BleepingComputer.com: Desktop will not accept XP updates

Desktop is an emachines T2698 w 1.5 gigs of ram and a 250 gig HD. Running Windows XP. After looking at my updates error log I now realize that the computer will not accept XP updates for several months now. They are:

Security: KB2393802, KB2478960, KB2419632, KB2476687
Update Windows: KB971029, KB2524375, KB2479628, KB2481109, KB2485376
Cum Sec IE8: KB2482017



Could I have a virus?

Thx

Anyone? Have heard nothing now for a month.

Thanks.

Quite possibly.

Please download the TDSS Rootkit Removing Tool (TDSSKiller.exe) and save it to your Desktop. <-Important!!!
Be sure to download TDSSKiller.exe (v2.4.0.0) from Kaspersky's website and not TDSSKiller.zip which appears to be an older version 2.3.2.2 of the tool.

• Double-click on TDSSKiller.exe to run the tool for known TDSS variants.
  Vista/Windows 7 users right-click and select Run As Administrator.
  
• If TDSSKiller does not run, try renaming it.
  
• To do this, right-click on TDSSKiller.exe, select Rename and give it a random name with the .com file extension (i.e. 123abc.com). If you do not see the file extension, please refer to How to change the file extension.
  
• Click the Start Scan button.
  
• Do not use the computer during the scan
  
• If the scan completes with nothing found, click Close to exit.
  
• If malicious objects are found, they will show in the Scan results - Select action for found objects and offer three options.
  
• Ensure Cure (default) is selected, then click Continue > Reboot now to finish the cleaning process.
  
• A log file named TDSSKiller_version_date_time_log.txt (i.e. TDSSKiller.2.4.0.0_27.07.2010_09.o7.26_log.txt) will be created and saved to the root directory (usually Local Disk C:).
  
• Copy and paste the contents of that file in your next reply.

If TDSSKiller does not run, try renaming it. To do this, right-click on TDSSKiller.exe, select Rename and give it a random name with the .com file extension (i.e. 123abc.com). If you do not see the file extension, please refer to these[/color] instructions. In some cases it may be necessary to redownload TDSSKiller and randomly rename it before downloading and saving to the computer.



Next run MBAM (MalwareBytes):

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.

Download Link 1
Download Link 2

MBAM may "make changes to your registry" as part of its disinfection routine. If using other security programs that detect registry changes (ie Spybot's Teatimer), they may interfere or alert you. Temporarily disable such programs or permit them to allow the changes.

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  
• Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
  For instructions with screenshots, please refer to the How to use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Guide.
  
• When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
  
• When installation has finished, make sure you leave both of these checked:
  • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
    
  • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  
  
• Then click Finish.

MBAM will automatically start and you will be asked to update the program before performing a scan.

• If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself. Press the OK button to close that box and continue.
  
• If you encounter any problems while downloading the definition updates, manually download them from here and just double-click on mbam-rules.exe to install.

On the Scanner tab:

• Make sure the "Perform Quick Scan" option is selected.
  
• Then click on the Scan button.
  
• If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
  
• The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
  
• When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
  
• Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.

Back at the main Scanner screen:

• Click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
  
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
  
• When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad.
  
• The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
  
• Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply. Be sure to post the complete log to include the top portion which shows MBAM's database version and your operating system.
  
• Exit MBAM when done.

[color=green]Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you will be asked to reboot your computer so MBAM can proceed with the disinfection process. If asked to restart the computer, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware.

Troubleshoot Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

I ran the malware detectors and found nothing. From searching the very obtuse Microsoft forums I seem to remember that the failure for Favorites to work is sometimes due to a "priority" setting (cannot quite remember). I remember that I ran as Adminstrator and enhanced that setting but something was wrong with the addresses that I used and it would never accept it or make a change - I did not have the commas in the right place or used / instead of \ or something like that. I never could figure it out. Realize this sounds pretty vague but I suspect those of you in the know will understand what I am trying to recollect.

Anyway here is the report that said nothing found:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 6506

Windows 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1
Internet Explorer 8.0.7601.17514

5/4/2011 1:02:01 PM
mbam-log-2011-05-04 (13-02-01).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 156986
Time elapsed: 5 minute(s), 35 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Here is something else I found and tried in Microsoft forum having to do with the Shell in IE8. Did not fix the problem:

Another suggestion is to check your computer’s Shell:Favorites location. If Shell:Favorites gets set to a location that is deleted/moved/doesn’t exist then problems like the ones you are experiencing can occur. Try this to see if resetting the Shell:Favorites location back to default helps:



Modifying REGISTRY settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of REGISTRY settings can be solved. Modifications of these settings are at your own risk.



