I downloaded a cracked game, and afterward my computer became unusually slow with high CPU usage. Now it repeatedly crashes with the stop code CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED (0xEF), and I cannot reach the desktop.
I have tried Reset this PC while keeping my files, System Restore, and sfc /scannow, but none of them worked. Safe Mode also immediately returns to the blue screen. Since I cannot boot into Windows, what recovery steps should I try, and how can I protect my files while dealing with a possible infection?
2 Answers
Are you certain this is malware, or is that based mainly on the timing? A bad driver, damaged system files, failing storage, or another hardware problem can also produce this stop code. If Windows will not boot, the usual next step is to start from a Windows recovery or installation USB and use its troubleshooting tools. From there, you may be able to copy important files, run offline repairs, or inspect the drive before deciding whether to reinstall Windows.
Since you suspect an infection and cannot boot normally, do not rely on a regular Windows Defender scan. Boot from a trusted rescue or installation USB and scan the drive offline. Back up any important personal files first, but avoid copying executable files from the questionable installation. If the system remains unstable or the disk appears damaged, a clean Windows installation is generally safer than trying to preserve the existing system.
If you use another computer to create recovery media, make sure the USB is created from an official Windows source and scan the backed-up files before opening them.
The problems started after I installed a cracked game: the CPU stayed high, the computer slowed down, and then the crashes began. I cannot get into Windows or Safe Mode, though.