Im a computer dummy. I downloaded from a sketchy website by accident (accidently pressed the fake download when i was pretending to as a joke lol). The file that downloaded (twice) is just called install and does not show up in my files. Everytime I try and search on edge, it sends me to a different browser with the same search or to a random online store. Any help?

  • xannycat@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    probably not a virus, just pop ups or something enabled in your browser. Go through your browser and get rid of any settings that look like that. Clear your cache in the browser for all time, click all the boxes.

  • GavUK@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Run a full scan with your antivirus software (if you don’t have any other provider’s anti-virus software, you can use Microsoft Defender which is built into Windows - search for “Virus & threat protection” in the Start menu, click on “Scan options” and select “Full scan” and then click the “Scan now” button.

    Once that is done I’d suggest running an anti-malware app like Malwarebyte’s Anti-Malware.

    There’s still a risk that even after both of these that you may still have a virus or malware on your PC, so really the safest option would then be to back up all your files and any data such as Favorites, and then wipe and reinstall Windows.

    • _gorey-porn_@alien.top
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      1 year ago

      Tried 3 of the scaning options already (the shorter one, full scan and the offline one) and nothing came up :(. I’ll get my dad to wipe windows and back up my stuff when hes home tomorrow lol. Until then I’ve been doomed to play minecraft on my phone (a fate worse than death) 😱

      (Thank you for your comment btw)

  • redsaeok@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Welcome to the party and try Malware Bytes and Stinger antivirus. Follow others instructions on cleaning up your browser.

    On a related note, the first common virus that sold most people on antivirus was Michelangelo. When I was your age, the computer labs didn’t have antivirus until that one came out.

  • NikkyEv00@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    One thing you can try to do is go through window’s settings. Then hit apps, then scroll through and see if you find any super weird programs with random numbers and letters. If you think you’ve found something weird, Google the name on your phone and see what it shows you.

    If it comes up on Google as malware, Spyware etc, go back to your settings screen and Uninstall it. Hopefully that’s helps you somewhat.

  • TexasTiger70@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Easy.

    Go into EDGE and go to the 3 dots in the upper corner and click on them

    go to Extensions

    Delete any Extensions you have there.

    close and reopen EDGE and see if it is still happening.

    IF yes

    Try another browser to see if it happens there.

    Get back with me with and let me know if it works or not.

        • letmeyiffyourbutt@alien.top
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          1 year ago

          I was super against opera GX and their whole advertising to the cringe gamer type, but I downloaded it and personalized it a LOT, and it’s now my favorite browser. It’s got so many features and almost all of them are togglable, so you aren’t forced to use anything that doesn’t fit your needs. Highly recommend! (Especially if you have a lower end machine/your machine is under load a lot, since you can tune how much ram/cpu the browser can use really easily :D)