Retired IT guy here. Excellent video on the tools we use, I’ve taught my clients to use, and the average layman can use too. Be forewarned… Geek Squad isn’t going to be happy about this video. But I don’t consider that a bad thing. ;-)
That doesn't bother me. I never take a computer to Geek Squad anyhow! Anyone knowledgeable enough can do most of what they do at home. These things are not usually difficult. What I do to make sure that malware is gone for good is just reinstall Windows. Then I don't have to worry about services that are still running or registry entries I missed or any of that 💩. That can only fail if your install media is tainted with malware but some people probably think Windows is malware anyhow! A reinstall does not get rid of all malware but it will work on most of it.
Thanks Scott! I'm an old former computer repair technician myself, and I appreciate you updating me on the latest free malware diagnostic and removal software currently available.
I watched with some caution. I downloaded all five tools. I used the first four tools. My buggy windows 10 Dell desktop monitor got cleaned up. My Microsoft Edge has stopped crashing multiply times a day every day. I couldn't get rid of nasty browser extensions. They are gone!!! This works!!!
Awesome video! Liked, Subscribed, & Shared. As a retired ITSC Submarines of 20 years, I must say this is the best video in this area I've seen so far. You explained in such a way that any one at ANY computer knowledge level. In such instances I can't help someone with their computer myself, your channel will be Highly recommended by me!
@@spaert In the long run, doesnt make much difference. SSDs had to be babied 10 years ago cos of the cost and wear but now? Who cares. Windows by standard will only do Trim on them so not really an issue. I do a once a year full A to Z defrag on my data dump SSDs to just read and re-write all the data. Never caused an issue. For most people though, doesnt need to be done.
I'm IT guy, and I was doing all these process you mentioned on the video since 20+ years ago, and to be honest, instead of waiting for these Malware software scanning the PC to come up with something, I just take a backup of the important file and browsers credentials, and fresh installation windows, many maintenance shops use costume made Windows ISO with all needed software pre-installed, Last note from myself, *I use Arch BTW*
@@MrBlaine5 Beside software activation, everything can easily back-up, in most cases you need to copy user profile folder and recopy it again after install, even you didn't want to go into costume windows ISO thing, you can create *silent installer* e.g. MS Office support it and many popular software does, In the past, I even went crazy and use tool to record registry changes during installation process and take a back-up of software folder, and restore both after fresh install and most of the cases it works. There is many methods and way to make thing go faster (in simple IT) job, even MS offers these tools for free to save you time, but people rarely use them.
Great run through on some of the newer tools. Had a recent take over attempt on my home machine and thought I had everything covered but ran the tools anyway. Didn't find any additional problems but gave some needed peace of mind. Thanks!
I'm not a IT guy, but always been playing it safe and learning some stuff, even though my PC is fine, this video is really useful that I'm saving it as favorite. Thanks!
There are more settings like choosing which hard drive to scan and scanning for root kits that are available in the free Malwarebytes. Customize your scan.
Overall good video. My one criticism, warn users about cookies. Malwarebytes and others will want to remove all the cookies it finds. For some users, this can really mess up their browsing especially if they don't realize what deleting all their cookies involves. Deleting them CAN be good, but they need to be aware of the effect, as it will be very visible to them as soon as they try and browse anywhere and some users will wonder what is wrong, think something is broken, etc.
Thanks to UA-cam’s recommendation! 😊 I’ve been using 4 of these tools for years, but I’ve never tried Tron before. It’s definitely going to be one of my go-to tools from now on. Thanks for the video!
Very well done. I have used krill and torn. Both are exceptional. It may have been a bit better for us amateurs if you referred to the log files that are left. If I remember correctly, krill creates a log file which helps identify the bad on the pc. Otherwise, excellent video.
You’re very easy to understand. You are very fast not very slow. You explain things so easy many more people like you. I definitely if you have a Google page and you want five star give me the link cause I will definitely give you five star and I’m sorry I realize that I wrote my Message to you twice. I was trying to rewrite it and wind up with a double message. I don’t know if they’re the same or not sorry.😊
I am also retired, but thank you so much for the TRON tip, it works wonders. I have an old computer, but works well, the problem is that they have filled the software with so much crap, that you have to buy more powerfull computers to do less than you did before. Take Excell for an example, did you know you can invert a matrix with it? When I graduated I inverted quite a few matrices with one of the biggest computers of its time, an IBM 360-65 which had a whopping 750Kb of memory (literally), and that thing was huge, one of the biggest computers the oil industry had. After that in over 50 years I have not inverted one single matrix, so its not that the computers are old. I bet nobody uses more than 20 % of what Word can do, and the rest is just a waste. Anyway thank you very very much for a great tip.
Two Issues I have with it is 1) I don't see a way to keep it from Defragging an SSD, (which is a NO NO)! 2) It will update Firefox, (which I DON'T want)! I know there is a batch file that it has so you can choose yes or no on some option's before you run it.
Fantastic as usual! Q: As a general rule should all the "finds" be quarantined? I was kind of left hanging on malwarebytes section when you didn't say what to do with the suspects it finds (?).
Excellent video! BTW, do you have any tool recommendations for rescuing a hard drive's partition table? My once working drive is coming up as a RAW filesystem in windows 10.
Not that I'm aware of. Once the drive is unpartitioned, usually only the program or app that caused it can repair or undo it. You can try AOMEI Partition Assistant, it might help. If not, download Recuva (free) to try and save your deleted files: What If You Could Clone Your Disk WITHOUT Data Loss? ua-cam.com/video/UBmdMHmRjBM/v-deo.html
If I know a computer has malware, it's getting wiped. Only way to be sure. That said, running an adblocker is one of the best ways to keep malware out as many of them will block known malware domains.
