baker7

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Posts posted by baker7

  1. @flashh4

    I agree with Chuck. There are lots of different antivirus companies And anti-spyware companies that tell us they are “the best”. It is up to you to make a decision as to what you think is appropriate as far as what you think is “the best”. There are other people who are of a mind, like myself, who rely on certain programs in certain tools to be used in an anti-malware removal process, or a scan process to remove any junkware.   Trendmicro may be a good program, but that would be up to the person using it. There are so many programs out there that it is hard to know which is the best unless you use them every day.

    without question in my mind the following programs are the best: Windows Defender, And Malwarebytes anti-malware.  When a Virus strikes my machine, I know that most times it can remove it. If it doesn’t, then I come to Chuck or another trusted individual who knows how to remove this garbage.

    I once went through Malware removal school but then had to drop out because I just didn’t have the time to be able to complete whatever they ask for, and not only that it became more difficult to complete what they were asking for. In the times of today there are many viruses and spyware programs out there or versions of junkware That clog up computers and cause more problems than not. This is why I chose to go with someone who understands how to remove that material, and you have to keep up with it as JACK has an order to be able to give a proper instructions.  

    Chuck, you may want to go through the forms and remove some of these “advertisements for services” that are popping up inside the forms themselves. I have read at least five posts in the last hour that are similar to that in my post feed. They might be helpful posts, but to me it sounds like they are spam, and they should be checked out and removed if either you or Jeff or another moderator believe that they are junk posts.  One of them is dealing with how to “write essays” and it seems to be some Advertisements.

    Take care my friend! 

    Brian

  2. @flashh4

    as I normally do: I will not install windows 11: it is too early for anyone to do this, and there are things about windows 11 that are not in windows 10. My hope is that Microsoft will not force the installation of windows 11 on anyone. You spend more time trying to stop rogue installations of Windows software than anything else, and I hope that after Microsoft got their ass sued from doing what they did before, they learn a lesson and let us decide went to install windows 11. They told us way back when that windows 10 would be the “last“ version of windows, but unfortunately this is a lie. I understand that they want to upgrade windows to the newest version, but I have learned from experience being a technician for over 20 years that it is not a good idea to force new programs on people, nor is it a good idea to just install it because it’s brand new and “ready for everyone to see“

    I will wait for a long while before installing windows 11. Microsoft needs to put back in features that are removed from windows 11 before I will use windows 11. It is hard enough to use it myself when they change things that I don’t like, but it is even worse when I have to support someone on a new operating system and they don’t know where things were that they used to have before. I went down to my dads at least twice in the last two months because of the fact that things went haywire after an update, and I was lucky that most of my stepmother‘s files if not all of them were still there they were just under a different program. All of her files were on Google drive so I was able to recover all of that. Microsoft needs to understand that they need to understand that the newest versions of any software are not necessarily good for people that have been using the older software and are familiar with it. Remember windows vista? That was a failure! Remember windows eight? That was a failure: when will Microsoft word that it is up to the user to decide when to install their products rather than to be forced to update to them. As I said you spend more time trying to stop them from putting things on the machine rather than trying to use what you have. It is up to the user to decide what to put on and when not up to Microsoft. This is why they got sued.

    Let’s hope Microsoft learns a lesson and let us make that decision: lest they get sued again.

    On a personal note I hope you are doing well: been along time since I’ve been here: been dealing with family issues and other things going on working on websites, and just relaxing and rolling with whatever is going on with COVID-19. I have been tested once I am clear and I have still not gotten it, because I use my mask when necessary. Take care Chuck!
     

    Brian

     

     


     

  3. Chuck:  I understand that, but the new Creator's Update won't let some programs even launch without disabling the SmartScreen filter, and in some cases it may stop some of the Antimalware programs we may ask users to run:  I had to do that once when I was trying to clean an infection - it would delete the tool that was trying to remove the infection.  I know that you may have to disable the SmartScreen Filter though. - and sometimes it would make the tool useless because it detects it as a PUP or a Hacktool or something along those lines.

    Brian

  4. hpg3:

    That's no problem at all - a lot of the time, they try to throw stuff in a download that you do not need.  Google Chrome is notorious for doing this, and another program that do this include Mcaffee AV, and other adware and Junkware.  Chuck is very good at what he does and he keeps up with this pretty well.

     

    I do understand that some of this stuff can be challenging for older folks - I have had to assist my Dad and Stepmom a few times because they run into trouble sometimes.  My Dad is 71, so I try to answer his questions as straight as I can - My stepmom can get really edgy about technology, so I try to set her mind at ease by telling her not to worry - Last Time out, it was a printer problem, and the USB cable was loose in the back, and once I pushed it in, it was OK :)

    Take Care,

    Brian

  5. Hello Everyone:

    Because there have been people that have to be able to download files from Internet Sources, I figured that I would provide a Tutorial Here for this purpose.  In past setups, before defender, you could simply turn off your Antivirus, and download the file. then add the exception.  Chuck has provided instructions for disabling Windows Defender for Windows 7. so I will provide information on how to do this when you have a machine with Fall Creator's Update installed.

