Problems with Comodo Kill Switch, Windows Services & Bitlocker Encryption on Asus N56VZ

Hi All,

So recently I found myself stuck in a different scenario than before, and after many hours researching and efforts to fix this I still find myself stuck  yet with a few options still to fix.

What is the problem?

So as a security cautious user when i first got to Windows 8.1 Pro 64Bit I encrypted both the C and D drive (Split the main disk) to protect myself and my family. Unfortunately that has not been very helpful with the way in which booting and running from either external USB devices or CD/DVD works, not allowing myself to at all.

My usual security suit I  use is Comodo Internet Security, which additionally comes with Comodo Kill Switch. Whilst using the application instead of stopping one of the TCP connections I was meant to I accidently stopped an Windows Explorer connection.

For some reason since then Windows Explorer, nor most windows apps or services themselves will run. For example msconfig will run but sfc /scannow or mmc will not, whether in safe mode or normal mode.

What Caused the Problem?

Cannot 100% say

What I Think Caused the Problem?

Myself running Comodo Kill Switch stopping a vital server connection with Windows Explorer that messed up alot. Or a potential Virus unknown how cannot fully scan system as wont boot externally or run many apps.

Additional Info

  • Asus Webcam is Disabled on Purpose
  • Laptop was fully customized to run latest games full graphics minus Anti Aliasing, works with Evolve + CoD Advanced Warfare
  • Laptop does not boot if USB Keyboard plugged in, works with everything else normal (had this on other systems no problem for me)
  • Ask me for more info if required to add here, braindead again

Specifications of my system

  • Intel Core i7 3610QM Processor
  • Windows 8.1 Pro 64Bit
  • Intel HM76 Chipset
  • DDR3 1600 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SO-DIMM 8GB
  • 15.6" HD (1366x768)/Full HD (1920x1080)/Wide View Angle LED Backlight
  • NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M with 2GB DDR3 VRAM
  • 1TB 5400RPM OR 750GB 5400/7200RPM (Cannot remember off top of head, braindead)
  • Super-Multi DVD 
  • Kensington lock (Security Feature)
  • LoJack (Security Feature)
  • BIOS Booting User Password Protection (Security Feature)
  • HDD User Password Protection and Security (Security Feature)
  • Pre-OS Authentication by programmable key code (Security Feature)

What Can Run and Won't Run?

  • ON BOOT:
  • Bitlocker Encryption Password & Advanced Settings are accessible
  • Bios (password protected) is accessible
  • Windows Recovery Mode is accessible (Think it is F9 or F10)
  • Windows Logon Password Screen is accessible
  • ON NORMAL/SAFE-MODE START UP:
  • After Log-In Windows Explorer will not run
  • Task Manager will run, also allows me to browse the files when trying to start new task
  • Can run Command prompt
  • Cannot run any control panel items
  • Cannot run services.msc
  • Cannot run mmc
  • Cannot run sfc
  • Every time it metions windows drive is locked
  • Start Error's when running certain applications (Will post codes soon)
  • Rufus USB Tool does run
  • Cannot boot Kali Linux off USB
  • Cannot boot Windows 8.1 off USB
  • Cannot boot Windows 8.1 off DVDRW
  • Fixwin2 will not run
  • Apps either work or don't whether in safe mode or normal
  • Cannot use Windows Installer

What Fixes I Have Tried So Far

Ok so like any normal user I don't want to lose my files. So here are what I have tried so far:

  • Repair MBR (Repair Completed, No Luck)
  • SFC /SCANNOW (Returns Error 'Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service')
  • Tried sfc /SCANNOW /OFFBOOTDIR=c:\ /OFFWINDIR=c:\windows (Could not access drive)
  • Fixwin2 (Will not run in either normal or safe mode)
  • Booting using Windows 8.1 via USB (Cannot boot from extermal devices due to Bitlocker Encryption)
  • Booting using Kali Linux Via DVD & USB (Cannot boot from external devices due to Bitlocker Encrytption)
  • How do I know it is because of Bitlocker, because last time I disabled it, I could run from external devices
  • Tried to run bitlocker to change settings (Will not run)
  • Have used both password and recovery keys to unlock driver, they work but when applications are running on windows the drive is still locked?
  • Tried windows Automatic Diagnostic and Repair (Could not repair anything, did make a log I am still to extract from the syste)
  • There are No System Restore Points

I'm sure there is much more information I could post however I will leave it on an ask to know basis, apart from the log files and further information to gather. Below is my list of trial and error fixes to try for today (need more ideas and help please!):

