[kenneth7379]

Here is my Fixlog

 

[DR M]

Thanks!

A few more checks:

1. Run AdwCleaner (scan only)

Download AdwCleaner and save it to your desktop.

• Double click AdwCleaner.exe to run it.
• Click Scan Now.
  • When the scan has finished, a Scan Results window will open.
  • Click Cancel (at this point do not attempt to Quarantine anything that is found)
• Now click the Log Filestab.
  • Double click on the latest scan log (Scan logs have a [S0*] suffix, where * is replaced by a number. The latest scan will have the largest number)
  • A Notepad file will open containing the results of the scan.
  • Please post the contents of the file in your next reply.

2. Run Malwarebytes (scan only)

• Open Malwarebytes you have already installed.
• Click the little gear on the top right (Settings) and when it opens, click the Security tab and make sure about the following:
  

  Under the title Scan Options, all the options are checked.
  Under the title Windows Security Center (Premium only) the option is NOT checked.
  Under the title Potentially unwanted items all options are set to Always.

• Click on the little gear to return to the main menu and select Scan. The program will start scanning your computer. This may take about 10 minutes, but in some cases it may be take longer.
• When finished, you will see the Threat Scan Summary window open.

If threats are not found, click View Report and proceed to the two last steps below.

If threats are found, make sure that all threats are not selected, close the program and proceed to the next steps below.

• Open Malwarebytes again, click on the Scanner, and then on the Reports tab.
• Find the report with the most recent date and double click on it.
• Click on Export and then Copy to Clipboard.
• Paste its content here, in your next reply.

In your next reply, please post:

1. The AdwCleaner[S0*].txt
2. The Malwarebytes report

 

[kenneth7379]

# -------------------------------
# Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 8.4.0.0
# -------------------------------
# Build: 08-30-2022
# Database: 2023-07-19.3 (Cloud)
# Support: https://www.malwarebytes.com/support
#
# -------------------------------
# Mode: Scan
# -------------------------------
# Start: 08-11-2023
# Duration: 00:00:17
# OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
# Scanned: 32106
# Detected: 1


* [ Services ] *

No malicious services found.

* [ Folders ] *

No malicious folders found.

* [ Files ] *

No malicious files found.

* [ DLL ] *

No malicious DLLs found.

* [ WMI ] *

No malicious WMI found.

* [ Shortcuts ] *

No malicious shortcuts found.

* [ Tasks ] *

No malicious tasks found.

* [ Registry ] *

PUP.Optional.OutbytePCRepair HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Outbyte

* [ Chromium (and derivatives) ] *

No malicious Chromium entries found.

* [ Chromium URLs ] *

No malicious Chromium URLs found.

* [ Firefox (and derivatives) ] *

No malicious Firefox entries found.

* [ Firefox URLs ] *

No malicious Firefox URLs found.

* [ Hosts File Entries ] *

No malicious hosts file entries found.

* [ Preinstalled Software ] *

No Preinstalled Software found.


AdwCleaner[S00].txt - [4505 octets] - [12/09/2021 15:13:50]
AdwCleaner[S01].txt - [4291 octets] - [13/09/2021 13:19:04]
AdwCleaner[S02].txt - [4352 octets] - [13/09/2021 13:56:42]
AdwCleaner[S03].txt - [4413 octets] - [13/09/2021 13:59:40]
AdwCleaner[S04].txt - [4474 octets] - [13/09/2021 14:01:21]
AdwCleaner[C04].txt - [4484 octets] - [13/09/2021 14:02:37]

########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner\Logs\AdwCleaner[S05].txt ##########

 

[kenneth7379]

Malwarebytes
www.malwarebytes.com

-Log Details-
Scan Date: 8/11/23
Scan Time: 12:03 PM
Log File: cd098fe8-3879-11ee-b7f2-24be05136ac1.json

-Software Information-
Version: 4.5.33.272
Components Version: 1.0.2069
Update Package Version: 1.0.73861
License: Free

-System Information-
OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
CPU: x64
File System: NTFS
User: user-HP\Administrator

-Scan Summary-
Scan Type: Threat Scan
Scan Initiated By: Manual
Result: Completed
Objects Scanned: 210980
Threats Detected: 0
Threats Quarantined: 0
Time Elapsed: 4 min, 46 sec

-Scan Options-
Memory: Enabled
Startup: Enabled
Filesystem: Enabled
Archives: Enabled
Rootkits: Enabled
Heuristics: Enabled
PUP: Detect
PUM: Detect

-Scan Details-
Process: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Module: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Key: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Value: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Registry Data: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Data Stream: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Folder: 0
(No malicious items detected)

File: 0
(No malicious items detected)

Physical Sector: 0
(No malicious items detected)

WMI: 0
(No malicious items detected)


(end)

 

[DR M]

Hi, Kenneth.

