Computer Advice

[Goldseeker]

I have had three strange happenings in the pas few days witon my computer.

Item 1.   Having done my computer work for the day, I was shutting the computer down when my screen became ingulfed with a full screen advert for Pizza Hut.   The only way I could then shut the computer down was to hit and hold the power button.

Item 2.   Went to shut the computer down two days ago when a full screen advert for Visit America came on.   Again hit the power button and held it till the computer went off.

Item 3.   Just playing Elvenar and went into one of my worlds when the screen became filled with a blue screen and a windows corporation logo stating that they were collecting information re trouble shooting on computers.

Question:   Have I now got a virus or some other unwanted software on my computer.

I run Windows 10 as my operating system and have got AVG as my protector.

No smart comments please just helpful comments wanted.

TIA

[trout]

Run your security software to see if it can detect what is wrong and remove the virus for you.
I forgot to add that it would be prudent to update the virus and spyware definitions on you virus software before you run the scan :ok:

[JeffH]

Does sound like the sort of thing a virus would do.
If AVG does not find anything then you could try Malwarebytes or CCleaner free downloads.
Windows 10 also has a built in security scan you could try -make sure your updates are current. If you go for the full scan option be prepared to wait for several hours for the scan to complete. You may have to temporarily disable your virus protection to be able to access the Windows scan.

Also, you could try a system restore to an earlier date if you have set a system restore point recently.

[p.gee]

I've had problems with pop up adds twice in the past and it can be very frustrating. Like Trout and Jeff said run anti virus and check for windows updates. If that doesn't work, Google the problem because chances are someone has had this problem before you. Another option can be to reset the computer to a previous date before the problem first occurred. You will loose any work that has been saved post that date but this has worked for me in the past. Each time I had the problem was after clicking on banner adds on gumtree.

[Fr45h3R]

My suggestion would be to back up any documents / photos you want to keep, and use a system restore option as p.gee suggested.
The pain of trying to clean up malware / viruses such as this can take longer than a fresh build.

[JeffH]

Windows 10 does offer a restore option that promises to reinstall windows without losing any of your files. Don't believe that promise -backup first.

[serenitystan]

I have had the same problem myself. The windows corp trouble shooting is a scam. Next time it happens just turn your computer off. As long as you have AVG its all good.

[Goldseeker]

Many thanks to all who have responded.

Malwarebytes programme found 4,982 threats and all have been isolated according to the programme.   I have tried to delete the quarantined items with no success.

I am aware of the reset of the computer through Windows 10 but not sure how to go about it.   My son is on his way over and I will get him to do the reset.

[ausproofs]

Sorry to hear about your troubles mate. As others suggested, do a back up of files and do a clean build. Then get Kaspersky or similar antivirus software.

http://au.pcmag.com/antivirus-reviews-and/8949/guide/the-best-antivirus-protection-of-2017

Some antivirus can bloat systems, but Bitdefender and Kaspersky is very light but effective.