Windows 8 hacked.
PC laptop with Windows 8 hacked by a foreign "faux help service" left the machine locked. Will only start to safe mode, has no system restore settings available, will not go online.
Any solutions to fix problems or best just do a factory restore?
Any solutions to fix problems or best just do a factory restore?
SOLUTION
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When you say "locked"; you mean the computer won't boot -- they have reconfigured the machine to deny access, or they are presenting some custom software that refuses entry?
My suggestion would be to copy any important documents or other materials off the machine and do the factory restore.
It may be possible to defeat the lockout, if you can run tools to analyze the startup settings.
However, it will always be doubtful whether the machine is clean and can be trusted anymore, or whether a configuration with covert persisting custom malware has been setup.
My suggestion would be to copy any important documents or other materials off the machine and do the factory restore.
It may be possible to defeat the lockout, if you can run tools to analyze the startup settings.
However, it will always be doubtful whether the machine is clean and can be trusted anymore, or whether a configuration with covert persisting custom malware has been setup.
SOLUTION
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Please save your data and files from the safe mode, Just in case. Then, as Thinkpads_User advises: perform a Windows 8 refresh install.
ASKER
thinkpads_user.
Can get to the Metro screen. The click on Desktop goes to safe mode. Tried Metro to PC Settings to "Refresh Your PC without effecting your files". The first message said there was a problem refreshing your PC, no changes were made, check for solutions to the problem which takes it back to safe mode with no more answers.
Mysidia, The computer will turn on & off, but only comes to safe mode. No custom software that I can find to block entry.
There is no internet connection, either wifi or Ethernet.
Can get to the Metro screen. The click on Desktop goes to safe mode. Tried Metro to PC Settings to "Refresh Your PC without effecting your files". The first message said there was a problem refreshing your PC, no changes were made, check for solutions to the problem which takes it back to safe mode with no more answers.
Mysidia, The computer will turn on & off, but only comes to safe mode. No custom software that I can find to block entry.
There is no internet connection, either wifi or Ethernet.
It doesn't really matter if "Refresh" is working or not.
The machine was compromised and cannot be trusted anymore.
Do a hard reset (factory restore), preferably with a format first.
The machine was compromised and cannot be trusted anymore.
Do a hard reset (factory restore), preferably with a format first.
Any solutions to fix problems or best just do a factory restore?
Since you can get to Metro but Windows 8 Refresh will not work, then at this point, you need to back up and do a factory restore. Refresh is pretty much the last hope in a Windows 8 system.
Assuming you do this:
1. Do the factory restore.
2. Update all Drivers.
3. Update all Windows 8 updates.
4. Now go to Metro Windows Store and Update to Windows 8.1. Do this before installing applications.
5. Now Install Applications.
6. Now do all final updates and you should be done.
.... Thinkpads_User
Since you can get to Metro but Windows 8 Refresh will not work, then at this point, you need to back up and do a factory restore. Refresh is pretty much the last hope in a Windows 8 system.
Assuming you do this:
1. Do the factory restore.
2. Update all Drivers.
3. Update all Windows 8 updates.
4. Now go to Metro Windows Store and Update to Windows 8.1. Do this before installing applications.
5. Now Install Applications.
6. Now do all final updates and you should be done.
.... Thinkpads_User
ASKER
I fixed it.
In metro went to msconfig. The settings had been changed to "selective startup". Changed back to normal and rebooted.
Came on in to Metro, went to the full desktop. Got on line with wifi.
Now I will do a full cleaning and update to 8.1.
Darn foreign help desk, scammers going after little grandmothers. They should be shot.
In metro went to msconfig. The settings had been changed to "selective startup". Changed back to normal and rebooted.
Came on in to Metro, went to the full desktop. Got on line with wifi.
Now I will do a full cleaning and update to 8.1.
Darn foreign help desk, scammers going after little grandmothers. They should be shot.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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I fixed it. ~DwEckert.
Great. You did it. :-)
Great. You did it. :-)
ASKER
Good help, as always. Good suggestions got me thinking about other possibilities which lead to the solution.
Thanks.
Thanks.
@DwEckert - Thank you very much and I was happy to help.
.... Thinkpads_User
.... Thinkpads_User
.... Thinkpads_User