Major Virus/malware Issues After Upgrading To Windows 10 From Windows 8

I never really had serious viruss/malware issues when I had Windows 8. An occasional hitch/corrupted/infected file, yes, but nothing major. That changed after my tech, aka Super Grouch, installed Windows 10 after I had a minor infection. Now, it seems like my laptop slows down/has a hissy fit about every 2 months or so. I've had it in the shop TWICE in the last 5 months and I am getting tired of being scolded about freeware/ad-supported program, etc., etc.

When I had Windows 8, I used Advanced System Care (free version), IOBit Malware Fighter (free), Driver Booster, YoWinodw (weather program), 4K Video Downloader, and other free/ad-supported software programs and never really had virus/malware issues. With Windows 10, I use Avast anti-virus (free), Rogue Killer (free), which was recommended by a tech other than Super Grouch, Ccleaner (free), YoWindow and the video downloader. I keep them updated and run each regularly, but my system STILL slows down/stops responding on occasion, and drains my wallet. The ONLY thing Avast and Rogue Killer found was the AOL toolbar for Internet Explorer, which I removed. Could Windows 10 ITSELF be the problem? Should I go back to using Advanced System Care/Malware Fighter, or maybe use them in addition to the anti-virus/malware? I accidentally disabled Windows Defender somehow and now can't figure out how to enable it again. Should I download Defender and reinstall it?

I know, a lot of questions, but I'm hoping someone can help me with this!

 

As your Avast/Rogue Killer scans didn't find anything you certainly aren't suffering from major malware/virus issues. Your problem, whatever it is, lies elsewhere. I wouldn't take issue with any of the software you are using though many here would prefer that non-techs use MBAM rather than Rogue Killer. Don't worry about Defender not working, it gets switched off automatically when you install another AV program. If you want to use it instead of Avast just uninstall Avast. Have to say I do have some sympathy with Super Grouch. If you are frequently downloading freebies you had best be very careful which site you are getting them from, as many are loaded with stuff you should really best avoid. Use MG wherever possible and be careful to read any notes MG have added and to uncheck any prechecked options during installation unless you know you want them. Iobit are a classic example of this. Anyway MBAM will help you find and remove any you do get.

As to Win 10, I guess you simply ran the upgrade rather than doing a clean install? Not all upgrades are 100% successful - mine wasn't and I ended up doing a fresh install. If intermittent system problems (rather than malware) persist you might want to do a clean install.

 

Actually, my tech installed Windows 10 when it was in for repair, so I'm not sure if it was an upgrade or clean install.




When downloading free versions of software, I use Major Geeks. Anything else I download, like games, I do research on the website (usually asking computer savvy people if it is safe, reading blogs, etc) and if I do download a program, I ALWAYS scan it with anti-virus/malware software before installing and pay attention during the install to make sure I'm not installing something I don't want, namely those pesky toolbars and other junk. I've learned through trial and error/experiences of other users which sites are "safe" to a certain point and which ones to avoid like the plague! A couple sites I have found quite useful in checking programs are Virus Total and of course, Major Geeks. I would be lost without them!


I downloaded MBAM a while back but never got around to installing it. I will double check to make sure I have the latest version and give it a try. Thanks for your help. I've heard Microsoft is STILL working out all the bugs in Win 10, which honestly is a bit daunting. You'd think they would try to do that BEFORE releasing something, but then again, we are talking about Microsoft!

 

You sound like you are well aware of the pitfalls when downloading and installing so I must withdraw my sympathy for Super Grouch Re Win 10, it is just scaremongering and mischievous for ppl to say MS are still working on bugs. The bugs are largely gone and it's now a stable OS but one that will be subject to continuous development and modification. Problems will continue though with third party software which isn't yet 100% Win 10 compliant. The answer to that, just as with any OS, is a regular system backup regime enabling you to back out of any problems you may run into.

Let us know of any specific issues you encounter and we'll see what can be done.​

 

That's what I figured with Win 10 "bugs." I have to say I like Win 10 better than Win 8. I jumped straight from XP to 8 and had a hard time adjusting at first. I intensely disliked the "blocks" and downloaded Start Menu 8 to make the transition easier, but after more than a few problems, found that was the root of the problem! Never did have the chance to experience 8.1, so I can't really give an opinion on that. I had a friend try to tell me Win 10kept track of "all keystrokes" and told me to read the book "1984" to get an idea what she was talking about. I know Bing does that (and disabled it!), but I'm skeptical about the "all keystrokes" deal. This friend seems to think she knows a lot more about computers than she really does, so I usually take her statements about that with a graain of salt.

Thanks again for your help. If any other issues arise, I will let you know.

One final question: my other tech recommended SuperAntispyware. I tried it but it seems to cause havoc with Internet Explorer so I uninstalled it. What do you think of the program? Worth trying again or not?

 

Yes. My default browser is Firefox and there are no issues with SAS. Windows 10 uses Edge browser.

 

Check your "C:\" drive. If there's a "Windows Old" folder, the Windows 10 was an upgrade and not a clean install. The upgrade used your Windows 8 Key for activation and if you need to, you can roll back to Win 8. A clean install might require a new product key.

 

There WAS a Windows.old folder in my C:\ drive, but since I've been using MBAM, it has "disappeared. The majority of my "issues" are gone as well. I ran a search for WIndows.old and it came up as two folders and 2 Manifests in the WindowsSxS folder. One manifest was listed as "amd64_microsoft-windows-a..oldertool.resources.......etc