There are 72 processes running in my Windows 8.1 PC, are they malicious?

Anonymous
2014-03-29T11:05:48+00:00

Dear community,

The computer is new.

Im not computer literate but logic tells me 72 processes running in th e back ground is too many?

I don't wish to start turning on/off processes in case I corrupt the machine or messing with programs to deselect ...

start up has only 3 or 4 processes running so not so bad.

Any suggestions on where i can take it in London, uk to be detoxed?

Can I get Microsoft to fix it remotely?

thank you

<Thread moved to Virus and Malware forums since malware is involved>

[Original Title: I HAVE 72 PROCESSES RUNNING IN THE BACKGROUND on my windows 8.1 computer......... <Malware>]

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Security and privacy

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Anonymous
2014-03-29T18:32:27+00:00

sarah,

CrowdInspect is only meant an an informative utility to let you know what's going on with your system.

You don't need to kill any process, but if you come across any marked with a red dot, run a good anti-malware application like the free version of Malwarebytes to check them out. Download that from here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/free/

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-03-30T20:21:40+00:00

    no bother uninstalling avast....

    and as soon as it switched off DEFENDER was prompted to switch on...

    so all I need to do is is wait for the prompt from the malware checker.

    I did need to ask you another thing about crowdstrike, should I disable that now? or leave it pinned to my taskbar for future scans? and is defrag tool needed?..shall I leave that pinned also?

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-03-30T19:11:52+00:00

    Yes..i hear ya..

    i will defo do what u recommend

    so do i wait for free trial to end. Will i be prompted? Also u should uninstall avast in normal way .and then defender presumably its already

    installed...just need to find how i enable it again

    thanks a million for helping

    me

    You'll get a prompt about three days prior to the free trial ending.

    As regards Avast, check to see if the self-protection module is enabled (checkmarked). That can be found in the Settings menu if my memory serves me correctly. It can be difficult to uninstall when that's enabled since it's intended to prevent malware from disabling it.

    Avast also has an uninstaller which you can run if you have a problem uninstalling it: http://www.avast.com/en-gb/uninstall-utility  But it should be removed quite easily via "Programs and Features" in Control Panel.

    You can also access "Programs and Features" by right clicking the Start button. You'll see it at the top of the menu which appears.

    To re-enable Windows Defender, right click the Start button, go to Control Panel and if you have the Category view, click the link to "Small icons" top right and then click the link to Windows Defender.

    Next, click the "Settings button" and then checkmark "Turn on real time protection" to re-enable it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-03-30T18:23:42+00:00

    Yes..i hear ya..

    i will defo do what u recommend

    so do i wait for free trial to end. Will i be prompted? Also u should uninstall avast in normal way .and then defender presumably its already

    installed...just need to find how i enable it again

    thanks a million for helping

    me

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-03-30T18:12:05+00:00

    Good news!

    this thing MALWARE BUSTER...has defeated the intruders...

    they have gone from the ad-ons....and it found 7 serious threats...

    nailed em..quarantines and took action..

    hooray.....

    so will keep that malware thingie on until the free trial ends...

    what then, who knows!

    It's worth considering buying a full license Sarah. I know it costs $24,95 a year now, but peace of mind is worth paying for in my opinion. I have the full version myself and just use that and Windows Defender.

    You might as well uninstall Avast because it didn't protect you from the infections Malwarebytes found and probably won't again in the future.

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