I wouldn't. As a general rule, don't scan for issues if you're not having issues. However, a good idea to have these file handy in case something happens down the road 👍
All I'm getting when I try running Tron is the command window asking me over and over again if I want to replace one individual file with another one. The options are yes, no, skip, or quit. It goes on and on. This is after extracting the files. I cannot get this thing to run as an administrator. I tried to say no, don't replace a couple of times, then did the same thing with saying yes, to get to the part where the programs run. Nothing. Help! Also, Lenovo Service Bridge won't stay open on my laptop. It tries to open then auto-closes. This is after I downloaded and ran the other programs you recommended last night. My touchpad quit working and now I can't get a hardware scan from my manufacturer. What's going on???
Originally these software companies (Windows, Norton Anti Virus, Malwarebytes etc.) sold hard copies (floppy discs CD, DVD) of their products giving the user free updates. They changed all of that to downloading, and increased pricing for additional levels of protection which eventually ended with 12 monthly payments. Today some offer yearly plans which will cost you a pretty penny.
I watched you enough lately, you feel like a friend! Great material, well presented. Don't know what you can do for me, but I have a real problem. I got a good malware infection, and it is causing me to tear my hair out. It was controlling my mouse/pointer. I took it off line, cut the wi-fi, cut the B/tooth, isolated from everything, it was still fighting me for control of the pointer, and clicking randomly, though it seemed to be intelligent, rather than totally random. Tried all your tools, still had the problem, and nothing picked it up, or stopped it! Finally took the nuclear option, Used the HP recovery USB, which allegedly reformatted the SSD. Bloody thing is still there, doing everything it can to interfere with the reinstallation. Needless to say it still isn't connected to anything at all. It is a HP spectre i7 on Windows 10. Any help or advice you can offer would be very much appreciated, I'm getting to the end of my ability, and have reached that mystical state, "....doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome...." lol, I think they call that madness Regards Richard
Did you disconnect the power supply, disconnect the battery, remove the memory and let it sit for like 5 minutes to completely discharge? You may want to wipe your SSD or get another one (time to upgrade?) as something may be residing in memory or on a hidden partition on the SSD.
@redline4265 Thanks, I have put it aside for now; invested in a new machine. Shame it was a really good machine. I will give that a try, and let you know how it goes. I havz been doing some background reading, looking to format from the C prompt to try and destroy those hidden partitions. The damn thing gets very active and interferes with the windows reload, causing the re-install to fail. It's bloody irritating, but sort of impressive too, in a sick sort of way,
I have a Malwarebytes question. It goes through the normal scanning, when it gets to scanning the files, it may scan 150,000 files and it just sets there for about 45 minutes and then continues and adds more files scanned and shows 0 detections found. Why does it set there for 45-60 minutes? Thanks
Depends on how large your drive is, how many files you have, possible infections, etc. It can run in the background, best to just let it run. Or restart in safe mode and run it there
RogueKiller question please.... When I close RogueKiller with its window's close button, the RK icon remains in the system tray. From that icon of course I can right click and exit it completely, or reopen it. Alternatively I can completely exit it by clicking the "exit door" button in the RK main screen. But is there any way to completely exit the program by ONLY clicking its window's close button? If not, I guess that's ok but I don't understand the state that the program is in after hitting the window close button (i.e., while the RK window is closed but the icon is still in the system tray). I'm using the free version so it's definitely not doing any real-time protection. Is it doing anything at all? If not, why is the system tray icon still there? Similar behaviour with MalwareBytes, except to exit completely from the system tray icon, it triggers UAC. Plus MWB does not have an "exit door" button like RK does, AFAIK. This is not really important to me but I'm trying to setup a new PC for non-savvy user and trying to simplify usage as much as possible.
Thank you for the videos. I just discovered your channel. I want to keep my windows 10 on my new laptop. What do you think, after updates end, will it be smart to keep windows 10? I just like Windows 10 much more than 11.
Great Video for Computer Fixing Repairs, I look forward to more Computer Fixing Videos. Fixing People charges are so expensive not days, hard on Retired Peoples Pocket Books. Like anything, you can not fix it without the correct tools, Thank You from an old man of 86.
First off...Awesome video, informative. This is a good lineup. I am an IT guy here in my city, I can confirm this list, I have used all these with no problem except hitman which i have never used, but i see no problem with trying... You got a new subscriber👍, you seem to know your stuff, well done..
Thank you Scott, grate information and instructions. ROGUEKILLER is only supported to Windows10. However, I have a Windows11 operating system! My question, is the RogueKiller working on the Windows11 system?
Scott, your videos are always so helpful, thank you. A question about the Windows ISO file. If there comes a day when we wish to use it when Windows 10 is no longer available from Microsoft, how does this ISO version of Windows 10 get updated? It will not be the latest version, and when Microsoft pulls the plug on it, how long will they support at least the last update of the version? Will they keep the update procedure on their site even though Windows 10 is no longer supported? Also, do they ever update the ISO itself, or do they rely solely on their site to update it once it is installed?
October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. No new updates, security patches. Just upgrade to Windows 11. I brought a retail DVD Windows 7 Ultimate, over 10 years ago...created a new Microsoft account. That has been upgraded to windows 8.1 for a few months, back to 7, then upgraded to 10 (which I loved) and again to 11. Multiple different hardware configs through the years and still on the same account.
Great question! I don't know how often they update the ISO honestly...never paid much attention to the version installed because I always update immediately after. I would say, based on that, make one now...maybe make another one October 1 of next year 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy Thanks for that. I had no idea only that it was recommended by another UA-cam tech guy a few years back. Your my guy and I'm stickn' with you. 👍
You want to know how bad Norton is? Got a laptop and Hubby was bound and determined to put Norton on it. As soon as he did, everything went caplooey! Our wifi provider offered us a free Anti-virus program. Understand, it was a new computer, we hadn't got it set up yet or got online. So they walked us through everything and ran the scan...Norton installed the..can't recall if it was a virus or malware, but it was on their installation disk! 😮 I refuse to use any of their products anymore.
Problem - I ran Tron and now when I power the ASUS laptop the initial screen asks for Windows Setup. I try these options without success If I power off, it sometimes starts normally.
