Windows 10: Virus deleted explorer.exe. How can I factory reset?

Hello all, a few months ago I fell victim to a Trojan virus imitating a google update, and after accidentally giving the virus permission to change computer files, my computer restarted and began having a significantly longer startup time and displaying the error of “unknown hard error”. This virus is identical to this previous thread here, though the answers did not list any ways to help.https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/possible-virus-on-my-pc/b4b33e29-1fb3-40ec-a305-bfdb260569c4.The virus has deleted explorer.exe, and so my Settings cannot be accessed. I have tried runni

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No Internet Explorer after reset

After a factory reset Internet Explorer no longer works and QuickBooks Pro says it won't run without it. The Internet Explorer program folder is there with a few files but no .exe file. I tried to install it but get a pop up that it is already installed. It is not listed in Add/Remove Windows Programs to turn on. Is there any way to fix this?

 

Does a FACTORY RESET delete your Virus? Great Computer turns to Crap

Ok, here's my interesting situation. Tried to download a game, then all sorts of spyware, adware, malware and probably viruses started downloading to my computer and taking over the memory. Eventually I started getting BSOD, and because the computer wouldn't stay on long enough to run my malware/virus scans, I was forced to do a FACTORY RESET. I went from WIN 10 to the original WIN 7 that the computer came with. Because I had to do a RESET all my stuff is out of date which is expected.

To make a long story short, what was a perfectly running computer before the attempted game download, now I have a computer that freezes, error codes when trying to install windows updates, and my internet crashes. So my question is, even after a Factory Reset, is the virus removed or do you still have to do a virus scan?

(My attempted AVAST virus scan won't even scan through..it gets stuck at "compatibility check").


Also one more question...if your getting BSOD's...then how can you run win 10 in safe mode as the F8 button is disabled?

 

How to remove Gallery.exe (Virus)

I've been dealing with a virus named "Gallery.exe," and despite my best efforts, it keeps coming back. I've taken several steps to remove it, including formatting my disk, but it still manages to return. I was able to spot this suspicious exe running in my background, I tried my best to find it's location but it kept opening File Explorer with no signs of that exe. When I opened the exe location using Task Manager it opened 'C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming". I could not see the exe in that location, I somehow opened the exe properties and saw the hidden option on it was greyed out. So I used the command "attrib -h -s /s /d" to unhide the file and then I was able to see it. I deleted the file but then, it kept coming back with every restart. Since then, my windows is going insane, the Windows anti-virus keeps deleting genuine files like, AMD Software, Google Chrome, and windows apps itself. My different apps started behaving weird and all.

What I've Tried So Far:

• Formatting the disk and performing a clean install of the operating system.
  
• Running multiple antivirus and anti-malware scans.
  
• Installing all available Windows updates and patches.
  

Unfortunately, none of these attempts have been successful in permanently removing this pesky virus.

System Information:

• Operating System: Windows 11
  

Specific Questions:

1. Has anyone encountered a similar virus issue and successfully removed it? If so, could you please share your experience and the steps you took?
   
2. Are there any known vulnerabilities or software that "Gallery.exe" may exploit to keep reappearing?
   

I'm open to any advice, suggestions, or guidance you can provide. My goal is to get my computer back to a virus-free state and ensure it remains that way.

Thank you in advance for your help and support. Your expertise is greatly appreciated!

Best regards, Rehan Ramay