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descriptionsmss.exe XP SP3 fails to update Emptysmss.exe XP SP3 fails to update

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I'm trying to update an XP computer to SP3 and I keep getting an error message that says smss.exe is running.

I've ran MalwareBytes in safe mode and removed the detected items, still no luck.

This system was a dual boot. It contained a Linux Kubuntu that I removed and repartitioned the space back into the XP C: drive using EaseUs. I had to repair the MBR as part of the dual boot removal process. However I don't have the original XP disc that came with the system so I used a Dell XP system disc to get into the repair console and repair the MBR. I followed the directions on the other thread regarding smss.exe removal and it hasn't worked.

I'm just about ready to try contacting MS for help and if that doesn't work I'm thinking of attempting to re-install and format the hard drive. I don't want to take such a drastic turn but I want to get this thing working soon.

Please find attached requested data.
aswMBR.txt
Extras.Txt
hijackthis.txt
OTL.Txt

Last edited by GAR8 on 2nd January 2012, 4:06 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : additional information)

descriptionsmss.exe XP SP3 fails to update EmptyRe: smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update

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Hello.

  • Download combofix from here
    Link 1

    1. If you are using Firefox, make sure that your download settings are as follows:

    * Tools->Options->Main tab
    * Set to "Always ask me where to Save the files".

    2. During the download, rename Combofix to Combo-Fix as follows:

    smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update CF_download_FF

    smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update CF_download_rename

    3. It is important you rename Combofix during the download, but not after.
    4. Please do not rename Combofix to other names, but only to the one indicated.
    5. Close any open browsers.
    6. Close/disable all anti virus and anti malware programs so they do not interfere with the running of ComboFix.

  • We need to disable your local AV (Anti-virus) before running Combofix.
  • See HERE for how to disable your AV.
  • Double click on ComboFix.exe.
  • Follow the prompts. NOTE:
  • ComboFix will check to see if the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is installed.
    ***It's strongly recommended to have the Recovery Console installed before doing any malware removal.***

    **Please note: If the Microsoft Windows Recovery Console is already installed, ComboFix will automatically proceed with its scan.


  • The Recovery Console provides a recovery/repair mode should a problem occur during a Combofix run.

    smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update Cf410

  • Allow ComboFix to download the Recovery Console.
  • Accept the End-User License Agreement.
  • The Recovery Console will be installed.
  • You will then get this next prompt that asks if you want to continue the malware scan, select yes

    smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update Cf510

  • Allow combofix to run
  • Post C:\combofix.txt back here.

    Note:
    Do not mouseclick combofix's window whilst it's running. That may cause it to stall.

descriptionsmss.exe XP SP3 fails to update EmptyRe: smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update

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Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to help me with this problem. I've followed the instructions provided. However, I get a warning message stating that "Window OneCare Antivirus" is running. I don't see instructions for disabling this particular anti virus software in your list. However, I did look at running services and while I did find one for Windows OneCare it was disabled and not running. I attempted to start the service but it produced an error saying "The system cannot find the file specified".
I looked for OneCare in the Add/Remove programs and didn't find it. So I searched for and found a tool to remove it from my system. After running the removal tool I was able to successfully run Combo-Fix .

I was required to install the recovery console and Combo-Fix continued to run. Near the end the fifteen minute deactivation of AVG expired and I received a pop up from AVG warning that Combo-Fix was not a valid program and asked what to do with it. I told it to ignore it and it appeared that Combo-Fix completed correctly. I never received an offical "I'm finished" type of message, notepad opened with the text information from the run which I have attached here.

Also, the file mentions that I have Norton installed. I worked with Norton tech support to remove their software. However, I do not have a disc required to remove Norton Internet Security from my system and they said there wasn't anything they could do about it. The indicated that all Norton products were deleted from my system and that without the disc I wouldn't be able to remove the Norton Internet Security from my Add/Remove programs list etc.

I'll wait to continue until I hear back from you.


G

Last edited by GAR8 on 3rd January 2012, 10:20 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Updated information)

descriptionsmss.exe XP SP3 fails to update EmptyRe: smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update

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Thank you this fixed my problem I am able to install XP SP3

descriptionsmss.exe XP SP3 fails to update EmptyRe: smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update

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Run ESET Online Scan
Please do an online scan with ESET Online Scanner. Please use Internet Explorer as it uses ActiveX.

  • Check (tick) this box: YES, I accept the Terms of Use.
  • Click on the Start button next to it.
  • When prompted to run ActiveX. click Yes.
  • You will be asked to install an ActiveX. Click Install.
  • Once installed, the scanner will be initialized.
  • After the scanner is initialized, click Start.
  • Check (tick) Remove found threats box.
  • Check (tick) Scan unwanted applications.
  • Click on Scan.
  • It will start scanning. Please be patient.
  • Once the scan is done, the log will be saved here: C:\Program Files\esetonlinescanner\log.txt.

descriptionsmss.exe XP SP3 fails to update EmptyIssue resolved

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Thank you for the help. I've been able to complete all updates and the computer is running just fine now.

I attached the log file from the last scan.

descriptionsmss.exe XP SP3 fails to update EmptyRe: smss.exe XP SP3 fails to update

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