Sounds like you have some major Windows corruption. I would recommend a wipe and reload: How to WIPE your hard drive and DELETE viruses from your PC! ua-cam.com/video/jN6zir-M_WY/v-deo.html
Admission is free, one only has to pay at the door. Meaning the app is free to download, but if one want's to utilize any and all of it's total abilities. One is mandated to subscribe aka pay money.
I've never paid for these programs, except for MalwareBytes for my use. The free versions work fine on any client pc I use them on. Not sure why you think you have to pay for them. You don't.
Great video, thanks. Those are valuable tools you discussed. I was glad to see you have the lifetime Malwarebytes license. I've been using it for many years. Just wondering what is your opinion of Norton Power Eraser?
Can this be done for the error that is with my audio service. Windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer. Error 126: The specified module could not be found. It's been 3 days extremely frustrated. Suddenly the audio service was out with a red cross ❌ mark on taskbar in the audio icon. Have tried so many fixes mentioned in many you tube like literally everything but to no avail. Can Tron script fix the audio service. I really don't want to do fresh install of windows for something as simple as Audio service not running. U would think dam windows should be able to fix these simple issues via troubleshooting, driver reinstalling, updating but no it seems like to every problem in windows the solution is factory reset how pathetic has windows become. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.😢😢😢😢😢
TronScript might fix it, but that's a bit extreme. I'd start with updating your audio driver and /or reinstall. You can do this manually or use DriverMax to find the updated drivers for you (EVERY Windows user should do THIS *right now*! ua-cam.com/video/OWPjOgAjr4o/v-deo.html). If that doesn't help, I'd run some of these tools, as well as system restore. Wiping and starting over is probably last resort
No reason to use Tron for this. First, make a system restore point. Then simply open up Device manager, Choose View, then Show Hidden Devices. Next, expand the Sound, Video and game controllers section and delete any devices that have an X in them. Also if there is no X, then delete all devices that are in grey shadow. with possible exception of any with Microsoft name. Then reboot. If it works, great. If it doesn't, go back into Device manager, Show hidden devices, expand sound..... Check if any X or grey devices are back. If so, delete them. Close device manager. Go to programs and features and uninstall all audio software, then reboot. Something should show back up unless you actually are having a audio hardware problem. If something does show back up, you can go to the sound manufacturer to reinstall the audio software. See if that helps.
@@SpaceCadet4Jesus understood will do the steps mentioned above. And no it's not a hardware problem because similar thing happened in another laptop and after trying everything had to do clean install and the sound is back but it's hard here to do clean install too much apps and files 1TB hard disk files are here the other one had no files was old laptop used only for small tasks. So I will do the steps above much appreciated 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@AskYourComputerGuy so after following the above mentioned steps rebooting the laptop the problem remained the same. The red ❌ mark is still there saying audio services aren't running. And of course going to services.msc and starting windows audio gives the message ---- "windows cannot start the windows audio service on local computer. ERROR 126. The specified module could not be found". Like u mentioned I went to device manager than show hidden items than on sound , video , game controller section than there wasn't any drivers having ❌ on them so the ones that were grey shadow as u said to delete them ( by delete u mean uninstall because delete option isn't there only uninstall and update and others so I uninstalled them 5 of them were there in grey shadow all had Microsoft name I thought 🤔 well let's remove these as well so did that rebooted nothing happened. Than as u said to go back to device manager and check if any ❌ or grey devices are back and there wasn't any. So closed device manager went to control panel program and features uninstalled 2 audio drivers. Asked for reboot did that and after rebooting those audio drivers does show back up in device manager. And nothing 😭😔😭 same as before.
That’s what I’m worried about having to do because my steam acount password and email got lost and if I reset my pc I will loose hundreds of dollars of games I have tried to file a password reset but have this thing were it says I need to refresh the page but it never lets me
I had upgraded from Windows 10 to 11 a few days ago. I ran all 5 tools yesterday. But, after running Tron I noticed the following: My Windows.old folder was deleted. Not a big deal since it was going to get deleted anyway. The Search window was removed from the Taskbar. Not a big deal. I put it back. Tron wanted to install .NET 3.5. I chose No. Do I need this? 1. Windows System logs were cleared. Not a big deal. But, under "Filter current log", "By log", "By source", and "Task category" are grayed out now. Can't choose these options. 2. Under "Virus and threat protection settings", "Cloud-delivered protection" and "Automatic sample submission" options are now grayed out. Can't toggle now. "This setting is managed by your administrator". Was this supposed to happen? How can I fix this?
awesome video for win10 iso when we reinstall it whats going to happen with the windows product key? what if you dont know it can you not install it then?
Thank you for the informative video,for me I used to use Kaspersky antivirus rescue CD which was really good for PC's with windows XP installed on them back then, it runs live boot and it was the only way to run successfully because the windows was in an unusable state!and it worked magically to fix whatever problem the pc had Nowadays I use malware bites and hitman pro bothe are excellent in solving most of the problems
If you can't even get into safe mode, AND all other troubleshooting has been done, I would wipe it and reload Windows. Here's how: How to WIPE your hard drive and DELETE viruses from your PC! ua-cam.com/video/jN6zir-M_WY/v-deo.html
Thanks for this!!!! Question - on the Windows installer disk. Do I need to create a separate installer usb or disk for each windows 10 computer? Or will 1 installer download work for all windows 10 computers? I’m thinking about the computers’ identification number in case I need to reinstall windows. Thanks so much!!
Each version of Windows needs it's own installer, so separate discs for separate versions. One disc per Windows 10 it they are all the same (Home Edition vs Professional). If you want to have multiple versions, just grab the ISO files instead, create one Ventoy drive and just drop the ISO files onto it. Here's how: The LAST flash drive you will ever need! Ventoy FULL walk-thru and review! ua-cam.com/video/MIT3w-EPA9M/v-deo.html
All of these programs, except Rkill and TronScript, do have paid versions. Of course they want you to buy them, but you don't have to, of course. The programs will work 100% without purchase
Fair question! Say for example you have proprietary software that you no longer have the installation media for. Or you haven't backed up your files, cloned your drive etc. yes, reinstalling windows is quicker and easier, but some people have 10+ years of custom configurations and software that they can’t get back. Every situation is different.