Only one thing was detected by AdwCleaner. Let's clean it:

• Double click AdwCleaner.exe on your Desktop, to run it as you did before.
• Click Scan Now.
• When the scan has finished a Scan Results window will open.
• Please check all the boxes and then click Quarantine.
• Click Next.
  • If any pre-installed software was found on your machine, a prompt window will open. Click OK to close it.
  • Check any pre-installed software items you want to remove.
  • Click Quarantine.
• A prompt to save your work will appear.
  • Click Continue when you're ready to proceed.
• A prompt to restart your computer will appear.
  • Click Restart Now.
• Once your computer has restarted:
  • If it doesn't open automatically, please start AdwCleaner.
  • Click the Log Files tab.
  • Double click on the latest Clean log (Clean logs have a [C0*] suffix, where * is replaced by a number, the latest scan will have the largest number)
  • A Notepad file will open containing the results of the removal.
  • Please post the contents of the file in your next reply.

 

[kenneth7379]

# -------------------------------
# Malwarebytes AdwCleaner 8.4.0.0
# -------------------------------
# Build: 08-30-2022
# Database: 2023-07-19.3 (Cloud)
# Support: https://www.malwarebytes.com/support
#
# -------------------------------
# Mode: Scan
# -------------------------------
# Start: 08-11-2023
# Duration: 00:00:23
# OS: Windows 7 Service Pack 1
# Scanned: 32104
# Detected: 1


* [ Services ] *

No malicious services found.

* [ Folders ] *

No malicious folders found.

* [ Files ] *

No malicious files found.

* [ DLL ] *

No malicious DLLs found.

* [ WMI ] *

No malicious WMI found.

* [ Shortcuts ] *

No malicious shortcuts found.

* [ Tasks ] *

No malicious tasks found.

* [ Registry ] *

PUP.Optional.OutbytePCRepair HKLM\Software\Wow6432Node\Outbyte

* [ Chromium (and derivatives) ] *

No malicious Chromium entries found.

* [ Chromium URLs ] *

No malicious Chromium URLs found.

* [ Firefox (and derivatives) ] *

No malicious Firefox entries found.

* [ Firefox URLs ] *

No malicious Firefox URLs found.

* [ Hosts File Entries ] *

No malicious hosts file entries found.

* [ Preinstalled Software ] *

No Preinstalled Software found.


AdwCleaner[S00].txt - [4505 octets] - [12/09/2021 15:13:50]
AdwCleaner[S01].txt - [4291 octets] - [13/09/2021 13:19:04]
AdwCleaner[S02].txt - [4352 octets] - [13/09/2021 13:56:42]
AdwCleaner[S03].txt - [4413 octets] - [13/09/2021 13:59:40]
AdwCleaner[S04].txt - [4474 octets] - [13/09/2021 14:01:21]
AdwCleaner[C04].txt - [4484 octets] - [13/09/2021 14:02:37]
AdwCleaner[S05].txt - [1810 octets] - [11/08/2023 11:56:29]

########## EOF - C:\AdwCleaner\Logs\AdwCleaner[S06].txt ##########

 

[DR M]

Perfect!

The computer is clean.

Since it's late here for me, I'll be back to you tomorrow. Then, we can discuss the options about upgrading your computer. In the meantime, I would strongly recommend to make a backup of all your files and collect somewhere the keys/licenses for the paid programs you have installed.

 

[kenneth7379]

I still didn't get an answer to the question I asked about how big an external hard drive to buy for the backup. However, I've asked the guys on the guitar discussion forum that I frequent....There are a couple of guys there with enough computer knowledge that I can probably get an answer later today, and purchase one before tomorrow.

 

[DR M]

That depends on how much space your documents you want to back take. I wouldn't take an external disk less than 1T. But as I said, you will check the files you want to save first: documents, videos, pictures, music, items on Desktop or in the Downloads folder.

 

[kenneth7379]

Okay, the stores won't be open for several hours, but I'll purchase an external hard drive and come back to this thread as soon as I can. I've never used anything like this before, so I haven't a clue what to get. Do I need to acquire some type of patch cable, perhaps a USB cord that will tie the external hard drive to my tower?

