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Perform a fresh system reset on Windows 8.1

Perform a fresh system reset on Windows 8.1

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Goy2Kill_XD
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49
03-20-2016, 03:45 PM
#1
Last night I was trying to reinstall Windows 8.1. Everything seemed to go smoothly until I realized I should have started with antivirus and malware protection. In my rush, I unknowingly downloaded a program that resembled Google Chrome. While setting it up, an alert popped up and my mind went into alarm. I understood my error. Perhaps a fresh install would be better. When I attempted to reinstall, the system accessed my recovery partition, which was infected. After all installations, opening the browser revealed three shortcuts and several registry changes. Numerous attempts were made—antivirus tools, spyware removal, registry fixes, disk cleanup, formatting, and even BIOS adjustments—but nothing resolved the issue. I’ve tried everything from removing partitions to using a virtual drive, but it keeps returning. My disk manager displayed a mix of files, and I suspect a corrupted x: drive might be involved. I’ve also cleaned hard drives, reformatted, and changed boot settings, yet the problem persists. I’m seeking guidance on what to do next.
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Goy2Kill_XD
03-20-2016, 03:45 PM #1

Last night I was trying to reinstall Windows 8.1. Everything seemed to go smoothly until I realized I should have started with antivirus and malware protection. In my rush, I unknowingly downloaded a program that resembled Google Chrome. While setting it up, an alert popped up and my mind went into alarm. I understood my error. Perhaps a fresh install would be better. When I attempted to reinstall, the system accessed my recovery partition, which was infected. After all installations, opening the browser revealed three shortcuts and several registry changes. Numerous attempts were made—antivirus tools, spyware removal, registry fixes, disk cleanup, formatting, and even BIOS adjustments—but nothing resolved the issue. I’ve tried everything from removing partitions to using a virtual drive, but it keeps returning. My disk manager displayed a mix of files, and I suspect a corrupted x: drive might be involved. I’ve also cleaned hard drives, reformatted, and changed boot settings, yet the problem persists. I’m seeking guidance on what to do next.

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lololala_123
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111
03-21-2016, 09:12 PM
#2
I'm experiencing the same problem with attachments on your Chrome email, but switching to Firefox has resolved it.
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lololala_123
03-21-2016, 09:12 PM #2

I'm experiencing the same problem with attachments on your Chrome email, but switching to Firefox has resolved it.

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Sushi292
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179
03-22-2016, 03:18 AM
#3
Transfer Windows 8 via USB and erase every drive during installation. Should that fail, reformat all storage devices. If necessary, move drives outside, smash them with a sledgehammer, ensuring the malware is completely removed.
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Sushi292
03-22-2016, 03:18 AM #3

Transfer Windows 8 via USB and erase every drive during installation. Should that fail, reformat all storage devices. If necessary, move drives outside, smash them with a sledgehammer, ensuring the malware is completely removed.

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Flashplayer551
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195
03-25-2016, 11:07 PM
#4
It could be that your browser is syncing notes and extensions. When setting up Windows to remove the recovery partition, make sure to delete it during installation.
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Flashplayer551
03-25-2016, 11:07 PM #4

It could be that your browser is syncing notes and extensions. When setting up Windows to remove the recovery partition, make sure to delete it during installation.

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Killer_Queen5
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03-29-2016, 04:10 PM
#5
I’d start with a fresh clean setup from CD/USB. The process lets you pick the installation drive and format any you choose. Another possibility mentioned is ELSknutson’s advice about needing permits on your Google account—checking your Android settings might reveal issues. Also, look for unwanted extensions in Chrome. Good luck!
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Killer_Queen5
03-29-2016, 04:10 PM #5

I’d start with a fresh clean setup from CD/USB. The process lets you pick the installation drive and format any you choose. Another possibility mentioned is ELSknutson’s advice about needing permits on your Google account—checking your Android settings might reveal issues. Also, look for unwanted extensions in Chrome. Good luck!

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louie018
Posting Freak
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824
03-30-2016, 10:16 AM
#6
Attempted but it didn’t work. I’m planning to remove Chrome from another computer to observe the outcome today.
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louie018
03-30-2016, 10:16 AM #6

Attempted but it didn’t work. I’m planning to remove Chrome from another computer to observe the outcome today.

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Leeh42
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36
04-01-2016, 08:37 AM
#7
I adjusted a few options in Chrome and it seems to be working well so far. My last question is, after installing Windows and logging in for the first time, why do I see a wallpaper I downloaded earlier? If I had cleared everything, it should have disappeared and left just a standard background. For the installation from a USB drive, I’ll do that later today.
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Leeh42
04-01-2016, 08:37 AM #7

I adjusted a few options in Chrome and it seems to be working well so far. My last question is, after installing Windows and logging in for the first time, why do I see a wallpaper I downloaded earlier? If I had cleared everything, it should have disappeared and left just a standard background. For the installation from a USB drive, I’ll do that later today.

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