topic and explain what happens when you try to create the log(s) that you couldn't get. If you cannot produce any of the logs, then still post the topic and explain that you followed the Prep. Guide, were unable to create the logs, and describe what happens when you try to create the logs.

Orange Blossom

Orange Blossom:

I will work on the logs in the morning. It appears that it will be a bit of work.

thank you,

Mr. Mac

Hello,

Now that you have posted a log here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic364251.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