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Solutions: What to do if you download unwanted programs on your PC

 
Published Nov. 15, 2014

How can I get rid of notice at startup (not always) "Run DLL There was a problem starting c:\Users\M\AppData\Loca\lPLAYTO~1\Updater.dll The specified module could not be found"? I click OK and everything opens. I have gone to Programs and Playtopus shows, but no action, and I can't delete the listing. Also, every so often I get this message that Windows has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available. It closes and reopens, and everything works okay.

Playtopus is a Web browser extension, as far as I can tell. Possibly a virus. Go into Internet Explorer and click Tools, then Manage Add-ons. Under Toolbars and Extensions, right-click the Playtopus add-on (if there) and select Disable.

If that doesn't solve the issue, Click Start, Run, type "msconfig.exe" and click OK. Go to the Startup tab and look for anything related to Platopus and uncheck it. Click OK and reboot. I would also do a full virus scan and download MalwareBytes from malwarebytes.org/mwb-download.php. The free version is all you need.

The Windows error could be any number of things and could be related to this rogue process that you're trying to get rid of, outdated video drivers, or corrupted system files. You can try running the System File Checker as follows: Click Start, type CMD and right-click the Program Menu link. Select Run as administrator. At the command prompt, type "Sfc /scannow" and press Enter (leave a space between Sfc and the "/").

Whatever this is, you probably downloaded it, unaware, as an add-on to some other application. Always read the EULA (end user license agreement) very carefully and look for any added application it might be including.

When I start my computer I get this message: "Problem with this site's security certificate. Click to close this webpage." When I do that I get another message: "All your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-2048 using cryptoWall 2.0." and my files have been irrevocably changed and will not be able to work with them, read them, or see them. I am told the only thing to do is to install their download. Is this legit? Please help!

Yes, unfortunately, it is for real. Cryptowall is a serious virus infection. Hopefully, you have your documents on a safe backup somewhere because you most likely are going to have to do a factory install that will overlay all personal data.

Some people pay the ransom, but I wouldn't trust people like these. Your files cannot be decrypted without paying. Whatever you decide, you need to get CryptoWall off your PC as soon as possible.

There's a long step-by-step procedure to do this manually at malwareexperts.com/cryptowall-removal-guide-solved. Don't pay for anything — they cannot get your files back; this manual procedure is just for getting rid of the virus. My recommendation is to do a complete factory reset with reformat. Most modern PCs come with this as a boot option. Check with the technical support site for your particular PC model.

How did you get this virus? You installed it. Not knowingly, but it was probably part of another downloaded program, or a fake Flash or video codec update. I can't overstate this — never respond to pop-ups telling you that you need to click here to update any part of your system. If you need to update Flash, go directly to the Adobe.com website and do it from there. Everyone should remember to periodically backup all personal files to either a USB drive or a cloud service.