@@AskYourComputerGuy in this case I would spend first 30% of the video to tell those folks they need to create snapshots of theirs system drive NOW, before they run nuclear option and risk to lose that unique proprietary software. Every situation is different but backup always come first, especially when lamers will start running multiple cleanup tools one after another
@ The other was Linux boot disc and load into the Linux environment and look for odd named files and delete them, but have to be careful with that one I did that with a virus that rkill couldn’t shut down
I would start with a) best behavior (meaning don't do things that will cause issues, like downloading torrents, etc), b) quality antivirus For antivirus. My recommendation is Eset (www.jdoqocy.com/gi104wktqks79899C8DFH799EFEBDA) And c) MalwareBytes as my real-time backup to my Eset AV: prf.hn/l/q3BJaLB
🍁🍁 Going over this a second time and want to be clear. Do I / Should I shutdown/shutoff my primary security software while I go through these applications????
Advice from an ex-Doctor Solomons' and McAfee tech: DON'T try to install several anti-virus products all at once, and don't try to run them simultaneously. Anti-virus software runs at a very low level on your computer, and if you run two or more at the same time, they can often interfere with each other and cause problems, even blue-screen crashes. Install one at a time. Test one at a time. Pick your favourite. Install ONLY that product. Good luck all! 👍
Retired IT guy here. Excellent video on the tools we use, I’ve taught my clients to use, and the average layman can use too. Be forewarned… Geek Squad isn’t going to be happy about this video. But I don’t consider that a bad thing. ;-)
LOL the angrier they are, the harder they should try to be better 😂
@@AskYourComputerGuyif you can talk to them tell them to activate the bit locker fully so no one can access the files thanks 🙏🏿👍🏿
That doesn't bother me. I never take a computer to Geek Squad anyhow! Anyone knowledgeable enough can do most of what they do at home. These things are not usually difficult. What I do to make sure that malware is gone for good is just reinstall Windows. Then I don't have to worry about services that are still running or registry entries I missed or any of that 💩. That can only fail if your install media is tainted with malware but some people probably think Windows is malware anyhow! A reinstall does not get rid of all malware but it will work on most of it.
Former Geek Squad...they out source the pc cleaning and repair to India
Doesn't surprise me 🤷♂️
Thanks Scott! I'm an old former computer repair technician myself, and I appreciate you updating me on the latest free malware diagnostic and removal software currently available.
You bet 👍
Thank you Scott,from an old man who lives in the UK, your videos are always very useful and a lifesaver. 👍😎
Glad you like them! Cheers!
I watched with some caution. I downloaded all five tools. I used the first four tools. My buggy windows 10 Dell desktop monitor got cleaned up. My Microsoft Edge has stopped crashing multiply times a day every day. I couldn't get rid of nasty browser extensions. They are gone!!! This works!!!
A-men!!!! ❤️
Haven't got many windows boxes left, but really appreciate the help you've shown us. may you live long and prosper!
Awesome video! Liked, Subscribed, & Shared. As a retired ITSC Submarines of 20 years, I must say this is the best video in this area I've seen so far. You explained in such a way that any one at ANY computer knowledge level. In such instances I can't help someone with their computer myself, your channel will be Highly recommended by me!
And I appreciate that so much! Thank you for your service, friend! 👍
As someone who knows nothing about computers your channel really helps
Thanks
From Bleeping, you can add ADWcleaner also.
ADW Cleaner isn't horrible. I've used it occasionally until I found TronScript
Just a note - for those that still think defragging helps them. Do not defrag your drives if they are ssds!!
100% agreed
Didn't know that. Thanks!
@@spaert In the long run, doesnt make much difference. SSDs had to be babied 10 years ago cos of the cost and wear but now? Who cares. Windows by standard will only do Trim on them so not really an issue. I do a once a year full A to Z defrag on my data dump SSDs to just read and re-write all the data. Never caused an issue. For most people though, doesnt need to be done.
ha ha .. There's nothing to "defrag" on SSDs ... Nothing happens
@richardcraniumXLVII that is correct
I'm IT guy, and I was doing all these process you mentioned on the video since 20+ years ago, and to be honest, instead of waiting for these Malware software scanning the PC to come up with something, I just take a backup of the important file and browsers credentials, and fresh installation windows, many maintenance shops use costume made Windows ISO with all needed software pre-installed, Last note from myself, *I use Arch BTW*
they would have to reinstall the programs they installed, some older customers can't do that anymore.
uunnless they have a backup program that has a way of backing those up also.
@@MrBlaine5 Beside software activation, everything can easily back-up, in most cases you need to copy user profile folder and recopy it again after install, even you didn't want to go into costume windows ISO thing, you can create *silent installer* e.g. MS Office support it and many popular software does,
In the past, I even went crazy and use tool to record registry changes during installation process and take a back-up of software folder, and restore both after fresh install and most of the cases it works.
There is many methods and way to make thing go faster (in simple IT) job, even MS offers these tools for free to save you time, but people rarely use them.
@@مقاطعمترجمة-ش8ث whsts Arch?
@@مقاطعمترجمة-ش8ث Arch Linux?
Great run through on some of the newer tools. Had a recent take over attempt on my home machine and thought I had everything covered but ran the tools anyway. Didn't find any additional problems but gave some needed peace of mind. Thanks!
I'm glad it was helpful!
I'm not a IT guy, but always been playing it safe and learning some stuff, even though my PC is fine, this video is really useful that I'm saving it as favorite. Thanks!
Excellent, thanks!
There are more settings like choosing which hard drive to scan and scanning for root kits that are available in the free Malwarebytes. Customize your scan.
Overall good video. My one criticism, warn users about cookies. Malwarebytes and others will want to remove all the cookies it finds. For some users, this can really mess up their browsing especially if they don't realize what deleting all their cookies involves. Deleting them CAN be good, but they need to be aware of the effect, as it will be very visible to them as soon as they try and browse anywhere and some users will wonder what is wrong, think something is broken, etc.
