Inherited a badly infected laptop

[PhreakInfinity]

Tech Support Guy System Info Utility version 1.0.0.2
OS Version: Microsoft® Windows Vista™ Home Premium, Service Pack 2, 64 bit
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T6500 @ 2.10GHz, Intel64 Family 6 Model 23 Stepping 10
Processor Count: 2
RAM: 3934 Mb
Graphics Card: Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family, 1839 Mb
Hard Drives: C: Total - 295183 MB, Free - 171722 MB;
Motherboard: Sony Corporation, VAIO
Antivirus: None

My RM gave me an old laptop of his after breaking mine problem is it's likely very badly infected with adware, malware, and other things (He let me know this ahead of time.) I got the computer about two weeks ago now and I've taken a few preliminary steps that enabled it to function passably, so far I've tried; re-installing/resetting to defualts of the browsers, malwarebytes, and registry mechanic (Is this program even worth my time? It came on the computer and it seemed legit so I ran it.) It had a version of McAffee trial, or was trially activated (or something, I don't pay much attention to McAffe since it costs money) prior to my recieving it that I removed since it was expired but was likely on most of the computers life prior to this week (and when it got the adware).

These fixes worked for a week or so and then the browsers (Chrome/I.E.) all slowed way down, specifically when loading any e-mail site (loading would take +5 minutes for any inbox, whereas video-streaming/live gaming loaded as normal.) Shortly after they got adware; various tool bars, ads that replace google results, Video pop-ups, ect. Subsequently I had to reinstal the browsers because they were no longer usable at all, seemingly internet was conected but I think the various malware/adware progroms running at once ground the browsers completely to a stand-still. So at this point my fixes have pretty much completely not worked, though I'm now using Hotspot Shield while surfing the internet and on a fresh browser install/reset, the browser itself is running fine (though I haven't tested this extensively other then reinstalling and googling this forum to get help that can permently solve the problem.)

It's also possible that, this computer being publicly used in a house of five people, sometime over the past week has contracted some form of malware/adware from internet use (again.) So, in addition to help solving the strange browser problems than recur I would like a recomendation for a free browser that is generally less suceptible to these sorts of things, and/or if there is a malware program that is both good and forces users to enter a password to enter infected sites or anything like that would be super nice.

 

[Nevan]

Hello, PhreakInfinity. My nickname is Nevan and I will be helping you getting your system back on its electronic feet.

Before we get started, please keep these things in mind:

• Always read every part of my post carefully. If you don't, you may do something wrong and there could be more problems to solve.
• If your security programs give you any warnings when using tools I asked you to, don't be afraid. Every tool I provide to you is 100% safe.
• Only run tools that I ask you to. Some of them can be dangerous to your system as they have much power.
• You should save or print my instructions. It is possible that we will be using Safe mode, which will cut you off from your internet connection and without access to them, you might be stuck.
• Malware removal is a complicated process that takes multiple steps to be completed. Don't give up, be patient.
• The tools we are going to use and your software may cause unwanted interactions. Because of that, I recommend you to make backups of any important files from your machine before proceeding as they might be lost.
• I recommend you to stay with me until I tell you that we are done. It is important because when your system does not show any bad symptoms anymore it does not mean that it is 100% clean.
• Every program I ask you to download should be saved to and run from desktop. If you don't know how to choose the direction of where a download is saved, check this site. You can also just copy these programs to your desktop manually and then run them from there.
• Remember that the fixes I give you are only for your machine. Using it on other systems may (and probably will) cause problems.
• Finally, if you have any questions or are unsure about something, just ask. I will not blame you for it. It is better to ask rather than regret it later.

Also, please note that I'm currently in training, so my answers to you will have to be checked first by an experienced helper before I can post them. This can lengthen the time between my answers to you, but in return you will have an extra person reviewing your log.

Let's get started

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So, in addition to help solving the strange browser problems than recur I would like a recomendation for a free browser that is generally less suceptible to these sorts of things, and/or if there is a malware program that is both good and forces users to enter a password to enter infected sites or anything like that would be super nice.

We'll take care of that once we're done with cleaning your system. Just please remind me about that in case I forget.

First, I'd like to have a look at your system. Please, do the following:

FRST Scan

1. Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to your Desktop.
2. Right click FRST64.exe and click Run as administrator. When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
3. Make sure that Addition.txt is checked and press the Scan button.
4. It will produce two logs - one called FRST.txt and another one called Addition.txt in the same directory the tool is run from.
5. Select all (CTRL+A) the content of the logs, copy them (CTRL+C) and paste (CTRL+V) them into your next reply.

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Things that should appear in your next post:

• FRST.txt log content
• Addition.txt log content