How-To Geek

Since you guys were such awesome help before I thought I'd come to you with my latest computer issue.

I came in from work this morning, hopped on the computer to do a few things and then went and took a nap. I woke up a few hours later (about four) and went back to the computer. I immediately noticed that the time was wrong; it was stuck at 8:52 am and the actual time was 12:26 pm. I then noticed that Firefox (the browser I had up) had the notification on that it was unresponsive. I tried to launch the task manager and the enter system locked up. Nothing would work and the little blue circle just kept going around and around. I waited several minutes before finally turning the computer off and then turning it back on (I know that's bad but I really couldn't figure out what else to do). I started the computer again, and almost instantly it froze again. I did the same thing (hard reboot) and started it in safe mode. No problems. I ran a scan with AVG and nothing was found. I cleaned the cache and cookies and started the computer again. Same problem (freezing after start up). I powered it down AGAIN (I'm sure some of you are cringing by now lol) and started in Safe Mode again and did a System Restore. Started it again and again...it froze after a few minutes. Powered it down AGAIN. Started it Again and here we are.

The only thing I've done differently this time is that instead of using Firefox as a browser I'm using Chrome. So far it's been working for about a half an hour LOL. I haven't added any programs in about a month and haven't downloaded anything (other than a few gifs) in about a week. I'm really not sure what happened and any tips or advice would be super appreciated.

Oh, and I checked my drivers on the Intel Driver Utility and they are all up to date.

System Specs
Windows Edition: Windows 7 Home Premium
Service Pack 1

Manufacturer: Dell
Model: Vostro 320
Rating: 3.4
Processor: Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5500 @2.80GHz 2.79GHz
Installed Memory(RAM) 2.00 GB
System Type: 32 Bit Operating System
Pen and Touch: No Pen or Touch input is available for this display

HI! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you :)

My computer kept having issues even using Chrome. It would randomly freeze after about four hours or so OR if left idle for a few minutes.
I put my computer into safemode, downloaded and installed Superantispyware and it found some tracking cookies which I deleted.
I downloaded and ran Malaware Bytes and now I'm sort of freaked out :/

MalawareBytes said it found 6 threats
Here is the log

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.70.0.1100
www.malwarebytes.org

Database version: v2013.01.12.08

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 x86 NTFS (Safe Mode/Networking)
Internet Explorer 9.0.8112.16421
lathesia :: LATHESIA-PC [administrator]

1/12/2013 3:02:53 PM
MBAM-log-2013-01-12 (15-16-34).txt

Scan type: Quick scan
Scan options enabled: Memory | Startup | Registry | File System | Heuristics/Extra | Heuristics/Shuriken | PUP | PUM
Scan options disabled: P2P
Objects scanned: 207847
Time elapsed: 4 minute(s), 15 second(s)

Memory Processes Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Memory Modules Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Keys Detected: 6
HKCR\CLSID\{11111111-1111-1111-1111-110011041135} (PUP.Codec.PR) -> No action taken.
HKCR\TypeLib\{44444444-4444-4444-4444-440044044435} (PUP.Codec.PR) -> No action taken.
HKCR\Interface\{55555555-5555-5555-5555-550055045535} (PUP.Codec.PR) -> No action taken.
HKCR\CrossriderApp0000435.BHO.1 (PUP.Codec.PR) -> No action taken.
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Ext\PreApproved\{11111111-1111-1111-1111-110011041135} (PUP.Codec.PR) -> No action taken.
HKCR\CrossriderApp0000435.BHO (PUP.Codec.PR) -> No action taken.

Registry Values Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data Items Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folders Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Files Detected: 0
(No malicious items detected)

(end)

I haven't done anything b/c I don't know what these are. I *think* it's telling me that these are registry keys and all I know about the registry is that if you don't know what you're doing you aren't supposed to mess with it. I guess what I want to know is if I go ahead and delete this stuff if that it's not going to mess up computer up. So is it okay to remove these? Sorry for being such a bother but I can use all the help I can get :)

Just a note to what Jim says, run the CCleaner registry cleaner several times, until no issues are found. (It should be enough to backup the registry only the first time.)

HI guys :)

Okay sorry for the delay but I had unexpected (and uninvited >.<) out of town guests and had to play hostess.

Just a little added info: I didn't have a program or add on called Crossrider but I did some Google Fu and found out that the results from my initial MalwareBytes scan seem to come up A LOT when people have somehow added a plug or add on or extension that adds the "text enhance" junk to their computer. When I saw that I had lightbulb moment b/c a few months ago I added an extension on Chrome and once I did BOOM-text enhance. I disabled the extension, text enhance went away and I thought the problem was solved. Evidently not lol.

Also, in my list of programs and features was something called "Codec V" from Premium Play. I uninstalled it as well.

So after doing that, I followed Jim's instructions and completed the scan and selected remove items.
I went to CC Cleaner and cleaned my cache and cookies and then ran the registry cleaner.
I backed up the registry and then fixed select all
Then I ran MalwareBytes again and removed the selected items

*note on the second scan, Malwarebytes found a trojan called LilyJade. This freaked me ALL THE WAY OUT. I tend to freak out easily though*

Ran CC Cleaner until no registry issues were found
Restarted the PC...tried to use Chrome-instantly frozen
Restarted again...it's only been half an hour but it seems to be working properly.

Hi Guys
Just my twopenneth...

Notice Op ran A QUICK Scan...
That is fine to try and get you going again, BUT then always better to take the time and run FULL Scans,NOT in Safe Mode, for anything deeply imbedded. with both suggested links,
Malaware and then AntiS ,followed by CCleaner....

I did a full scan with Malware Bytes and then SAS. Everything came out clean :)

I haven't had any further problems so I think that I'm all good to go now. Thank you all so, so much for your help. It's greatly appreciated :)