Solved New machine w/ Windows 10, can't switch windows without minimizing or closing active window first.

[losdavos]

Hmm, Sophos didn't seem to work. I got through these steps,

• Double click the icon and select Run
• Click Next
• Select I accept the terms in this license agreement, then click Next twice
• Click Install
• Click Finish to launch the program

but after clicking "Finish" on the install, the program didn't launch. I probably should have asked first but I went ahead and tried double clicking the program's icon on my desktop to launch it, but just got an error message...

 

[Broni]

Use this instead...

Please run a free online scan with the ESET Online Scanner

• Disable your antivirus program
• Click on "Run ESET Online Scanner" button.
• Tick the box next to YES, I accept the Terms of Use
• Click Start
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
• Check Scan archives
• Click Start
• ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
• When the scan completes, push List of found threats
• Click on Export to text file , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.

 

[losdavos]

Hmm looks like ESET is a little different now; it doesn't exactly follow the steps you list above. Feel like cautiously pointing this out, before guessing through the prompts I'm getting... Thanks

 

[Broni]

Sorry about it....

Please run a free online scan with the ESET Online Scanner

• Disable your antivirus program
• Under "ESET Online Scanner" click on "Scan now" button.
• It'll download small file "esetonlinescanner_enu.exe".
• Double click on downloaded file.
• Click on Accept button.
• Checkmark "Disable detection of potentially unwanted applications".
• Click Scan
• Accept any security warnings from your browser.
• ESET will then download updates for itself, install itself, and begin scanning your computer. Please be patient as this can take some time.
• When the scan completes, click List of found threats
• Click on Export to text file , and save the file to your desktop using a unique name, such as ESETScan. Include the contents of this report in your next reply.

 

[losdavos]

Okay I ran it but it just said it found zero threats / zero infected files. Didn't offer me a way to export anything.

 

[Broni]

Update Firefox to the current version.

Your computer is clean

1. This step will remove all cleaning tools we used, it'll reset restore points (so you won't get reinfected by accidentally using some older restore point) and it'll make some other minor adjustments...
This is a very crucial step so make sure you don't skip it.
Download

DelFix by Xplode to your desktop. Delfix will delete all the used tools and logfiles.

Double-click Delfix.exe to start the tool.
Make sure the following items are checked:

• Activate UAC (optional; some users prefer to keep it off)
• Remove disinfection tools
• Create registry backup
• Purge System Restore
• Reset system settings

Now click "Run" and wait patiently.
Once finished a logfile will be created. You don't have to attach it to your next reply.

2. Make sure Windows Updates are current.

3. If any trojans, rootkits or bootkits were listed among your infection(s), make sure, you change all of your on-line important passwords (bank account(s), secured web sites, etc.) immediately!

4. Check if your browser plugins are up to date.
Firefox - https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/
other browsers: https://browsercheck.qualys.com/ (click on "Scan without installing plugin" and then on "Scan now")

5. Download, and install WOT (Web OF Trust): http://www.mywot.com/. It'll warn you (in most cases) about dangerous web sites.

6. Run Malwarebytes "Quick scan" once in a while to assure safety of your computer.

7. Run Temporary File Cleaner (TFC), AdwCleaner and Junkware Removal Tool (JRT) weekly (you need to redownload these tools since they were removed by DelFix).

8. Download and install Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI): https://www.techspot.com/downloads/4898-secunia-personal-software-inspector-psi.html. The Secunia PSI is a FREE security tool designed to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs and plug-ins which expose your PC to attacks. Run it weekly.

9. (optional) If you want to keep all your programs up to date, download and install FileHippo Update Checker.
The Update Checker will scan your computer for installed software, check the versions and then send this information to FileHippo.com to see if there are any newer releases.

10. When installing\updating ANY program, make sure you always select "Custom " installation, so you can UN-check any possible "drive-by-install" (foistware), like toolbars etc., which may try to install along with the legitimate program. Do NOT click "Next" button without looking at any given page.

11. Read:
How did I get infected?, With steps so it does not happen again!: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic2520.html
Simple and easy ways to keep your computer safe and secure on the Internet: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/keep-your-computer-safe-online/
About those Toolbars and Add-ons - Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUPs) which change your browser settings: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/for...curity-questions-best-practices/#entry3187642

12. Please, let me know, how your computer is doing.

 

[losdavos]

Hi Broni, thanks very much for all your help. My wife might be buying a new computer herself. Anything you recommend setting up and keeping running on a *new* machine? Maybe some of the steps you list in your last post above? Anything else? Thanks again!!

 

[Broni]

Definitely. Steps 4-11 apply to any machine.

Good luck and stay safe

 

[losdavos]

Hi Broni,
Well you ask that we, your "clients," let you know how our computers are doing, so, here's something. The problem I describe in my initial post in this thread is back. I guess it wasn't malware related. I thought maybe it was, but after all the work we did together--and because it was going on before we worked together, I now think it's not malware-related. I realize that malware seems to be your specialty, but do you maybe have any suggestions for what I can try to do about it? I'm super mad at Lenovo for telling me I'd have to pay for them to work on this really very new machine. And searching online hasn't shown me anyone else having--let alone fixing--this same problem...
Thanks!

 

[Broni]

In this forum, we make sure, your computer is free of malware and your computer is clean
Because the access to malware forum is very limited, your best option is to create new topic about your current issue, at Windows section.
You'll get more attention.

Good luck