BleepingComputer.com: Malware disabled most .exe

Hi,

I run XP Pro on a machine a friend built for me.

While browsing today Firefox suddenly disappeared and one of the fake anti-malware programs showed up and started running. Couldn't run Malwarebytes, RogueKiller, or DSSKiller. Rebooted into safe mode with networking, and tried various programs to see what worked and what came up in task manager. An unknown program (mvs.exe) kept popping up, so I stopped it via task manager. I searched for this and found it newly installed in Program Files, so shredded it with Window Washer. Couldn't shred the prefetch version, so deleted that and shredded everything in recycle bin.

Now it no longer comes up when I try to start anything, but most programs won't run. Each time I get an error message stating it can't find firefox.exe, etc. This also happens when I try to run the program's executable from within Program Files. Oddly enough, some personal language and study programs are unaffected, also Thunderbird will run directly from Start menu. Also, if I bring up a document/picture and click on it, it will open in WordPerfect, Word, Excel, Foxit Reader, Photoshop, etc. (but not WMPlayer). Even firefox will come up if I click on a link embedded in a document/email, but again, I can't access it directly.

Tried downloading firefox from the computer I'm typing on, also mbam, and transferring each to the affected computer. When i try to install either, I get the "can't find .exe" message. Even tried renaming mbam install, but same issue (except it keeps stating that it is "x>.exe.exe. Also can't right-click on Properties in My Computer, instead get an error message Windows cannot find 'rundll32.exe'

Any help you can offer?

This post has been edited by hamluis: 03 December 2011 - 03:31 PM
Reason for edit: Moved from XP to Am I Infected.

Please follow the instructions in ==>This Guide<== starting at Step 6. 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, what you have done to resolve them, and a link to this topic.

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.

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.

If HelpBot replies to your topic, PLEASE follow Step One so it will report your topic to the team members.

Hello,

Now that you have posted a log here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic430588.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.

If HelpBot replies to your topic, PLEASE follow Step One so it will report your topic to the team members.

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

Orange Blossom