Windows 10: My Windows 10 System has been hijacked - now what?

This past week I was using my system with Excel, Word and Edge. Suddenly a pop-up dialog box said my Adobe Flash was out of date. I figure what the heck I should update it, so I clicked within the box to update my system. One of the biggest mistakes of my life! The result is that programs were downloaded I didn't want, ask for and know I was getting including some dangerous software. The following was downloaded at the least:


Opera Browser

Chromium Software


Facebook Taskbar Icon

Chromium Software


WinZip

WinZip Driver Update

WinZip Smart Monitor

SpeedDial

PC Tonics

WinTonicFreeFileViewer

FreeFileViewer

HotSpotShield

ByteFence*


Questions:

1. When I attempted to enter this info, the formatting became all screwed up. In fact, I had the info in an Excel file in my system which I attempted to copy and paste piece by piece and it became so messed up I had to delete it and start new in a new form. WHY?

2. How can I possibly find one place where the disastrous download and install occurred? Can I undo all the issues where this happened, or

3. Must I somehow remove all this software one by one and how?

4. since this "hijacking" took place, I have had all kinds of "permission" errors especially when I attempt to save an image or a file in Excel or Word - why

5. How can I avoid this happening in the future as the dialog box that began this all looked 100% authentic and I had no idea there were other programs involved in the download and install.

6. When I finally get my system cleaned out, I want to then download and install the SpeedDial from the authentic location so I do not get hijacked again, or is this a bad idea. I didn't really use it but it looked useful.

7. Does anyone know of any issues with ByteFence?

8. Why didn't Defender stop this?

9. I also intend to install WinZip from the official site.

10. OF all this, have I missed anything?

11. Can anyone recommend a GREAT anti-virus, anti-malware combined program that works extremely well?


I do believe this is all. However, I do not understand why Adobe has not caught this and stopped it, either manually or legally and further, if there are legitimate programs. I would like to stress, I have basically been unable to use my system since this all happened due to all the issues and errors and problems and concerns so I desperately need help and appreciate all who attempt to do so.


Thank you!


Details:

Windows 10

Office 365

Lenovo Desktop

Memory: Tons and Tons!

Storage: 2T

1T internal

1T external

Quick question: IS there any issue with saving all my data files on an external hard drive?







:)

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Browser hijacked by safesurfs.com Malware

After reading what you went through I would strongly suggest you read the advice of Monkey57 and try his steps. Normally

Browser hijackers don't show this kind of behavior and more could be going on. Normally I don't suggest Resetting your computer but in this case....

 

Unlocked Realtek HD Audio Drivers Windows 7 & 8 (With Dolby Digital Live and DTS Interactive)

DTS supported natively by Windows 8/8.1 and it should work on windows 10 too just DDL require to unlock your driver .