Windows 10: malware blocks my use of the Microsoft store

I bought NCH Software's Wavepad Music editor years ago, lifetime ownership for $20. Every three weeks they force an update and want another $20, or $340 a year forever. I delete the update and reinstall the original one I bought. They retaliate by breaking my MS Photos App and giving me a prompt to buy their Pixillion Instead. When I try to reinstall Photos from the MS Store, it won't install for some unspecified reason. If I reinstall Windows 10 from a repair disc, my cursor is lost at the Lock Screen. NCH has hijacked my PC and my use of apps from the MS Store. I will only be using that comp

:)

 

Microsoft Store

I had that problem, too. To get to Windows Store I do this ... Press the Windows-key Type "store" Select "Windows Store" ... and a new window opens. In task manager that window shows as "ApplicationFrameHost.exe". The window says: Try that again Page could not be loaded. Please try again later. Code: 0x80131500 CV: 9jPxrx9VRkSFU8vv I traced the problem to a site being blocked in the hosts file: 0.0.0.0 store-images.s-microsoft.com That entry was put there by a malware-blocker site-list utility. I removed it and the Microsoft Store became accessible once more.

 

Virus or Malware blocking everything literally

See if the malware still blocks things. A clean install is a sure way to remove the malware which I would suggest if this doesn't work as expected.

 

App store and Microsoft account

Thank you for the advice

I see what you mean about the password but i think its a backward step to compromise my Microsoft password to to use the app store