I'm at the end of my rope. Perhaps there is some helpful advice to be had here. For a month or so, I've been getting a popup in Firefox telling me that my McAfee protection has expired. I don't use McAfee, so I know it's a scam. I downloaded every available anti-malware program, and nothing found any malware. Starting today, I'm getting a popup purporting to be from Microsoft - effectively the same scam, except this one locks up Firefox to the point where I have to shut it down in Task Manager. Once again, I've run every available piece of anti-malware software and nothing finds any problems. I don't know what to do next. Thanks in advance.
far from an expert, but always been told to run av in safe mode to make sure you find/kill any malware have you tried malwarebytes? Also, you can go to a number of internet forums where "trusted" volunteers will lead you through a raft of steps to rid your machine of trouble. Never tried it, but I know that Security Forum - BleepingComputer.com has that feature. Can't vouch for it, but I have used bleeping computer for other issues with great satisfaction. And, I suppose you could try deleting FF, running a scan in safe mode and then re-install. Don't know enough to know if it would do anything, but couldn't hurt. kris
Here is another decent application : Spybot Free Edition - Spybot Anti-Malware and Antivirus : Spybot Anti-Malware and Antivirus
Does it happen only in Firefox and not in other browsers? If so, it may wipe it out if you uninstall Firefox and reinstall it clean in different directory.
Just happened to be starting Windows 10 in Safe Mode, and made a Coles Notes version: ==== Reboot Windows 10 in Safe Mode with Networking 1. Press Windows key. 2. Once you are at the Windows 10 sign-in screen, you should hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and not let it go. While holding down the Shift key, click on the Power button (Windows 10 Power Button) and then click on Restart. 3. When Windows 10 restarts, you will be at the Choose an Option screen. 4. Click Troubleshooting>Advanced Options. 5. Click Start Up Options, then Restart. 6. Windows will reboot, and present you with Start Up Settings. Choose (5), Enable Safe Mode with Networking. ====
I've run MalwareBytes, Spybot S&D, HitMan, and ADW Cleaner, all in safe mode, all to no avail. FF is generally the only browser I use, but in my infrequent use of Chrome, I've never seen this behavior. I guess I'll do a full removal of Firefox next. Thanks for the advice.
If you're in w10 just open defender and let it do a defend, if firefox makes it through that search, delete firefox and use chrome. w10 defender is all you need, it will decimate any problem, if firefox is ok'd ok. Err, defender will defend the root.
Sounding more like bloatware that can be removed with the winblows uninstaller, or from within firefox.
If you're ready to become a Windows ex-pat, and if your computer is newer than your G2, this probably couldn't be a better time. Linux operators have always been overly passionate in defending their flavors, but Zorin has always stood out as a good starting point for WIndows refugees....and it just got a LOT better! Now it's so easy, even an IOS driver can use it. It's Time To Pay Attention To Zorin OS 15, The Best Desktop Linux Distro You've Never Heard Of
I haven't used Windows for years, but I do have a few recommendations you might want to look into. in reverse order becasue it makes it easier for me to post it here. If a Desktop Computer 1: Get a new hard disk - install the new disk next to original - install windows on the new disk and scan the old disk with the new install. If a Desktop or a Laptop 1: Search for a LiveCD/USB image of your liking. - Boot the Live CD or USB image and scan your hard disk with it. 2: Go here Download Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File) Since I use Linux Microsoft redirects me to an non-windows web page But if you have windows 7 8 or 10 you should get to the Microsoft Software Download Windows 10 page <--- I'll quote below what I see on the page I'm at so you can compare it to what Microsoft will show you from Win10 Above should let you download a Windows 10 ISO image that you can burn to a CD or Copy to an empty USB fob - then boot your computer from the CD or USB and scan your hard disk using the tools (hopefully provided in the ISO image) Microsoft is still fairly new to the Linux world, but have already made huge strides into utilizing Free and Open software in their Development and OEM PreInsalltion Departments. Linux Live CD images have been available for 15 years and Linux Live USB images have been available for 10 years. The windows Live CD USB images are very new and most Windows users are not aware they exist yet. 3: Search your favorite anti virus brands web site for a comprable Live CD USB image of thier anti virus software and use that to boot your computer and scan your hard disk.