    You Will Need:

    ·  A windows 10 machine that has been upgraded with the Fall Creator's Update [Either Home, Professional or Enterprise Editions]

    · A copy of the following Reg files:  disableSmartScreen.Reg and UndoDisableSmartScreen.reg (Attached)

     

    Why is it Different:  Previously, all you had to do was to disable your Antivirus or Antimalware program to allow for you to download the files you need.  Now, with the advent of the Fall Creator's Update, it takes a few extra steps to download the file(s) you need.  What would happen is that Windows will NOT allow you to run the file, because it detects that it is not advisable to run it - Instead of letting the user decide, it just locks the ability to run it:  So, we have to remove these barriers before proceeding to the next step.

    Step 1:  Disable SmartScreen Filters:  In order for the files to be able to be downloaded without being blocked, SmartScreen has to be disabled, or the files you download will not run.  this is because not only will Defender warn you, but it will not allow you to run the file.  Disabling Smartscreen takes care of this: 

    a:)   Download the 2 reg files that are attached to this post to your desktop - Once you do that, find the file  " disableSmartScreen.reg " and double click on it.  When you do this, it will ask to open Windows Registry Editor - Click "OK" and it will launch the reg file.

    b:) You will get a popup box that will ask you if you are sure you want to add the registry entry to the registry.  Click "Yes" and the next box should say that it was successfully added.  This now means that SmartScreen Filters are DISABLED:  We will reenable them when we are finished downloading the files you need and they have been run.

    Step 2:  Windows Defender:  You have to also disable the Windows Defender so that you can download the files you need and run them as necessary:

    a:)  Click on the white shield on the taskbar to open Windows Defender

    b:)  Click "Virus and Threat Protection"

    c:) Click "Virus and Threat Protection Settings"

    d:) Turn OFF: Real Time Protection

    e:) Turn OFF Cloud Delivered Protection

    f:)  If needed. scroll down to the bottom, click on "exclusions" and add them - (File, Folder, Filetype or Process) This is so that if you need to run a  particular file, Defender won't disable and or delete the files folders, filetypes or processes you exclude when you reenable Defender.  This should allow the file to run unimpeded.

    Step 3:  When done running whatever it is you need,  simply go back to Step 2, and repeat steps 2a 2b 2c 2d and 2e, BUT You want to Turn ON Real Time Protection and Cloud Delivered Protection.

    Step 4: Close Windows Defender after reenabling the Real Time and Cloud Delivered Protection

    Step 5:  Go back to Step 1 and run UndoDisableSmartScreen.reg  - Click on this, and open the reg file - It will tell you that the file has been successfully added to the registry.

    That's it!  This way, you will be able to disable the SmartScreen Filter and Windows Defender on a Windows 10 machine running the Fall Creators Update ~ Brian

     

     

    DisableSmartScreen.reg

    UndoDisableSmartScreen.reg

  6. On ‎1‎/‎19‎/‎2018 at 2:02 PM, hpg3 said:

    Brian, thank you for the answer.  I do have another question regarding PUP files. I tried Google Chrome as a home page and not my usual MSN.  I ran a scan with   Malware, free edition , before opening Google and nothing shows up.  I ran it again after spending a few minutes with Google Chrome and ran the scan again. This time, I had 89 PUP files.  I had this happen every time I use Google Chrome.  I guess I should give up on Google. 

    You are welcome hpg3 - Glad to be of service :)

    I do not recommend running Google chrome - This is because I do not believe it is as safe (secure) as the latest version of Firefox.  Google seems to want to have EVERYONE running it, and whenever you download anything nowadays, you seem to get a Google Chrome download as part of the process.  I would be very mindful of this when downloading anything from the net - Choose to Install a program with "Custom Installation" options, because if you don't, it will install everything bundled with the software.  Custom Installation lets you UNCHECK the junk that you do not want or need - most times, this is a way for malware to get into your system. 

    A PUP file is a "Potentially Unwanted Program"  This designation does not necessarily mean that the file is "bad" - it is a file that malware removal programs mark for a user to check - There are some files that may show up as a PUP, or there may be files that a Malware Removal Specialist may have you download that show as a PUP or a virus - sometimes, you need to run these things, so you would have to follow the Specialist's advice for this situation.  Removal of PUP''s is up to you, and if you have any questions about that, Chuck (Flashh4) would be able to provide more information on these.

    according to google:

    A PUP (potentially unwanted program) is a program that may be unwanted, despite the possibility that users consented to download it. PUPs include spyware, adware, and dialers, and are often downloaded in conjunction with a program that the user wants.

    [SOURCE:  http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/PUP]

    Do Not give up on Google - Just be aware that most things you download need to be scanned to be sure that they are free of viruses!

     

    Hope this helps :)

    Brian

  7. root·kit
    ˈro͞otˌkit/  
    noun
    Computing
    noun: rootkit; plural noun: rootkits
    1. a set of software tools that enable an unauthorized user to gain control of a computer system without being detected.
       
      You should scan for rootkits, so it should not be a problem for you to place a check in that box - If it detects it, they should be removed.
       
      Good Luck!
       
