Hey everyone! I have this old HP laptop that I mainly use for gaming and schoolwork. I've been downloading mods for The Sims from trusted sites like Curseforge and Patreon, but I've noticed that my computer becomes slow after using them, so I frequently remove them to free up space. Recently, I deleted the mods, the game, and the associated apps, and my laptop was running fine for a day. However, I then noticed a pop-up saying my computer was unprotected and suggested I download antivirus software, which I dismissed quickly. The next day, when I logged in, I was met with a black screen and couldn't access anything. I suspect it might be a memory issue or potentially malware, but since my laptop is quite old, I'm unsure. Any ideas on how I can figure this out and fix it?
2 Answers
Those pop-ups you saw are usually just scareware ads. You can ignore those! I'd recommend running the built-in Windows antivirus, and if you're able to restart your laptop, try downloading Malwarebytes too. It'll help check for any potential threats. It's tricky if you can't access your desktop, but hopefully, you'll get in soon!
Based on your description, it doesn't sound like you have malware. Having mods installed doesn’t slow down your computer by themselves; it’s more about running out of space. The black screen might just be a startup issue. To troubleshoot, try holding the power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then restart. Also, consider checking your browser settings to turn off any unwanted notifications from sites you might have allowed.
Thank you! This eases my anxiety a bit, I was worried it was something serious!
Okay, thank you! I'm worried since I can't get in at all but I appreciate the tips!