So I was infected with some really gnarly malware - I'm running Windows 7 x64 Home Premium. Long story short, it really is nasty, alters system files (specifically dnsapi.dll) and installs a boatload more malware. I finally removed it along with all of its companions, and used system file checker to restore my system files, but I still can't connect to the internet. I've done a few scans with MBAM (MalwareBytes Anti-Malware) and MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) after the initial removal and my system is clean. It appears to get stuck in the "identifying network" stage. It affects both wired and wireless connections.
I followed this guide (more or less) https://blog.malwarebytes.org/intelligence/2015/09/shopperz-alters-dnsapi-dll/ I couldn't follow it exactly because the malware blocked the install of MBAM, so I had to manually remove some files, tasks, and run the system file checker. Then install MBAM and let it clean up what I missed. But still not internet.
I would ask there, but I don't have an account there don't feel like creating another account I'll never use.
I'd be happy to provide more info upon request.
A somewhat relevant note - I made this post with the same computer, just booted into Linux Mint 17 instead of Windows 7, so I can confirm the issue isn't hardware related.
Back up your personal data and wipe and reinstall. You might get lucky using some tools on http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ even if this works you should reinstall your drivers.
I haven't used those tools yet, but I did manage to figure something out. My DNS Client and DHCP Client services can't start due to error 5: access denied. I partially stumbled upon it via a service checker tool. I tried restoring permissions, but I'm really not 100% what I'm doing, but whatever I tried didn't work. I even tried importing Registry keys from a fresh install of Win7 via virtual machine - no luck. Still working on it.
Ok, did you have a full backup of your system, if so reload it from there, you settings could be compromised and if you back them up from your machine you could just reinstall the virus links by reinstalling your present settings, if you have an old settings save separate from your current settings it would be better........If you don't have this it will have to likely be a full reinstall of your os and finding all your stuff again.
When a computer becomes infected with malware, OS damage can occur. Even though the malware may have been removed the damage it has done still remains. A utility called Tweaking can help repair this damage. I have used it on numerous occasion with great success. Here is a link the Tweaking site: http://www.tweaking.com/content/page/windows_repair_all_in_one.html
That Windows Repair Tool did the trick. I'm posting this from my Windows 7 install. I entirely blame Windows Update for this nonsense. As soon as I fixed the internet connection I got harassed to upgrade to Windows 10. It all started after a batch of updates and it happened during finals week when I had depleted my supply of common sense. After I dealt with that by uninstalling a few updates things seem to be back to normal. Thanks!
On a side note - the GUI for that tool makes it look sketchy as hell, but it was pretty transparent on what it was doing so that gave me some confidence.
As I said, the services weren't starting because of an access denied error. I tried a few guides, which reset permissions via registry and no luck. I've even imported the relevant registry keys from a fresh install of Windows and still got an access denied error. While I'm not a noob when it comes to Windows, I can accept that the guys who made that tool know way more than I do and it resolved an issue I couldn't.