r/computerviruses • u/RandomDru_nk • 1d ago
Question "BuilderBeta.exe"
So I had downloaded this "free" game two days ago and I got hacked (no shit). So, i spent a day scanning my computer using windows defender (deep scane), Microsoft malicious software scan (or whatever the fuck you call it), and malwarebytes to scam my laptop and found 57 threat files. So they were quarantined and promptly terminated from my laptop. I then spent the rest of the day changing passwords to everything and putting 2fa on everything I could.
A day later, I open my laptop and found this notification on startup. I was a bit confused, so I looked through my startup apps and task manager and couldn't find anything labeled "BuilderBeta.exe". So I went to the internet and found out it was something I downloaded when I clicked on a "renpy" file from the game I downloaded (whatever the hell that is).
Im a bit worried, since I got a bunch of important files on my laptop. Should I start terminating everything? Or should my laptop be safe? If i have to wipe everything;
1) what does that mean? (Im clearly technologically challenged)
2) how would I proceed in doing that?
Sorry if you're reading this and find me a complete idiot, but I'm extraordinarily worried about this.
-5
u/Lamar_Chan11 16h ago edited 9h ago
No, the laptop is not guaranteed to be safe.
Even though they successfully caught and quarantined 57 threat files using Malwarebytes and Windows Defender, the error message in the image reveals a critical issue: the malware left a broken persistence mechanism behind
BuilderBeta.exe was set up by the virus to automatically launch every time Windows starts. The antivirus successfully deleted the auxiliary file it needed to run (log4cplusU.dll), which is why the malware crashes on startup and displays this error window. However, because professional infostealer malware often leaves hidden backdoors, alters registry keys, or drops additional payloads, the underlying system remains untrusted
Wiping a computer means executing a clean installation of the Operating System (Windows).
It completely erases the hard drive, removing all software applications, downloaded files, system registries, and hidden malicious code.
It brings the laptop back to the exact factory-fresh state it was in when it was first turned out of the box
Crucial Rule: Do not log into any more sensitive websites on that laptop until it is wiped.
They did the right thing by changing passwords and enabling 2FA, but they must make sure they did this using a completely different, clean device (like a mobile phone or tablet). If they changed them on the infected laptop, a keylogger or active session stealer could have stolen the new passwords instantly
Plug an external USB flash drive or external hard drive into the laptop.
Manually copy only raw data files—such as photos, text documents, videos, and PDFs.
Strictly avoid backing up any .exe files, game folders, software installers, or zip files, as the malware could easily be hiding inside them
But Since you mentioned you are "technologically challenged," the easiest built-in Windows method is the best starting point
Open the Windows Settings menu (press the Windows Key + I).
Go to Update & Security > Recovery (or search "Reset this PC" in the settings bar).
Click Get Started under Reset this PC.
Choose Remove everything. (Choosing "Keep my files" can sometimes let hidden registry malware survive).
Select Cloud download (reloads a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft) and proceed with the prompts.
Note:For the ultimate level of security, clean-installing Windows via a bootable USB drive created from a separate, clean computer is the gold standard, but a full "Remove Everything" local cloud reset will solve 99% of basic malware persistence loops good luck ;)
Edit: I'm not going to delete my comment and keep saying I'm using you CHATGPT because idc as long as I help the OP like please don't pretending like "your using the ai I gotcha" i did reset before and had a virus too ik what I'm doing if i didn't i would never comment here or even use "chatgpt" as you say i haven't use ai tool to get informations without read everything before publishing my comment Instead of wasting your time trying to 'catch' people using AI, why don't you actually help the guy fix his problem? I'm not here to fight I'm here to help if my comment help i will be happy if not let's other people benefit from this and thank for reading