Solved EXE Files Won't Run, Browsers, PC Crash

[paulwb]

OK, will reinstall GWX Control Panel.

What issues remain?
Just what was mentioned earlier ....

1. What about the VulkanRT file that shows up as a BrowserModifier? Should it be deleted?

2. Windows Updates stall during download

3. I noticed just now that my total RAM is 14, and should be 16.

 

[Malnutrition]

1. What about the VulkanRT file that shows up as a BrowserModifier? Should it be deleted?

It is a false positive, it is your choice to remove it or not. You posted links about the issue, it is your choice to remove it or not. From a malware stance it is not malware, so choice is yours.

2. Windows Updates stall during download

How often does this happen? For what updates? I would not worry about it unless they are security updates. I also do not think it is a good idea to go and try fixing something unless it is happening 100% of the time.... Have you tried updates since the machine has been cleaned?

3. I noticed just now that my total RAM is 14, and should be 16.

Should have a look here at this link.

 

[paulwb]

RE:
2. Since Sept 2016, the only Windows updates I'm able to run are Win Defender and Malicious Software Removal tool.

3. Last checked RAM was 16GB in July 2016. I'll check out your link.

 

[Malnutrition]

Ok, lets do this to see if we can get things going...



install (use the direct download) the Tweaking.com - Windows all in one repair tool. Then boot Windows into Safe Mode, (Make Certain To Run This Program As Administrator) then run through the Prescan on step 2 tab. Then skip to step 5 and create a system restore point. Then go to the repair tab...

Notice create a registry backup is ticked by default, so no need to do so in step 5...

Now run the program, with the boxes ticked in the picture below.

Click Image Below For Better Resolution.

May want to save picture or write down what boxes need ticked, since you will run this in Safe Mode.

Important: Make certain to reboot twice after running this tool!!

 

[paulwb]

All done.
Windows Update now shows no updates, and stalls when Checking for updates.
Maybe run it again?
The hard drive indicator light is quite active, constantly flickering....

 

[Malnutrition]

Windows Update now shows no updates, and stalls when Checking for updates.
Maybe run it again?

Yes after a few reboots of the machine, check again.

The hard drive indicator light is quite active, constantly flickering....

Some report HDD activity after running the all in one tool, just use the machine a bit normally, after a few reboots things go back to normal. Also, after a couple of reboots clean it up with Privazer and then defrag the machine.

If you continue to have issues with updates, then might be a good idea to create a new thread in the windows area, as updates are really not my thing.

 

[paulwb]

OK, thank you.
Also, would you suggest using patchmypc on this machine?
I know this isn't your area but would you know of the right tool to uninstall MS Office. I need to do a reinstall.
Which File Copy or File Transfer would you suggest? FreeFileSync works great but is bundled with OpenCandy tracking.

 

[Malnutrition]

Also, would you suggest using patchmypc on this machine?

Yes indeed.

I know this isn't your area but would you know of the right tool to uninstall MS Office. I need to do a reinstall.

LibreOffice is free. Also, there is this by MS.

Which File Copy or File Transfer would you suggest? FreeFileSync works great but is bundled with OpenCandy tracking.

Just have to watch out when installing is all. Gus wrote a guide on the tool.


https://support.office.com/en-us/ar...ice-2010-90635a1d-aec8-4653-b358-67e1b766fc4d

 

[paulwb]

Some report HDD activity after running the all in one tool, just use the machine a bit normally, after a few reboots things go back to normal. Also, after a couple of reboots clean it up with Privazer and then defrag the machine.

My C drive is solid state. OK to use ToolWiz Smart defrag software ?

 

[paulwb]

Installed an older version of Freefilesync 7.9, based on recommendations found on different posts and there was no option to deselect any software offering.
Unchecky did not flag anything because there was nothing to check or uncheck.
Panda AV showed a pop up alert advising of potentially unwanted software.
Malwarebytes scan shows OpenCandy PUP embedded inside the freefilesync exe file.

I ran Zemana & JRT, nothing found.
ZHP Cleaner found an empty key
FOUND key: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\CscService [] =>.Superfluous.PCSpeedUp

Anything else I should run to make sure nothing was installed ?

 

[Malnutrition]

A pup is just that, a potentially unwanted program. You are fine, a program that you can run yourself and for free is Un-Hack Me, this is a fully functional trial software. You are malware free, this should set your mind at ease.

 

[paulwb]

Great, thanks for the explanation..

My C drive is solid state. OK to use ToolWiz Smart defrag software ?

 

[Malnutrition]

My C drive is solid state. OK to use ToolWiz Smart defrag software ?

No, they say there is no need to use defrag software on SSD. Anything else or shall we close this thread and mark solved?

 

[paulwb]

Yes, please mark as solved. Malware type problems have stopped and my PC is running great.
Thanks for sharing your expertise via malware solutions, great software recommendations and quick response times.
Have a good day/evening,
Paul

 

[Malnutrition]

Glad to have helped!! Please tell a friend ...... or two about us.

Optimize your internet connection.
Click here for instructions.

suggest the following in place of adblock.
Alternate DNS Server. Ad Blocking DNS.
Ublock Origin.
Anti Ad Block Killer.


Also, keep your browsing private with these tools:

Self Destructing Cookies.
Self Destructing Cookies Chrome.


Some items to keep you safe on the internet.


VooDoo Shield. control of what is running on your machine
Qualys BrowserCheck To update plugins.
Web Of Trust To Avoid Shady Websites.
Unchecky To Avoid Bundled Software.
Privazer To Clean up your mahcine.



Now Lets Clean up the tools we used and remove old restore points.



Download DelFix by "Xplode" to your Desktop.
Right Click the tool and Run as Admin ( Xp Users Double Click)
Put a check mark next the items below:


Remove disinfection tools
Create registry backup
Purge System Restore



Now click on "Run" button.
allow the program to complete its work.
all the tools we used will be removed.
Tool will create and open a log report (DelFix.txt)
Note: The report can be located at the following location C:\DelFix.txt