Windows defender Error code: 0x80073b01

Anonymous
2013-05-13T04:39:35+00:00

So yesterday I was on a site and a flash player update popped up and said that there was an update for "flash". I checked the certificate and it looked legit, so I had just clicked ask me later and then Windows Defender freaks out saying virus detected over and over. I tried clicking on the popup but nothing, then it said that windows needed to be restarted to delete a virus(or malware couldn't remember what it said). so I restarted it and i am not getting the error code. I also received an alert stating that windows could not make a backup because of a bad file or virus.

I have also reverted back to a previous backup and still the same problem.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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Anonymous
2013-05-25T16:13:08+00:00

stunnedjack:

If you have not resolved the problem yet, please note that a possible fix has been posted (by user bhringer) here.

You may wish to try using HitmanPro 3.7 (v3.7.5.198-Beta) with Kickstart 2.2.

A HitmanPro.Kickstart User Manual & FAQ (PDF File) is available here.

"The latest variant of ZeroAccess/Sirefef disables Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender by placing a Reparse Point (Junction/Symbolic Link) on the files of these products. The result is that these antivirus products are disabled by the malware! More info can be found here at KernelMode.info."

"This BETA release of HitmanPro now detects and removes these Reparse Points so that the mentioned AV products will function again."

See original Source.

<EDITED/ADDED>

On june 3, 2013, BETA release of HitmanPro referenced above was RTM'd to final version 3.7.6 Build 201, to include improvements, fixes and "additional repairs of folders and corresponding files in Winsxs folders. In addition, ACL security is reset". See: HitmanPro Release History.

For additional information, see: HitmanPro rescues anti-virus programs from malware attack.

To download the latest version of the tool, please visit HitmanPro 3.7 with Kickstart download site.

HitmanPro.Kickstart User Manual & FAQ (Video & PDF File) is available here.

<EDITED/ADDED>

See probably related/additional information:

Good Luck - Please post back and tell us how it goes.

PD.- David s. cole and Footos29 might wish to give it a shot whilst still awaiting for their disks :-)

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-05-21T23:24:27+00:00

    I posted this on another thread after getting off phone with MS.  My issue has different error code of 0x80073b01 when trying to open defender.

    ================================================================

    They all agree that it's not a virus hiding---it is a broken Defender after the exposure...

    What's the error code in your case?

    WD broke 'after the exposure' to what? Did they mention SA2846338? Can you tell us anything else (appart from the 'repair' suggested) from your conversation about this issue?

    Thanks in advance for your feedback.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-05-21T23:01:48+00:00

    My scenario exactly matched that of stunnedjack 

    How 'exactly'?

    Did you get an '0x80073b01' error code from WD? When?

    Was it 'before' you discovered you were infected by Sirefef? Or after the fact?

    Was Sirefef detected and 'only partially removed' by WD?

    Thanks for your feedback.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-05-21T04:01:59+00:00

    My scenario exactly matched that of stunnedjack (on, by the way, a very mainstream website).  I cleaned up the Sirefef.C trojan, but only successful recovered Defender operation after doing a "Refresh your PC without affecting your files" (64-bit Win8).

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-05-20T17:24:26+00:00

    Nary a peep. :-(

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