      Brian
  8. Chuck:

     

    I understand:  However, I will have to post the way that you do that in Windows 10  - Because the Windows 10 Fall Creators update makes it hard to turn something OFF in the event you have a VIRUS, and need to run Malware removal tools: You have to also disable Windows Smartscreen, because without that, you cant even RUN some of these tools that may be needed, so I figured I would add a post for doing this on Windows 10 ;)

    Brian

     

  9. Good Afternoon:

    I have a question regarding OneDrive:

    In the Thrift Store, we have a Surface2 RT. It is set up to access OneDrive online through the internet.  The problem is that on Onedrive,, we have a directory that stores our Customer Purchase sheet.  If I save it, it looks like it goes to the OneDrive Folder - However, when I go home to my desktop, I try to open this file, and it does not exist, and instead, there are 5-6 copies of this file, and they are old. (2016, 2015, 2014, 2013)  However, if I power on the Surface, login and then click on the This PC Icon, I can see a Folder called "Skydrive".

    The question is:  How do I make the changes necessary to make sure that the OneDrive saves the file in the folder/directory I specify?  I think the Skydrive Folder and the Onedrive folder are somehow different, and this is causing the problem.  The file does NOT exist, and I think it is because of the differences in the folder/directory names

    Any Idea what is going on?

    Thanks,

    Brian

  10. Good Morning hpg3:

    to move files is easy, you just have to decide whether you want to copy them and paste them, keeping the originals in place, or cut them and paste them to MOVE them from one folder to another. All you would have to do is:

    1.  Hold down control key, and while doing this, LEFT Click on all files that you want to move to the SD Card.

    2.  When you have all of these files selected (BLUE HILIGHTED) RIGHT Click in an open area of the screen, and select "cut"  If you do that, you will MOVE the files from one location to another location WITHOUT keeping the original file.

    3.  Now, open the drive you want to move the files to in File Explorer, and then select "paste" and then all the files selected will be moved from one drive to another

    Hope this helps!

    Brian  

  11. 10 minutes ago, Furperson said:

    In response to my first question which was answered by Brian then followed up by Chuck I am trying to access the Malware removal programme.

    I normally do not respond to Malware Removal posts, but this time I am doing so to help the OP - You should follow the instructions in the Pinned and locked Threads.  These posts will guide you as you post an OTL log, and whatever Prescans are requested.  Then the Helper would respond to help you.  Do exactly what they say, and in the order that they say, and They will help you clean up.

     

    Brian

  12. 1 hour ago, Furperson said:

    Thanks Brian,

    I have 80 gb memory and 483 mb free but I have very little on my computer to fill the whole disk.  My recycle bin has a whole list of things in there as though my whole system has been duplicated.  I run a good Virus Protector called System Mechanic Professional and nothing has been picked up.  My machine seems to run at normal speed

    Furperson:

    You are welcome :)

    Sounds like there is a bunch of stuff in Recycle Bin:  Chuck is one of our Malware Removal Specialists:  As he says, start a topic in the Malware Removal section, and follow his directions exactly as he directs.

    Chuck will give you a bunch of scans to run to determine whether there is malware on your system.  Do each of them as he requests, and in the order he requests.  He can take it from here.

    Good Luck!

    Brian

     

  13. Furperson:

    How much disk space do you have available?  How much disk space do you have in total?  Do you know if malware may be possibly be impacting what is going on?  You may be able to reduce your disk space problem, and increase the amount you have by doing the following things:

      IE:

    1.  Go to Tools>Delete Browsing History, and then take a look at the things there:  Delete Your Temporary Internet files, and any other things that may be in your cache.

    2.  Recycle Bin: When you "delete a file" in Windows, it goes to the Recycle Bin.  You could have a TON of files in your Recycle Bin - This could be a reason for the drop in disk space.  You have to "empty recycle bin" in order to recover the disk space, and you may find that you have sent a lot there, and not deleted it from the recycle bin.

    3. Firefox:  Clear you cache:  Go to about:preferences#advanced  Clear your Cached Web Content and your "Offiline web content and user data." 

    4.  You may be able to clear more than that if you run a program called "Temporary file Cleaner" By Oldtimer:  You would be surprised as to how much space is being used by temporary files and data.

    5.  I recommend that you have the BT Trusted Helpers -  Flashh4 (Chuck) is one check you over to make sure that you are not infected with some sort of malware.  Malware can also slow down your system to a crawl sometimes. Post a request for assistance in our Malware Removal Forums, and they should be able to clean you right up.

     

    Good Luck!!

    Brian

  14. https://support.realvnc.com/knowledgebase/article/View/345/5/vnc-server-in-virtual-mode-appears-to-hang-or-you-see-a-grey-screen-because-a-desktop-environment-cannot-be-loaded

     

    Going from your description, the reason for the issue you face is that VNC Server doesn't work well with version 3 of Gnome (including the Cinnamon desktop environment) in Virtual mode. For this circumstance, I'd recommend using an alternative desktop such as XFCE or KDE as per the following article:

    In addition to the desktops listed, I've successfully used the MATE desktop in Virtual mode.

    Regards,
    Ally
    RealVNC Product Support

    Ticket Details