Help! Tried to upgrade MBAM and computer is messed up now

[pastywhitegurl]

Argh. I need help.

I am typing this from safe mode.  My computer is messed up after trying to update my MBAM PRO to the new 2.0 version.

I followed your instructions, Corinne, in this topic:

http://www.landzdown.com/computer-problems-questions-and-solutions!/malwarebytes-pro-question/

Here's the sequence:

-- downloaded MBAM 2 installer
-- downloaded the MBAM cleaner.exe recommended
-- uninstalled MBAM from the add/remove programs panel
--remembered I was to make a restore point.  made one.  (should have done that first, but figured I was ok because I had a system generated restore point from the previous day)
-- restarted computer.  Encountered first problem.  Desktop loaded, but taskbar links never became available (hourglass icon only)
--restarted again.  This time everything came back but very slowly.  But since I could access the internet, I checked the topics to make sure I had followed instructions and then ran the MBAM cleaner and rebooted, hoping it would clear up any issues caused by the uninstall.
--rebooted after running the cleaner.  Disaster.  Desktop loaded but never became useable.
--shut down using the button on the tower.  No change.
--decided to do a system restore via Safe Mode to yesterday.
--system restore failed.  Resolved to a blank blue screen with a cursor.
--tried system restore again.  when safe mode opened, there was a system restore message stating that the system could not be restored to that date. Trying again, I chose the restore point set up today.  Same result.
-- brought up Safe Mode again and ran system with "last known good settings"
this brought me to the desktop right after uninstalling MBAM.  However, although I could call up programs, nothing was connecting to the internet.
--rebooted a couple times via the start button to see if that would resolve. It did not.
--I reinstalled MBAM 1.75 in hopes that that might rectify things. It did not.
--restarted in Safe Mode with Networking. This time, I can access the internet. This is my current configuration.  As far as I can tell, everything is functional in safe mode.

I guess I was greedy that I wanted the extra protection from the new MBAM version. I am now very sorry I tried the update. I need help to know what to do next to at least get my system back to working condition again.

I've been meaning to ask about running disk check, as I don't believe its been done on this machine for a couple of years, but I didn't want to do that until I checked in with you guys and got your wisdom on how to fix this.

I will be awaiting your reply.  I do have my little Nexus7 that I can use to access this message board if I lose the ability on my regular machine.  Specs in my signature are up to date.

[Corrine]

As I mentioned in one of the other MBAM v2 topics, a very experienced forum friend from another site tried twice on two different Windows XP computers without success.   

With having to recently replace one computer in the family, I know you need to hold off on a new computer for yourself so let's see what we can do.  Let's see if you can find an earlier full restore point rather than a "Scheduled Checkpoint" that works by booting to safe mode with the command prompt.  Before doing anything, create a restore point, naming it something SafeMode Networking, so if all else fails, you'll be able to get to this point again.

To start System Restore using the Command prompt, follow these steps:

•    Restart your computer, and then press and hold F8 during the initial  startup to start your computer in safe mode with a Command prompt.
  
•    Use the arrow keys to select the Safe mode with a Command prompt option.
  
•    If you are prompted to select an operating system, use the arrow keys  to select the appropriate operating system for your computer, and then  press ENTER.
  
•    Log on as an administrator or with an account that has administrator credentials.
  
•    At the command prompt, type %systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe, and then press ENTER.
  
•    Click "Choose a different restore point" and click "Next".
  
•    When the restore points load, look for a full restore point that is before the changes were made to your computer.
  
•    Click "Yes" in the confirmation message that appears.
  
•    Do not interfere with your computer during the operation.  Your computer will automatically restart to complete the restore
  

[pastywhitegurl]

I cannot create a system restore point in safe mode.  I am not given the option.

I'm sorry if I read your post wrong, but it seemed like you said I could try the upgrade if I had the installation file for 1.75 that I could use if it didn't work. I didn't interpret it to mean it was a bad idea to try. :(

I seem to remember that I had  a failure the last time I tried a system restore. I don't know if it could be related or not. It was quite a while ago.

Since I can't create a point, shall I proceed anyway?


(I may be asking for help to install Linux next!)

[Corrine]

Hmmm, well, a previous failure of using SR could be why you had a problem this time.  Yes, see if you can get to a full restore point prior prior to uninstalling 1.75.  (Fingers crossed.)

[pastywhitegurl]

I did the reboot to safe mode with command prompt  and tried a restore point that I had created myself  on April 8.

It was not successful.  I got the same blank blue screen with only a cursor after windows loaded  (right after you get the error message that some tasks in the task scheduler have not completed).