👍
Thank you so much I used the first 2 tools and pop up gone and my screens loading much faster thanks again
You're welcome! Glad those tools worked for you.
Thanks to UA-cam’s recommendation! 😊 I’ve been using 4 of these tools for years, but I’ve never tried Tron before. It’s definitely going to be one of my go-to tools from now on. Thanks for the video!
You bet!!! 👍
WOW! did this it was the hitman pro that sorted my computer out well happy its flying again and no adverts what a bonus.
Excellent!
Thanks!
Thank you SO much for the support 👍
56 year old Windows user , thanks to this guy , he is the obi wan of fixing windows
I appreciate that 👍 ❤️
Thank you for taking your time to inform us of these really useful tools. Backed up on another drive and bookmarked for the future, nice.
Thank you! I appreciate that
Very well done. I have used krill and torn. Both are exceptional. It may have been a bit better for us amateurs if you referred to the log files that are left. If I remember correctly, krill creates a log file which helps identify the bad on the pc. Otherwise, excellent video.
I will add that to the next video 👍
Let me know when that video is so I can do the same thing. I am a subscriber now I subscribe all and I always like.😊
Thanks
Thank you for the support!!! ❤️
Thank you Scott - Very down to earth and clear - Looking forward to trying all of them.
I was going to mention mcafee stinger standalone av scanner, but tron has it evidently. Also Microsoft MSERT tool is a good free scanner. Nice video.
Thank you 👍
Type in your windows search box (at bottom of your screen left in task bar)
MRT, then you'll see it.
Just love Rkill and RougeKiller. Sometime PC troubleshooting has to go dark. Thanks Scott
You bet 👍
"RougeKiller"?? Does that scan your computer to make sure that it's not wearing any makeup? Or did you mean RogueKiller? 😂
Really? 😂😂😂
Exactly why would he say that ridiculous I would say really too
Excellent. You're very easy to follow and understand. Thank you!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you found it helpful 👍
You’re very easy to understand. You are very fast not very slow. You explain things so easy many more people like you. I definitely if you have a Google page and you want five star give me the link cause I will definitely give you five star and I’m sorry I realize that I wrote my Message to you twice.
I was trying to rewrite it and wind up with a double message. I don’t know if they’re the same or not sorry.😊
Another first class and well explained training session for those of us who maintain our own computers. Thank you sir.
Thank you! I appreciate that 👍
Many thanks. As I said before I'm really looking forward to your videos. Best wishes from the UK
Glad you like them! Cheers! 🍺
Best wishes from the United States
I am also retired, but thank you so much for the TRON tip, it works wonders. I have an old computer, but works well, the problem is that they have filled the software with so much crap, that you have to buy more powerfull computers to do less than you did before. Take Excell for an example, did you know you can invert a matrix with it? When I graduated I inverted quite a few matrices with one of the biggest computers of its time, an IBM 360-65 which had a whopping 750Kb of memory (literally), and that thing was huge, one of the biggest computers the oil industry had. After that in over 50 years I have not inverted one single matrix, so its not that the computers are old. I bet nobody uses more than 20 % of what Word can do, and the rest is just a waste. Anyway thank you very very much for a great tip.
Two Issues I have with it is 1) I don't see a way to keep it from Defragging an SSD, (which is a NO NO)! 2) It will update Firefox, (which I DON'T want)!
I know there is a batch file that it has so you can choose yes or no on some option's before you run it.
Yes you can use the command like options to skip certain features. It won't defrag an SSD once detected
Thank you!! I'm liking, subscribing, sharing, and commenting for you!!!
Fantastic as usual! Q: As a general rule should all the "finds" be quarantined? I was kind of left hanging on malwarebytes section when you didn't say what to do with the suspects it finds (?).
Thanks so much for another great video! These are the best programs for fixing a slow computer. Nice to have these all together in your toolkit.
👍
Perfect video as usual. Thanks you for this. I am going to use this created folder for my repairs...Have a GREAT Christmas!
Same to you! Thanks for the support 👍
Thank you for taking your time to make this video.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video! BTW, do you have any tool recommendations for rescuing a hard drive's partition table? My once working drive is coming up as a RAW filesystem in windows 10.
Not that I'm aware of. Once the drive is unpartitioned, usually only the program or app that caused it can repair or undo it. You can try AOMEI Partition Assistant, it might help. If not, download Recuva (free) to try and save your deleted files:
What If You Could Clone Your Disk WITHOUT Data Loss?
ua-cam.com/video/UBmdMHmRjBM/v-deo.html
I have been using VIPER anti-virus since 2014 and haven't so much as seen a pop-up. Around $39.00 a yr, but very well worth it.
Thanks so much. While watching I created a folder on my Ventoy thumb drive for these tools.
Good idea.
Thank you for this info! Very useful. As s retired Computer Tech, this will help up my game. I also have a flakey laptop gonna try this on.
I appreciate that! Good luck 👍
thanks again scott. from a real oldster. you are a treasure. btw is there any way to stop ads on pirate bay.
I've heard uBlock Origin (?) is good, but as a creator, we never recommend AdBlockers. That's how we get paid. But that's the one I would use
If I know a computer has malware, it's getting wiped. Only way to be sure. That said, running an adblocker is one of the best ways to keep malware out as many of them will block known malware domains.
👍
You can install browsers like Brave or Tor that you can set them to a high security setting, no ads will get through from those browsers.
@steampunkster2023 👍
@@steampunkster2023 Brave wouldn't let me download the Tron program...lol
I Hope you do a true low level wipe ! Gotta get all those corrupt MBR’s
Thanks for the info. Would have been nice to have an INDEX into the discussion segments.
Great as always!! thank you!!
I appreciate that! 💪
Very informative and easy to understand. Thank you.
Is it beneficial to run these programs even if you are not having problems as a preventive measure?
I wouldn't. As a general rule, don't scan for issues if you're not having issues. However, a good idea to have these file handy in case something happens down the road 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy Thank you for that piece of advice.
