Windows 10: Infected?

Is this a legitimate notice from Microsoft, or is this part of the infection?

Is the phone number shown a legitimate phone number for Microsoft?

Does this suggest that all of my devices linked to my Microsoft log in are infected? this inquiry is on behalf of my wife, not my own log in

:)

 

steps taken for infected Pc's.


I was hoping someone could give me a list of step by step instructions you use as a guide to clean virus, malware...etc. so I can keep my PC clean if it gets infected.

thx

 

steps taken for infected Pc's.


Hi:

There is no one set of "boilerplate", "cookbook" or standard steps.
Each computer is unique.
Each malware infection is unique.
Proper diagnosis, cleanup and repair depends on the particular infection and the system that is infected.
The process can be tedious and time-consuming, often requiring the use of multiple powerful tools, in the proper sequence.
Many of them can actually damage the system if deployed improperly by untrained computer users.

Bottom line:
Malware cleanup is best done with *customized* support provided by trained individuals who know what tools to use and how to use them.

There are a few folks with such expertise here at this forum (I am not one of them).
And there are a number of reputable computer disinfection fora where trained malware removal experts provide free, custom assistance.

Cheers,

 

clean possibly infected flash drives and CD-RWs

Your steps in post #1 should work for 99% of viruses that may be on a usb flash drive. However, there are a very few viruses that can infect the MBR of a drive. I would use Diskpart from a command prompt (Admin) to clean them. In the command prompt type DISKPART then, at the Diskpart prompt use the commands:

LIST DISKnote the disk number of the usb and use it in place of # in the command:SELECT DISK #
CLEAN
CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY

After this you will have cleaned the partition table from the usb and created a partition using the whole of the the available space. You can then format this partition in File Explorer.


For a CD-RW, if you right-click on it in File Explorer there is an Erase option.