Another computer problem in the world of Microsoft. This time an individual was receiving a Microsoft Edge virus alert popup. This is the original question quoted verbatim.
I had a pop up come up saying its from Microsoft and I have a virus.
This individual admitted that they were scammed once before from this very same alert. They claimed that they then contacted Microsoft directly, whom fixed this problem. This individual was using a computer with Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
Also, this individual had called the original phone number in the message. That company or individual then fixed the problem. However, they also claimed that they contacted Microsoft directly and they fixed the problem.
This is extremely confusing. I think it is possible that this individual end user is lying. However, as a computer repair technician, I do NOT have time to prove each and every liar I run across.
Also, receiving direct Microsoft support can be extremely expensive. This individual received the same exact alert about a virus in Microsoft Edge, months later after they claimed two sources fixed this problem. I do NOT necessarily feel sorry for individuals whom I feel are lying or caused there problem a second time.
I concluded that a specific software application was the culprit. After they had this issue fixed the first time, they mistakenly went ahead and installed the same software application again that was causing the problem to begin with. You may just have some malware, spyware, or virus on your computer.
I would run malware, spyware, and virus scans. Windows 10 has a free malware and virus tool already installed called Windows Defender. Run a scan with it.
Click the Windows 10 start menu icon in lower left corner. Select “Search” and type in “Windows Defender”. Select “Windows Defender Security Center”.
Microsoft Windows 10 comes with Microsoft Windows Defender tool already installed. I tell the end users I support to use this tool because it is already installed and relatively easy to install. Microsoft Windows Defender actually has a malware, spyware, and virus scanner.
This free software is comparable to other free tools available. If Microsoft Windows Defender does not detect infections, then I use Emsisoft Emergency Kit and SuperAntiSpyware. The software in question I think is called Reimagine Plus or Reimage Plus.
After performing some Internet searches I came to the conclusion that this software indeed is what was causing their problem. It is allegedly malware and or virus according to a couple of websites. This individual ran a malware, spyware, and virus scan.
They never responded back telling me that they were still having problems. Also, I received compensation from a third party website where I earn supplemental income answering computer and technology related questions. When it comes to installing software that claims that it can repair computer issues, you want to become cautious.
I would NOT install just any software you find out on the Internet without first verifying if it is legit or not. Perform some Internet searches for reviews, contact information, phone number, company name, etc. When you have performed your due diligence and feel that that software is legit, then you can install it.
Even legitimate software like Malwarebytes, can cause disastrous results. In 2018 a Malwarebytes update wreaked havoc on hundreds if not thousands of computers. We are talking about blue screens, non booting computers, slow computers, etc.
My main tip is to always verify and properly research what software you end up installing on your computer. It can potentially save you time, money, and your data. This reimage plus software application was marketed to repair your computer.
What kind of repairs? Software cannot repair hardware problems. You need to understand how a computer technician repairs computer problems, before installing just any ordinary software program ffrom the Internet.
Especially, the ones that brag about making your computer faster, better, and or claim they can repair your computer.