· Click Start

· Click Computer

· In the address bar, paste this location: %userprofile%

· Press Enter on your keyboard

· Make sure you have a Favorites folder listed in the %userprofile% folder

· If there isn’t a Favorites folder listed, create a new folder and name it Favorites

· Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the run dialog

· In the Open: field, type regedit

· Click OK

· Click Yes on the User Account Control (if prompted)

· Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

· Right click Favorites

· Click Modify…

· In the Value data: field, paste %userprofile%\Favorites

· Click OK

· Exit Registry Editor

I finally found the other possible answer that did not work. It was an "integrity" issue and not a "priority" issue as in my earlier post. I tried to change the integrity level from low to high but could not get the string correct; wonder if there was something wrong in the example. Anyway here is the post I found and tried to use to change the integrity. I still wonder if changing to higher integrity might work. I just could not figure out how to do it.

"I finally found a real explanation with a solution for this problem on the "microsoft.public.windows.vista.general" Microsoft Discussion group.

Here's the thread:

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?query=Favorites&dg=microsoft.public.windows.vista.general&cat=en_us_fdf138d6-427a-48d6-84dc-a91a6c9fbb45&lang=en&cr=us&pt=&catlist=&dglist=&ptlist=&exp=&sloc=en-us

Problem explained: there's a new permission concept in Vista called "integrity". By default all files on your computer have "medium" or higher integrity. Applications that do not meet or exceed an integrity class cannot modify the files. When Internet Explorer is running in "protected mode" (must be the default on Vista) it runs with "low" integrity to prevent rogue apps from modifying your files without your permission.

Solution:

•Open an admin command prompt (right-click Command Prompt and click Run As
Administrator)
•Browse to the folder that contains your favorites folder
•Type: icacls favorites /setintegritylevel (OI)(CI)low"


So I tried all of this and could not get it to accept my command; probably my string was incorrect. Actually I think the last sentence should instruct you to type the last word as high instead of low but I tried all kinds of combinations with no luck.

This post has been edited by tyl604: 04 May 2011 - 01:04 PM

Ouch - I just realized that each response I have made here has been in regard to another computer with another problem - that is that Favorites is not working. So now I need to go downstairs and run your suggested tests to see if the computer that will not update has a virus.

Sorry for the confusion. At least I know that my Favorites problem on my laptop is not due to virus.

Thanks for the help. Going downstairs now to fire up the eMachines desktop.

OK - now I am on the correct computer - the eMachines T2698 desktop. Killer would download OK but would not install on my computer even after changing the name; says it cannot load a driver. Not sure what to do.

However Malwarebytes found one infected file. I cleaned it. Here is the log:

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: 6507

Windows 5.1.2600 Service Pack 3
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18702

5/4/2011 3:02:18 PM
mbam-log-2011-05-04 (15-02-18).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Objects scanned: 187291
Time elapsed: 3 minute(s), 42 second(s)

Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 1

Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)

Files Infected:
c:\WINDOWS\system32\ALZALZ.BIN (Spyware.Passwords) -> Quarantined and deleted successfully.

Ok, it would appear you need to ask about the Favorites item in that corresponding OS section up top.

Let.s try DrWeb on the XP then,

Before we start fixing anything you should print out these instructions or copy them to a NotePad file so they will be accessible. Some steps will require you to disconnect from the Internet or use Safe Mode and you will not have access to this page.

Please download Dr.Web CureIt and save it to your desktop. DO NOT perform a scan yet.
alternate download link
Note: The file will be randomly named (i.e. 5mkuvc4z.exe).

Reboot your computer in "Safe Mode" using the F8 method. To do this, restart your computer and after hearing your computer beep once during startup (but before the Windows icon appears) press the F8 key repeatedly. A menu will appear with several options. Use the arrow keys to navigate and select the option to run Windows in "Safe Mode".

Scan with Dr.Web CureIt as follows:

• Double-click on the randomly named file to open the program and click Start. (There is no need to update if you just downloaded the most current version
  
• Read the anti-virus check by DrWeb scanner prompt and click Ok where asked to Start scan now? Allow the setup.exe to load if asked by any of your security programs.
  
• The Express scan will automatically begin.
  (This is a short scan of files currently running in memory, boot sectors, and targeted folders).
  
• If prompted to dowload the Full version Free Trial, ignore and click the X to close the window.
  
• If an infected object is found, you will be prompted to move anything that cannot be cured. Click Yes to All. (This will move any detected files to the C:\Documents and Settings\userprofile\DoctorWeb\Quarantine folder if they can't be cured)

• After the Express Scan is finished, put a check next to Complete scan to scan all local disks and removable media.
  
