Windows Defender update error 0x80072efe and google search results are redirected

* when trying to update Windows Defender Error code 0x80072efe is received
* redirection occurs when clicking on google search result links

Computer was infected with virus, cleaned it by uninstalling McAfee and installing Comodo

Removed malware by using MalwareBytes

used PCTools to correct 1,400+ registry problems

System:
Windows Vista Home Premium
Service Pack 2
AMD Athlon 64 x2 4600+ 2.40GHz 2.00 GB Ram 32bit Operating System

I appreciate your help...

-Kit

Edited by hamluis, 22 July 2010 - 08:16 PM.
Moved from Vista to more appropriate Am I Infected forum ~ Hamluis.

Hello Kit, cool name! but all that aside I have a couple things that will work.

#1 Turn off Windows Defender & Firewall! If you're good at math this will be easy. Firewall (Windows) + Firewall (Comodo) do not mix!!
Disable Windows Firewall asap. Two firewalls interfere with each other okay? Good.

Also Windows Defender is close to useless so disabling it frees up valuable space on your PC.

#2 If you're using Internet Explorer
DON'T do anything crazy like uninstall it BUT Install Either Mozilla Firefox or Opera (my favorite) as a web browser.
That will help the dangerous redirects --------> YES?... Yes

#3 Some like Malwarebytes but I swear by the product SUPERAntiSpyware. It's just better. Updates about 5 times a day!
Do your self a favor and get it.


#4 Don't panic. That's an important one. Some people panic and start deleting valuable files.


5# Make sure your Windows is updated: Control Panel --> System & Security --> Windows Update
Also: Control Panel --> Network & Internet --> Internet Options Click Tab Privacy Make sure it's on Medium High
(I'm on Windows 7 it's probably a similar process for you too.)

Now you will be in much better shape. If you need anything PM me. -Scott

PM help is not recommended at BleepingComputer. Please keep all communications on board. - rigel
BC Moderator

Edited by rigel, 22 July 2010 - 11:26 PM.

Thanks hipityhopscott... running scan now...

-Kit

Moved to Am I Infected from Vista.
The above given info was good except that I would use MBAM and SAS as on demand scanners.. They will compliment and not interfere with your AV ... Myself not a fan of Comodo AV, but heir firewall is excellent.

Please post the MBAM log. 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.

Also the SAS log when completed.
To retrieve the removal information after reboot, launch SUPERAntispyware again.
Click Preferences, then click the Statistics/Logs tab.
Under Scanner Logs, double-click SUPERAntiSpyware Scan Log.
If there are several logs, click the current dated log and press View log.
A text file will open in your default text editor.
Please copy and paste the Scan Log results in your next reply.
Click Close to exit the program.

Problem solved...

Thank you all for your help on this.

I did run SUPERAntiSpyware, dis-engaged Windows Defender but still had problems.

What I did that solved problem...

-> Restored to previous restore point
-> Removed old anitvirus (McAfee)
-> Ran SUPERAntiSpyware removing problems
-> Ran Registry Mechanic (PC Tools), removed problems
-> Installed Avast, ran complete system scan and removed infections
-> Have run scans again, Avast, SUPERAntiSpyware and Registry Mechanic several times with no issues

Have updated operating system and software.. everything is back inline...

I will run MalwareBytes also to ensure there is nothing coming up... Thanks for the heads up boopme


Thank you for the help...

-Kit

You're welcome and you did a good job.
If there are no more problems or signs of infection, you should Create a New Restore Point to prevent possible reinfection from an old one. Some of the malware you picked up could have been saved in System Restore. Since this is a protected directory your tools cannot access to delete these files, they sometimes can reinfect your system if you accidentally use an old restore point. Setting a new restore point AFTER cleaning your system will help prevent this and enable your computer to "roll-back" to a clean working state.

The easiest and safest way to do this is:

• Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and click "System Restore".
• Choose the radio button marked "Create a Restore Point" on the first screen then click "Next". Give the R.P. a name, then click "Create". The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a log of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.

• Then use Disk Cleanup to remove all but the most recently created Restore Point.
• Go to Start > Run and type: Cleanmgr
• Click "Ok". Disk Cleanup will scan your files for several minutes, then open.
• Click the "More Options" tab, then click the "Clean up" button under System Restore.
• Click Ok. You will be prompted with "Are you sure you want to delete all but the most recent restore point?"
• Click Yes, then click Ok.
• Click Yes again when prompted with "Are you sure you want to perform these actions?"
• Disk Cleanup will remove the files and close automatically.

Vista Users can refer to these links: Create a New Restore Point and Disk Cleanup.

Tips to protect yourself against malware and reduce the potential for re-infection:

• Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe.
• How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!.
• Hardening Windows Security - Part 1 & Part 2.
• Configuring Internet Explorer for Practical Security and Privacy - How to Secure Your Web Browser.
• Your Guide To Staying Safe Online.
• Use Task Manager to close pop-up messages to safely exit malware attacks.

• Avoid gaming sites, pirated software, cracking tools, keygens, and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs. They are a security risk which can make your computer susceptible to a smörgåsbord of malware infections, remote attacks, exposure of personal information, and identity theft. Many malicious worms and Trojans spread across P2P file sharing networks, gaming and underground sites. Users visiting such pages may see innocuous-looking banner ads containing code which can trigger pop-up ads and malicious Flash ads that install viruses, Trojans and spyware. Ads are a target for hackers because they offer a stealthy way to distribute malware to a wide range of Internet users. The best way to reduce the risk of infection is to avoid these types of web sites and not use any P2P applications. Read P2P Software User Advisories and Risks of File-Sharing Technology.

• Keeping Autorun enabled on USB and other removable drives has become a significant security risk due to the increasing number of malware variants that can infect them and transfer the infection to your computer. To learn more about this risk, please read:

• USB-Based Malware Attacks.
• When is AUTORUN.INF really an AUTORUN.INF?.
• Please disable Autorun asap!.

Thanks boopme for reminding me to make a new restore point, would have forgotten to do so!

Will do that now.

Thanks again for everyones hand in this.... Have a great day!

-Kit

Looks like from the MalwareBytes log the system is clean:

Windows 6.0.6002 Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18928

7/24/2010 10:38:27 AM
mbam-log-2010-07-24 (10-38-27).txt

Scan type: Full scan (C:\|D:\|)
Objects scanned: 418137
Time elapsed: 1 hour(s), 14 minute(s), 41 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)

You're welcome!