However, I was able to return to Safe Mode with Networking and am typing from my computer.

What is the next step?

[Corrine]

The thing you need to keep in mind with Check Disk is that any repairs made using Check Disk cannot be undone.  It would be better to run System File Checker (sfc /scannow) but, unlike the newer operating systems, with Windows XP, it generally prompts for the Windows XP CD.  See Windows XP: Using the System File Checker Tool - HelpWithWindows.com. 

If you cannot get SFC to to work, it is advisable to back up critical data before you begin Check Disk.  Since you said it has been a while since you ran Check Disk, you may find this helpful:  CHKDSK - How to run in Windows XP - Windows Made Easy - XP.

Alternatively, as a licensed customer, you could also submit a ticket.  Use the "Contact Us" link from http://www.malwarebytes.org/support/consumer/.  Include a link to this thread to show what you have done thus far.

[pastywhitegurl]

I do have a copy of the Windows XP Pro disk that the tech that installed it gave me.

Should I go ahead and try the System File Checker?  There are no numbers on the CD, just that it is Win XP Pro.   What will happen if I run System file checker and it doesn't like the CD I was provided? (It took me like a year to finally get it from him. It better be good.... ^_^ )

Also, so you know---for some reason, my tablet is not connecting to the wifi network for some reason, so if I lose access to my safe mode connections, it could be tomorrow before I can get back on. (After pastywhiteguy figures out whats wrong with it. )

[Corrine]

If you can try SFC first, it would be a good start.  If it doesn't work, you'll need to decide on running chkdsk.

Take your time.  It is getting late now anyway and you want to be fresh.  You may need to connect rather than using WiFi. 

I'll be out much of the morning tomorrow. 

[pastywhitegurl]

Just tried to run sfc.    I was able to type the command in the Run box, but when I clicked OK,  the box disappeared and nothing else came up.

Maybe you can't do that in safe mode?

If not, I guess I will move on to chkdsk.


I remember that it took like 5 hours to run the last time.   Is it something you have to be around to answer prompts for?  I can't remember if I had to do anything or not.

[pastywhitegurl]

I read up on chkdsk and plan to run it in the morning.   I was thinking about things, and I remember that I tried to delete a folder from an old drive the last time I could not access windows.  Running checkdisk did fix it.the problem with Windows.  The tech told me that my action had nothing to do with the glitch/// it  was just coincidental.   It seems this might be similar in that removing MBAM might not be the reason for the malfunction.

This is just about the removal. I never got to the part where I tried to install the new version.

[Corrine]

Yes, it indeed could be a coincidence and has nothing to do with MBAM.  It could be bad sectors in the hard drive that chkdsk may be able to repair or it could be hardware failure.  Have you run chkdsk yet?  If that or a Repair Install Windows (Windows XP) aren't successful, you could try a Linux Live CD.  Here's a list of Linux LiveCDs.  Linux Mint and Puppy Linux are popular choices. 

[pastywhitegurl]

Removed MBAM via safe mode. Ran chkdsk.  Result was Volume C was clean. Reboot produced a partial desktop and a frozen task bar with no Start menu function.

Restarted via power button.
Frozen again. On second restart, had desktop back. Was able to run system file checker from START menu. It ran but seemed that the requested XP disc just spun multiple times.  The progress bar never showed any progress. After about 30min of cycling, the popup disappeared.

MSE said it was off .   So I opened the console & turned it on. Was fine until I asked it to update definitions. Froze mid update.
This makes me think that MSE may have gotten corrupted when I uninstalled MBAM the first time.

I have my desktop use able at the moment. MSE is on.

I do have the installer for MSE.  What should I do next? 

[Corrine]

It could also be related to an MSE update that Winchester73 pointed me to for a different reason.  However, the timing seems to fit since you also had a BSOD:  Microsoft Security Essentials error stutters Windows XP systems. 

[winchester73]

This MSE issue arose on the 16th, same date as your problem  :rolleyes:

You might wish to review this:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971606

On the XP computer I was fixing, I had to boot into safe mode with networking, then manually type http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=87342 into the address bar to download the 32-bit definition file.  Things were normal upon reboot.

[pastywhitegurl]

Things seem to be loading, but very slowly.

Monitor went to sleep. When I woke it, taskbar was only displaying in slices. On next wake up was normal again. I haven't tried to use internet yet. Awaiting instructions.

Sorry for terseness. Using tablet to post here.

(I am reading the above two responses, but I don't understand what I should do yet...