You don't "clean" an infected Windows. You reformat and reinstall it.
All I'm getting when I try running Tron is the command window asking me over and over again if I want to replace one individual file with another one. The options are yes, no, skip, or quit. It goes on and on. This is after extracting the files. I cannot get this thing to run as an administrator. I tried to say no, don't replace a couple of times, then did the same thing with saying yes, to get to the part where the programs run. Nothing. Help! Also, Lenovo Service Bridge won't stay open on my laptop. It tries to open then auto-closes. This is after I downloaded and ran the other programs you recommended last night. My touchpad quit working and now I can't get a hardware scan from my manufacturer. What's going on???
Remove all TronScript extracted folders. Restart in safe mode, try again 👍
Its called paid advertising on utube😂😂😂😂
Originally these software companies (Windows, Norton Anti Virus, Malwarebytes etc.) sold hard copies (floppy discs CD, DVD) of their products giving the user free updates. They changed all of that to downloading, and increased pricing for additional levels of protection which eventually ended with 12 monthly payments. Today some offer yearly plans which will cost you a pretty penny.
Unfortunately, software as a service is quickly becoming the new normal :(
I can't thank you enough. This video was awesome and best of all in English. I understood it all and absolutely loved it. Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for this video, I'm so glad I found your channel. :)
You are so welcome!
That was a lot to cover today. I hope I can keep up with all this tech stuff.
I try to keep it simple so everyone can follow along
I watched you enough lately, you feel like a friend! Great material, well presented.
Don't know what you can do for me, but I have a real problem. I got a good malware infection, and it is causing me to tear my hair out. It was controlling my mouse/pointer. I took it off line, cut the wi-fi, cut the B/tooth, isolated from everything, it was still fighting me for control of the pointer, and clicking randomly, though it seemed to be intelligent, rather than totally random.
Tried all your tools, still had the problem, and nothing picked it up, or stopped it!
Finally took the nuclear option, Used the HP recovery USB, which allegedly reformatted the SSD.
Bloody thing is still there, doing everything it can to interfere with the reinstallation. Needless to say it still isn't connected to anything at all. It is a HP spectre i7 on Windows 10.
Any help or advice you can offer would be very much appreciated, I'm getting to the end of my ability, and have reached that mystical state, "....doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome...." lol, I think they call that madness
Regards Richard
Did you disconnect the power supply, disconnect the battery, remove the memory and let it sit for like 5 minutes to completely discharge? You may want to wipe your SSD or get another one (time to upgrade?) as something may be residing in memory or on a hidden partition on the SSD.
@redline4265 Thanks, I have put it aside for now; invested in a new machine. Shame it was a really good machine. I will give that a try, and let you know how it goes. I havz been doing some background reading, looking to format from the C prompt to try and destroy those hidden partitions. The damn thing gets very active and interferes with the windows reload, causing the re-install to fail. It's bloody irritating, but sort of impressive too, in a sick sort of way,
I just liked and subsed. Thank you for sharing. Very good video.
I appreciate that! ❤️
Great information and instructions. Thank you.👍🙂
I appreciate that! 💪
I have a Malwarebytes question. It goes through the normal scanning, when it gets to scanning the files, it may scan 150,000 files and it just sets there for about 45 minutes and then continues and adds more files scanned and shows 0 detections found. Why does it set there for 45-60 minutes?
Thanks
Depends on how large your drive is, how many files you have, possible infections, etc. It can run in the background, best to just let it run. Or restart in safe mode and run it there
I endorse everything Scott just recommended.
I appreciate that, my friend 💪
I used Pc Tool registry mechanic over 10 years and I don't have any malware, trojan spyware etc problems and I only have windows defender with it
When the malware persists after using these tools, Farbar is the next thing to use. Beware, Farbar has a steep learning curve though
RogueKiller question please....
When I close RogueKiller with its window's close button, the RK icon remains in the system tray. From that icon of course I can right click and exit it completely, or reopen it. Alternatively I can completely exit it by clicking the "exit door" button in the RK main screen. But is there any way to completely exit the program by ONLY clicking its window's close button?
If not, I guess that's ok but I don't understand the state that the program is in after hitting the window close button (i.e., while the RK window is closed but the icon is still in the system tray). I'm using the free version so it's definitely not doing any real-time protection. Is it doing anything at all? If not, why is the system tray icon still there?
Similar behaviour with MalwareBytes, except to exit completely from the system tray icon, it triggers UAC. Plus MWB does not have an "exit door" button like RK does, AFAIK.
This is not really important to me but I'm trying to setup a new PC for non-savvy user and trying to simplify usage as much as possible.
Once it runs, it stays in auto run. You can exit out and uninstall
Thanks for the quick reply.
@DDoubleU8001 I do my best 👍
What do you choose for a cell phone
Thanks a lot. Top notch practical knowledge.
I’ve used Glary Utilities for years. Love it as another tool.
👍
Thanks for wonderful post. It is really very useful and can be lifesaver.
I appreciate that 👍
Thank you for the videos. I just discovered your channel. I want to keep my windows 10 on my new laptop. What do you think, after updates end, will it be smart to keep windows 10? I just like Windows 10 much more than 11.
I took Malwarebytes off my startup but it is still there on restart. I cannot end task or stop the processes.
Great Video for Computer Fixing Repairs, I look forward to more Computer Fixing Videos. Fixing People charges are so expensive not days, hard on Retired Peoples Pocket Books.
Like anything, you can not fix it without the correct tools, Thank You from an old man of 86.
I appreciate the support 👍
First off...Awesome video, informative. This is a good lineup. I am an IT guy here in my city, I can confirm this list, I have used all these with no problem except hitman which i have never used, but i see no problem with trying... You got a new subscriber👍, you seem to know your stuff, well done..
I appreciate that - glad my videos help!
Thank you Scott, grate information and instructions. ROGUEKILLER is only supported to Windows10. However, I have a Windows11 operating system!
My question, is the RogueKiller working on the Windows11 system?
With Win11 works fine, i have Rkiller.
