I downloaded a program from a suspicious-looking website (I know, I know) a couple days ago and immediately my Chrome and IE browsers changed homepages so it is clear that it was something malicious.
I backed-up most of my important files and am basically ready to do a system reset (using the option in Windows 8) if necessary. I have read on multiple sites that upon resetting I will need a Windows key and/or installation CD to complete the process (this laptop has no CD drive anyway). Will someone please confirm will I need it if I choose to system reset?
Most important question: As mentioned I do have a backup of important files in case I need to reset; but is it necessary? I have already completed a system refresh and so the system has been restored to a point before the program was installed (as far as I am aware). I see that the program file I downloaded still appears in my downloads folder but the browsers are back to normal and actually Chrome was uninstalled anyways in the process leaving only IE.
On the desktop there is a file listing all of the apps/programs that were removed. This program isn't on the list, however I read that all programs (including programs downloaded from websites), except for "Modern Apps", will be removed upon system refreshing so maybe it was.
So with that said the main question is: Is system refreshing and adequate solution for removing this malware downloaded a day or two ago or is it necessary to perform a system reset?
Thank you!
I backed-up most of my important files and am basically ready to do a system reset (using the option in Windows 8) if necessary. I have read on multiple sites that upon resetting I will need a Windows key and/or installation CD to complete the process (this laptop has no CD drive anyway). Will someone please confirm will I need it if I choose to system reset?
Most important question: As mentioned I do have a backup of important files in case I need to reset; but is it necessary? I have already completed a system refresh and so the system has been restored to a point before the program was installed (as far as I am aware). I see that the program file I downloaded still appears in my downloads folder but the browsers are back to normal and actually Chrome was uninstalled anyways in the process leaving only IE.
On the desktop there is a file listing all of the apps/programs that were removed. This program isn't on the list, however I read that all programs (including programs downloaded from websites), except for "Modern Apps", will be removed upon system refreshing so maybe it was.
So with that said the main question is: Is system refreshing and adequate solution for removing this malware downloaded a day or two ago or is it necessary to perform a system reset?
Thank you!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram