BleepingComputer.com: Stuck in Safe Mode

Hello. I was infected with the Anti-Virus 2011 virus and, following instructions on this forum and using Malwarebytes, I was able to get use my computer again. But since that virus, I have been continually stuck in safe mode, all of my services have stopped and my automatic updates (which says it's been turned on) is not running. Here's the thing: When I try to select "normal startup" in the system utility, "safeboot" then gets automatically, too. If I unselect "safeboot", then "selective startup" is automatically selected. The only way I can use my computer (XP) is by "selective startup" and none of the services start. If anyone can assist, I would be grateful. Thanks.

This post has been edited by say1: 30 April 2011 - 02:11 PM

Hello and welcome to Bleeping Computer

My name is etavares and I will be working with you to fix your computer.

We apologize for the delay in responding to your request for help. Here at Bleeping Computer we get overwhelmed at times, and we are trying our best to keep up. Please note that your topic was not intentionally overlooked. Our mission is to help everyone in need, but sometimes it takes just a little longer to get to every request for help. No one is ignored here.

Please take note:

• If you have since resolved the original problem you were having, we would appreciate you letting us know.
  
• If you are unable to create a log because your computer cannot start up successfully please provide detailed information about your installed Windows Operating System including the Version, Edition and if it is a 32bit or a 64bit system.
  
  • If you are unsure about any of these characteristics just post what you can and we will guide you.
  
  
• Please tell us if you have your original Windows CD/DVD available.
  
• If you are unable to perform the steps we have recommended please try one more time and if unsuccessful alert us of such and we will design an alternate means of obtaining the necessary information.
  
• Once we start working together, please reply back within 3 days or this thread may be closed so we can help others who are waiting. If you will be unable to respond (e.g. vacation, travel, etc.), please let me know ahead of time.
  
• Please refrain from running tools or applying updates other than those we suggest while we are cleaning up your computer. The reason for this is so we know what is going on with the machine at any time. Some programs can interfere with others and hamper the recovery process. Please also continue to work with me until I give you the all clear. Even if your computer appears to act better, you may still be infected.
  
• If you have not done so, include a clear description of the problems you're having, along with any steps you may have performed so far.
  
• If you have already posted a log, please do so again as instructed below, as your situation may have changed.
  
• Use the 'Add Reply' and add the new log to this thread.

We need to see some information about what is happening in your machine. Please perform the following scan:

We need to create an OTL report,

• Please download OTL from this link.
  
• Save it to your desktop.
  
• Double click on the icon on your desktop.
  
• Click the "Scan All Users" checkbox.
  
• Under the Custom Scan box paste this in:
  
  netsvcs
  msconfig
  drivers32 /all
  %systemroot%\system32\*.dll /lockedfiles
  %systemroot%\system32\*.sys /90
  %systemroot%\Tasks\*.job /lockedfiles
  %systemroot%\System32\config\*.sav
  %SYSTEMDRIVE%\*.*
  %systemroot%\system32\Spool\prtprocs\w32x86\*.dll
  %systemroot%\*. /mp /s
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
  CREATERESTOREPOINT
  
  
  
• Click the Quick Scan button.
  
• The scan should take a few minutes.
  
• Please copy and paste both logs in your reply.

Please note: You may have to disable any script protection running if the scan fails to run. After downloading the tool, disconnect from the internet and disable all antivirus protection. Run the scan, enable your A/V and reconnect to the internet.

Information on A/V control HERE


We also need a new log from the GMER anti-rootkit Scanner.

Please note that if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows you will not be able to run GMER and you may skip this step.

Please first disable any CD emulation programs using the steps found in this topic:


Then create another GMER log and post it as an attachment to the reply where you post your new DDS log. Instructions on how to properly create a GMER log can be found here:



In your reply, please post both OTL logs and the GMER log. Thanks and again sorry for the delay.

Due to the lack of feedback, this topic is now closed.

In the event you still have problems, please send me or any Moderator a Private Message and ask them to reopen this topic within the next 5 days. Please include a link to your topic in the Private Message. Thank you.