It works fine on Windows 11 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy Thank you
Scott, your videos are always so helpful, thank you. A question about the Windows ISO file. If there comes a day when we wish to use it when Windows 10 is no longer available from Microsoft, how does this ISO version of Windows 10 get updated? It will not be the latest version, and when Microsoft pulls the plug on it, how long will they support at least the last update of the version? Will they keep the update procedure on their site even though Windows 10 is no longer supported? Also, do they ever update the ISO itself, or do they rely solely on their site to update it once it is installed?
October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. No new updates, security patches.
Just upgrade to Windows 11.
I brought a retail DVD Windows 7 Ultimate, over 10 years ago...created a new Microsoft account. That has been upgraded to windows 8.1 for a few months, back to 7, then upgraded to 10 (which I loved) and again to 11. Multiple different hardware configs through the years and still on the same account.
Great question! I don't know how often they update the ISO honestly...never paid much attention to the version installed because I always update immediately after. I would say, based on that, make one now...maybe make another one October 1 of next year 👍
Awesome video! Thanks, AYCG!
My pleasure!
No mention of Norton Erase ? Is this program no longer of use or needed or are these just superior to it? Great video. The best thank you 💪💛
I wouldn't comment anything from Norton. Their products haven't been worth a flip since they were Symantec
@@AskYourComputerGuy Thanks for that. I had no idea only that it was recommended by another UA-cam tech guy a few years back. Your my guy and I'm stickn' with you. 👍
@theduce3506 I appreciate that 👍
You want to know how bad Norton is? Got a laptop and Hubby was bound and determined to put Norton on it.
As soon as he did, everything went caplooey! Our wifi provider offered us a free Anti-virus program. Understand, it was a new computer, we hadn't got it set up yet or got online.
So they walked us through everything and ran the scan...Norton installed the..can't recall if it was a virus or malware, but it was on their installation disk! 😮
I refuse to use any of their products anymore.
@@AskYourComputerGuy Which Antivirus/firewall would you recommend other than Norton? Or is Windows defender all one needs?
Problem - I ran Tron and now when I power the ASUS laptop the initial screen asks for Windows Setup. I try these options without success
If I power off, it sometimes starts normally.
Sounds like you have some major Windows corruption. I would recommend a wipe and reload:
How to WIPE your hard drive and DELETE viruses from your PC!
ua-cam.com/video/jN6zir-M_WY/v-deo.html
Admission is free, one only has to pay at the door. Meaning the app is free to download, but if one want's to utilize any and all of it's total abilities. One is mandated to subscribe aka pay money.
I've never paid for these programs, except for MalwareBytes for my use. The free versions work fine on any client pc I use them on. Not sure why you think you have to pay for them. You don't.
No worries here about “malware” issues. Running LMDE 6 on my refurbished Dell PC.
Great video, thanks. Those are valuable tools you discussed. I was glad to see you have the lifetime Malwarebytes license. I've been using it for many years. Just wondering what is your opinion of Norton Power Eraser?
About tge only Norton tool I would likely recommend 👍
Can this be done for the error that is with my audio service.
Windows could not start the windows audio service on local computer. Error 126: The specified module could not be found.
It's been 3 days extremely frustrated.
Suddenly the audio service was out with a red cross ❌ mark on taskbar in the audio icon. Have tried so many fixes mentioned in many you tube like literally everything but to no avail.
Can Tron script fix the audio service.
I really don't want to do fresh install of windows for something as simple as Audio service not running.
U would think dam windows should be able to fix these simple issues via troubleshooting, driver reinstalling, updating but no it seems like to every problem in windows the solution is factory reset how pathetic has windows become.
Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.😢😢😢😢😢
TronScript might fix it, but that's a bit extreme. I'd start with updating your audio driver and /or reinstall. You can do this manually or use DriverMax to find the updated drivers for you (EVERY Windows user should do THIS *right now*!
ua-cam.com/video/OWPjOgAjr4o/v-deo.html). If that doesn't help, I'd run some of these tools, as well as system restore. Wiping and starting over is probably last resort
No reason to use Tron for this.
First, make a system restore point.
Then simply open up Device manager, Choose View, then Show Hidden Devices.
Next, expand the Sound, Video and game controllers section and delete any devices that have an X in them.
Also if there is no X, then delete all devices that are in grey shadow. with possible exception of any with Microsoft name.
Then reboot. If it works, great.
If it doesn't, go back into Device manager, Show hidden devices, expand sound.....
Check if any X or grey devices are back.
If so, delete them.
Close device manager.
Go to programs and features and uninstall all audio software, then reboot.
Something should show back up unless you actually are having a audio hardware problem.
If something does show back up, you can go to the sound manufacturer to reinstall the audio software.
See if that helps.
@@SpaceCadet4Jesus understood will do the steps mentioned above.
And no it's not a hardware problem because similar thing happened in another laptop and after trying everything had to do clean install and the sound is back but it's hard here to do clean install too much apps and files 1TB hard disk files are here the other one had no files was old laptop used only for small tasks.
So I will do the steps above much appreciated 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy so after following the above mentioned steps rebooting the laptop the problem remained the same.
The red ❌ mark is still there saying audio services aren't running.
And of course going to services.msc and starting windows audio gives the message ---- "windows cannot start the windows audio service on local computer. ERROR 126. The specified module could not be found".
Like u mentioned I went to device manager than show hidden items than on sound , video , game controller section than there wasn't any drivers having ❌ on them so the ones that were grey shadow as u said to delete them ( by delete u mean uninstall because delete option isn't there only uninstall and update and others so I uninstalled them 5 of them were there in grey shadow all had Microsoft name I thought 🤔 well let's remove these as well so did that rebooted nothing happened.
Than as u said to go back to device manager and check if any ❌ or grey devices are back and there wasn't any.
So closed device manager went to control panel program and features uninstalled 2 audio drivers. Asked for reboot did that and after rebooting those audio drivers does show back up in device manager.
And nothing 😭😔😭 same as before.
Some times a complete reset / reinstall is a better option. If you need 5 utilities to clean the computer you may never be fully safe on that machine.
Can't argue that 👍
That’s what I’m worried about having to do because my steam acount password and email got lost and if I reset my pc I will loose hundreds of dollars of games I have tried to file a password reset but have this thing were it says I need to refresh the page but it never lets me
it seems Rkill, hitmanpro and rougekiller are not compatible with Windows11 based on bleeping computer
They work on Windows 11 as far as my experiences goes :)
I had upgraded from Windows 10 to 11 a few days ago. I ran all 5 tools yesterday. But, after running Tron I noticed the following:
My Windows.old folder was deleted. Not a big deal since it was going to get deleted anyway.
The Search window was removed from the Taskbar. Not a big deal. I put it back.
Tron wanted to install .NET 3.5. I chose No. Do I need this?
1. Windows System logs were cleared. Not a big deal.
But, under "Filter current log", "By log", "By source", and "Task category" are grayed out now. Can't choose these options.
2. Under "Virus and threat protection settings", "Cloud-delivered protection" and "Automatic sample submission" options are now grayed out. Can't toggle now. "This setting is managed by your administrator".
Was this supposed to happen? How can I fix this?
im pc tech too. i just run the bitdefender and it was fixed.
awesome video
for win10 iso when we reinstall it whats going to happen with the windows product key? what if you dont know it can you not install it then?
Once activated, it will stay with the hardware. You could wipe and stay with Windows 11 or go back to Windows 10 and it will activate
Thank you for the informative video,for me I used to use Kaspersky antivirus rescue CD which was really good for PC's with windows XP installed on them back then, it runs live boot and it was the only way to run successfully because the windows was in an unusable state!and it worked magically to fix whatever problem the pc had
Nowadays I use malware bites and hitman pro bothe are excellent in solving most of the problems
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Great advice
what would you recommend for antivirus? Mcaffee is charging money for every litle thing anymore its aggravating
For antivirus, absolutely go eith Eset (www.jdoqocy.com/gi104wktqks79899C8DFH799EFEBDA)
Bitdefender or eset. But Windows Defender hardened would do just fine
Very helpful video, thank you! 💐
Question:
What to do if the PC is infected with a virus/malware that doesn't let your PC even boot?
If you can't even get into safe mode, AND all other troubleshooting has been done, I would wipe it and reload Windows. Here's how:
How to WIPE your hard drive and DELETE viruses from your PC!
ua-cam.com/video/jN6zir-M_WY/v-deo.html
Excellent info. It's so hard to know who to trust these days, but I'll give this a go. Thank you 😊
I appreciate that 👍
Do these softwares check the kernel?
I was unable to turn off my system so I could get the Tron...I can not find the off/on switch
Hold down the power button for 15/20 seconds - that should power it off
Thanks for this!!!! Question - on the Windows installer disk. Do I need to create a separate installer usb or disk for each windows 10 computer? Or will 1 installer download work for all windows 10 computers? I’m thinking about the computers’ identification number in case I need to reinstall windows. Thanks so much!!
Each version of Windows needs it's own installer, so separate discs for separate versions. One disc per Windows 10 it they are all the same (Home Edition vs Professional). If you want to have multiple versions, just grab the ISO files instead, create one Ventoy drive and just drop the ISO files onto it. Here's how:
The LAST flash drive you will ever need! Ventoy FULL walk-thru and review!
ua-cam.com/video/MIT3w-EPA9M/v-deo.html
Is any of these without ads and pop-up windows? Thank you very much.
All of these programs, except Rkill and TronScript, do have paid versions. Of course they want you to buy them, but you don't have to, of course. The programs will work 100% without purchase
what is the point of using Tron "who-knows-what-is-in-that-script-nuclear-option" if you can reinstall windows?
Fair question! Say for example you have proprietary software that you no longer have the installation media for. Or you haven't backed up your files, cloned your drive etc. yes, reinstalling windows is quicker and easier, but some people have 10+ years of custom configurations and software that they can’t get back. Every situation is different.
@@AskYourComputerGuy in this case I would spend first 30% of the video to tell those folks they need to create snapshots of theirs system drive NOW, before they run nuclear option and risk to lose that unique proprietary software. Every situation is different but backup always come first, especially when lamers will start running multiple cleanup tools one after another
Exact programs I used back in windows 7 days. Great they are
Agreed!
@ The other was Linux boot disc and load into the Linux environment and look for odd named files and delete them, but have to be careful with that one I did that with a virus that rkill couldn’t shut down
Turned off the defender etc etc and still couldn't get tron downloaded ? Any ideas?
Do you have an equally comprehensive list of tools to use on an Android phone/tablet?
Unfortunately, I don't cover telco on this channel, sorry!
nice work, so now how to protect my new laptop from getting attacked, do you Any recommendations?
I would start with a) best behavior (meaning don't do things that will cause issues, like downloading torrents, etc), b) quality antivirus For antivirus. My recommendation is Eset (www.jdoqocy.com/gi104wktqks79899C8DFH799EFEBDA)
And c) MalwareBytes as my real-time backup to my Eset AV: prf.hn/l/q3BJaLB
can't do transcript. defender won't let down load. defender is off. running win 10 pro
please see pinned comment, I address this 👍
🍁🍁 Going over this a second time and want to be clear. Do I / Should I shutdown/shutoff my primary security software while I go through these applications????
Only when downloading TronScript, as it will flag your AV. But you don't need to turn off AV at any point when running any of them 👍
No. Just leave it running.
Hey guy, you can add a file as an exception without having to disable your antivirus. Nice vid.
He knows that. But it is easier for the viewing public to turn it off temporarily.
True. I try to keep it simple for average folks 👍
thx
Advice from an ex-Doctor Solomons' and McAfee tech: DON'T try to install several anti-virus products all at once, and don't try to run them simultaneously. Anti-virus software runs at a very low level on your computer, and if you run two or more at the same time, they can often interfere with each other and cause problems, even blue-screen crashes.
Install one at a time. Test one at a time. Pick your favourite. Install ONLY that product.
Good luck all! 👍