• In the top menu, click Settings > Change settings, and uncheck "Heuristic analysis" under the "Scanning" tab, then click Apply, Ok.
  
• Back at the main window, click the green arrow "Start Scanning" button on the right under the Dr.Web logo.
  
• Please be patient as this scan could take a long time to complete.
  
• When the scan has finished, a message will be displayed at the bottom indicating if any viruses were found.
  
• Click Select All, then choose Cure > Move incurable.
  
• In the top menu, click file and choose save report list.
  
• Save the DrWeb.csv report to your desktop.
  
• Exit Dr.Web Cureit when done.
  
• Important! Reboot your computer because it could be possible that files in use will be moved/deleted during reboot.
  
• After reboot, post the contents of the log from Dr.Web in your next reply. (You can use Notepad to open the DrWeb.cvs report)

I cleaned out that one bad file and tried the XP updates. Did not work. Here are the ones that failed to install:

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2393802)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478960)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2510531)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2509553)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2506212)
Update for Windows XP (KB971029)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2511455)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2508429)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2419632)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2507618)
Security Update for .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 and 3.5 SP1 on Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP x86 (KB2446704)
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP (KB2497640)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2483185)


Still not able to get Killer to download and run. Tried selecting Run from the Kaspersky site but it gave me the same message - driver failed to load. Not sure what to do now.

We need to repair some of windows' internal registration settings

• Please download Dial-A-Fix from one of the following mirrors:
  
  • Primary Mirror
    
  • Secondary Mirror
  
  
• Extract the zip file to your desktop.
  
• Double click Dial-a-Fix.exe to start the program.
  
• Press the green double checkmark box (Looks like this: )
  
• UNcheck "Empty Temp Folders", as well as "Adjust Time/Date" in the prep section. The prep section should then look like this:
  
  
• When the window looks like this, press the GO button in the bottom of the window.
  
  
• Exit/Close Dial-A-Fix

Dr. Web did not work. I downloaded it on the desktop but when I rebooted into Safe the file was not on the desktop. Safe has no Find function so I could not locate it. Then I tried to run it from normal WinXP. It said it was 850 days old and I should update but the website it sent me to was in Russian or something and I was never able to update. Anyway it would not run, said the license was expired. Kept giving me an error and closed down.

So I tried Dial-A-Fix. When I tried to open with ALzip there was no script, just boxes and symbols. I tried 7Zip but that would not work. I tried to redownload ALZip. Still nothing but boxes. So I tried to unzip and guess what the boxes meant and somehow found a Dial-A-Fix exe file and clicked on it. And then I found the Dial-A-Fix box with all the check marks. I checked the boxes per your instruction and hit GO. The first message said that it could not identify my IE (running IE7) - and therefore it would not be able to make a lot of corrections. How can it not recognize IE7?? I got about 20 error messages as it went to completion - from not enough resources to XXX is corrupted or cannot be registered; call Dial-A-Fix for an exception.

So I do not know whether Dial-A-Fix worked or not. I think the ALzip is an expired trial version and will delete it with RevoUninstaller and try to download it again.

Right now I am running Kaspersky again in safe mode and have received several messages about trojans. It is pretty slow.

Things are not working well today. I do not know if I have accomplished anything or not.

This post has been edited by tyl604: 04 May 2011 - 05:41 PM

Kaspersky just finished running in Safe. It found a lot of trojans and (per recommendation) most of them were quarantined. However when you get out of Kaspersky it deletes the virus program and it also deleted the log report. It would seem to me that I accomplished having all the trojans neutered.

This post has been edited by tyl604: 04 May 2011 - 06:18 PM

Ok, Good yes you did. It happens sometimes we lose the logs and it bites when we cannot see what we had.. But as you did see they were quarantined,that means they will no ;onger harm the PC. They are safe there.

Can you update yet? We should still run this. Then we'll free up a little space.

I'd like us to scan your machine with ESET OnlineScan

• Hold down Control and click on the following link to open ESET OnlineScan in a new window.
  ESET OnlineScan
  
• Click the button.
  
• For alternate browsers only: (Microsoft Internet Explorer users can skip these steps)
  • Click on to download the ESET Smart Installer. Save it to your desktop.
    
  • Double click on the icon on your desktop.
  
  
• Check
  
• Click the button.
  
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
  
• Under scan settings, check and check Remove found threats
  
• Click Advanced settings and select the following:
  • Scan potentially unwanted applications
    
  • Scan for potentially unsafe applications
    
  • Enable Anti-Stealth technology
  
  
• ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
  
• When the scan completes, push
  
• Push , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.
  
• Push the button.
  
• Push