 

[DR M]

An external drive is like a usb drive, but with much more space capacity. You will just copy and paste your files, from the computer to the drive. Everything will be in the package.

 

[kenneth7379]

It's going to take me about a week or so to get an external hard drive. I spent my morning looking around all the stores in this area with no success. Nobody seems to have a clue what they're selling....Most stores seemed stymied by the fact that I need one with a cable that would fit a computer by UB 3.0 sockets, and I heard several people tell me that I needed a new computer, because everything nopw comes with USB-C. And, I had one idiot tell me he could supply me with what I need but only if I buy a new phone. I'm so sick of the BS that I'm just about ready to say to hell with it and stay with my Windows 7. However, I've looked online and it appears that I can order a Seagate 2TB HDD external drive with USB 3.0 connectors, and it'll take about a week to get. However, you mentioned that I needed to respond to the thread here within three days, so may have to close this thread and open a new inquiry after I acquire the external drive for backup.

 

[DR M]

However, I've looked online and it appears that I can order a Seagate 2TB HDD external drive with USB 3.0 connectors, and it'll take about a week to get. However, you mentioned that I needed to respond to the thread here within three days, so may have to close this thread and open a new inquiry after I acquire the external drive for backup.

Great.

No need for the topic to close. I'll be here for you when you return.

 

[Macboatmaster]

My advice is to post the link to this drive

However, I've looked online and it appears that I can order a Seagate 2TB HDD external drive with USB 3.0 connectors

so that DR.M or myself may ensure it is ok for you

 

[kenneth7379]

I just got word from the store that I bought the drive from. They tell me that my order (which they claimed they didn't have stock of this morning) is ready for pickup. I've already paid for it., so I hope this is suitable.
Seagate One Touch 2 TB USB 3.0 External HDD - Black

I won't pick it up until I have an approval from someone on this forum.

 

[Macboatmaster]

Yes you should be Ok with that
It is a spinning hard drive - so although the 2.5 inch are a little more able to take a jolt than the 3.5 inch, you must be careful that you do not risk it being knocked especially when the drive is spinning.

It appears to include the necessary software for you to back up the full IMAGE of your present system
Seagate DiscWizard

You need a full image NOT just your personal data backup

As if the upgrade from 7 to 10 goes wrong and you need to go back as you are ONLY the full image will restore all you have NOW

I am sure my good colleague DR.M will guide you

I have guided many - luckily all successful using - recently the link I sent you from Windows 10 forums where I also work.

I would caution you against using some links to advice you may find on YouTube or sites on google search - quite a few of them are missing vital points - which are all covered in the link I sent you.

I wish you the best of luck with it.

 

[kenneth7379]

Thank you for your assistance, macboatmaster.

Dr. M........I'm now ready to go.

 

[DR M]

Kenneth,

The procedure described here, is really simple for you. I also asked some colleagues who are experts in Windows updates, and it seems that it is a procedure that normally won't cause any issues.

Read the article's content and let me know if you have any questions. Feel free to start, by downloading the Media Creation Tool, any time.

 

[kenneth7379]

I've gone from feeling competent to try working through the switch to feeling very intimidated to start. Having managed to work through the process of cleaning the computer with someone else able to guide me step-by-step through it, it seemed like it might be within my skill-set. Once I realized that as soon as I start, I'm completely on my own, I'm afraid of it. Once my computer is going through the process, I don't even have the luxury of having another computer at my disposal to ask questions. I might be better trying to save the money to have a professional do this for me. I realize this may seem fairly simple to someone with some background in computers, but just reading the instructions in that article really emphasized to me just how little I know.

 

[DR M]

Kenneth,

You can start from the title Agree to the terms and conditions and download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (Create Windows 10 installation media).

The only thing you have to do is to double click it and follow the prompts. When you are asked, these options must be checked:

Upgrade this PC now
Keep personal files and apps (if it's not an option, check Keep files only, or, in case is not available, Nothing. You already backed up your files).

I understand your fear to do it, but it's not difficult. The thing that would make me a bit upset, is that perhaps the option keep files and apps wouldn't be enabled. Yes, I would have my files, but installing my programs/apps from the beginning would be too much.

Anyway, I gave you the risks about running an out of date system. I also gave you the instructions to upgrade for free (and legally). What you are going to do, is your own decision and only. I can't press you.