  • Hiren's 15.2 Boot CD via DVD (NOT ABLE TO BOOT)
  • Hiren's 15.2 Boot CD via USB (NOT ABLE TO BOOT)
  • Research into the Bios and Possible Update in-case of implementation of Virus, can access flash utility (STILL NOT TESTED)
  • Try and get a portable version or a working version of windows installer to try and re-install Comodo Internet Security (STILL NOT TESTED)
  • Another way to disable Bitlocker
  • Anti-Malware / Anti-Virus Scan If Possible to Run One
  • Bitlocker Repair Tool, will try this also

I have posted this as have not found much info online, usually find it and crack on but this time things are a little more tricky, my priority task I really need to do is remove the Bitlocker Encryption, but if the application will not run... what do I do then?

Thanks for your time reading all, Sorry for any poor formatting or spelling.

Update 1: MMC.exe Error Code

Ok so now have the computer in safe mode, still same as before, no explorer.exe, no services etc... Just went into the Task Manager > Services (Tab) > Open Services (Option at bottom)

This is the error I get:

'The Instruction at 0x785a746c referenced memory at 0x000000a8. The memory could not be read.

Any Ideas on what this error is and why?

Update 2: CHKDSK Works with no Fix

Update 3: Hiren's 15.2 Boot CD - USB Boot still no luck booting around Bitlocker Encryption

Just to explain again, I already have unlocked the drive with correct bitlocker password or recovery key yet the drive remains locked not allowing windows refresh of files of complete install from the windows recovery menu as keeps saying drive is locked

  • Edited by Niko.D 14 hours 28 minutes ago
February 18th, 2015 11:36am

If anybody has had this problem or a similar problem before please share your story, there may be parts I have missed or gone about wrong that I could do
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February 18th, 2015 12:00pm

Ok so attempt number two to write this update via bloody phone! (Just refreshed page whilst writing!) Update 4: Problem - cannot run from bootable devices (DVD/USB) Cause - bitlocker fully encrypted drive stops this working Repair - Boot up holding F9 to enter windows recovery Input Bitlocker recovery keys to unlock drives Navigate to Command Prompt in advanced settings Execute following code: Repair-bde c: d: -rp 000111-222333-444555-etc... (Code found from https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee523219%28v=ws.10%29.aspx) Note for those using this: It is common while unlocking certain drives to get errors such as: Quote from http://www.benjaminathawes.com/2013/03/17/resolving-partial-encryption-problems-with-bitlocker/ "LOG INFO: 0x0000002aValid metadata at offset 8832512000 found at scan level 1.LOG INFO: 0x0000002b Successfully created repair context. LOG ERROR: 0xc0000037 Failed to read sector at offset 9211592704. (000000017) LOG ERROR: 0xc0000037 Failed to read sector at offset 9211593216. (000000017) followed by around 20 similar entries that differed only by the offset value" Repair Status for Update 4: 25% In Progress Problem 2 - windows services corrupted along with windows files Cause - Unknown Repair - wait until system is fully decrypted Once fully decrypted ensure boot from USB/DVD Re-do fixes that would not work before if this has fixed boot issue Confirm fix / update post Hope anything I put here helps others also
February 18th, 2015 9:32pm

Admin apologies for formatting in previous post. Currently on phone cannot change. If an admin could go through the above post and just add new lines would really appreciate that, otherwise will update post in couple hours from other laptop. This post will be deleted after cleanup of above post.
  • Edited by Niko.D 9 hours 3 minutes ago
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February 18th, 2015 9:34pm

Hi,

According to your description, you mentioned that "Unfortunately that has not been very helpful with the way in which booting and running from either external USB devices or CD/DVD works, not allowing myself to at all." It's normal, the boot order on BIOS typically affects the system measurement that is verified by BitLocker, a change in boot order will cause failure and might you prompte you fro a BitLocker recovery key.

Regatding to Comodo Internet Security, it's a third party security utility, not sure whether it is related with this issue issue, but if possible, I recommend you temporarily turn off the program.

Now the main issue is that you've unlocked the drive, but it is still locked which cause a plenty of issues. First, please confirm whether the unexpected encryption is caused by bitlocker, maybe it is caused by other programs, such as Comodo, just my guess. Or the encrypted drive is corrupted itself. I noticed that you've used the repair -bde command, any result? (The last post doesn't clearly state the result).

February 19th, 2015 3:16am

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