I recently downloaded a file from what I thought was a legitimate source, but it turned out to be a fake download page. I ended up downloading a .zip file, and after extracting it, it installed some unknown software in my appdata/temp folder without giving me the program I wanted. I ran an antivirus scan, but it didn't find anything. Now I'm worried about the potential risks involved and what I should do next to ensure my system is safe.
1 Answer
It might still be a problem since a lot of modern malware is hidden and hard to detect by antivirus programs. Here are some practical steps to take:
- Uninstall any new software you added recently and check your Startup apps and Task Scheduler for any new entries.
- Clean up leftover files in AppData and Temp, then reboot your system.
- Run a second-opinion scan with tools like Defender Offline or Malwarebytes.
- Consider changing important passwords (like email and banking) from a different, secure device, just in case.
If you notice unusual behavior like high CPU usage, unexpected network activity, or changes in your browser, the best option is to reset Windows. If everything remains normal for a few days, you’re probably in the clear—but keep an eye on things!
Just a heads up—resetting Windows isn't totally foolproof. Malware can sometimes hang on even after that. It's important to be really thorough in checking everything before you consider it safe.