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General discussion

Problem with drivers or maybe whole windows itself(?)

Aug 3, 2017 7:11AM PDT

Greetings, folks from CNET. I'm new here and I have a weird problem that I'd like to tell and, if possible, I'd like to solve it, because it's really annoying.

Every time I turn on my PC, the network icon is frozen, showing the "loading" status, but I'm only able to access youtube or google-based websites (even though I'm not using Google DNS).

My sound works for a while, then I'm not able to hear anything, as well I can't uninstall anything or open anything related to windows for troubleshooting.

My only option was to access Safe Mode and use the System Restore. It works, but I have to do it every time I turn on my computer, because the error/issue happens when I do so.

I've used the followed softwares to try to fix the problem, yet they gave an A-OK signal, meaning there were no problems at all :

-CCleaner
-Avast
-Malwarebytes
-Driver Booster

I've also uninstalled and reinstalled the network driver (it was pretty much outdated), but the problem still persisted.

We all know that formatting solves anything, but I want every alternative possible to deliver me from this 'nightmare'.

Discussion is locked

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Not much on the PC details.
Aug 3, 2017 7:21AM PDT
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(NT) Didn't work
Aug 3, 2017 2:39PM PDT
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It's a good thing to try.
Aug 3, 2017 2:41PM PDT

It has a good chance of correcting a lot of the usual issues. Let's hope the Web Speccy and IOBit removals help this machine.

Remember that I'm trying to avoid a wipe out and reload.

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Lemme post my specs
Aug 3, 2017 1:47PM PDT

Intel Core i5-4690 3.50GHz
8192MB RAM
DX Version : 11
Display : NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770

I've updated my driver to Intel Network Connections 22.4.16.0 (was 19.something before)

Anything else, just ask.

Besides, why is Drive Booster a bad thing?

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Rather than go over it again. Sorry but read the link.
Aug 3, 2017 2:21PM PDT

Post was last edited on August 3, 2017 2:21 PM PDT

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There is something else
Aug 3, 2017 2:41PM PDT

Some of my programs will not open as well, like rainmeter or avast itself

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That's not a good sign.
Aug 3, 2017 2:48PM PDT
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Web Speccy
Aug 3, 2017 2:51PM PDT
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I've used Speccy on Safe Mode with Networking
Aug 3, 2017 2:52PM PDT

Forgot to mention

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Ccleaner
Aug 3, 2017 3:05PM PDT

Use ccleaner>tools>startup and disable all your startup items.

Reboot.....better/worse/same?

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Speccy reading. What I would do.
Aug 3, 2017 3:12PM PDT

1. You write about sound issues and I see some USB sound device but in safe mode I don't get the full reveal.

Why isn't the onboard sound in use?

2. Improve system stability is noted in newer BIOS's at https://www.asus.com/us/Motherboards/Z97MPLUS/HelpDesk_Download/
Normally I don't update the BIOS but you are having stability issues.

BUT some of the issues sound like malware. I haven't found any malware in this Speccy but Speccy is to give a short view of the PC to avoid "What is it?" back and forth questions.

ADVICE? Complete Grif's scans and see what falls out.

3. JAVA. Not a concern here but if you don't use it, uninstall till you fix the PC.

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Followed what you both guys told me
Aug 3, 2017 3:40PM PDT

I actually have no idea what could've "solved" this problem, because I'm still following Grif's scans (last step) and I've turned off most of the start ups (only kept rainmeter, avast and shadowplay on).

However, after this last reboot, everything looks fine, now I'm about to finish the unhide.exe

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Update
Aug 4, 2017 6:27AM PDT

Everything's fine now, but I still have no idea of what could've caused the problem and what could've solved the problem (I bet Grief's scan did).

Thank you all.

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Thanks for the update.
Aug 4, 2017 7:45AM PDT

There is so much malware today and some get by your defenses. Good to read Grif likely helped.

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Scans
Aug 4, 2017 1:17PM PDT

When you ran these scans did you look at the output?
Did they show they found something?

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Scans
Aug 4, 2017 2:07PM PDT

So far, the only thing it was pointed to me was the 800+ "cookies" and some PUPs. I don't recall seeing malware or anything.

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In computers.
Aug 4, 2017 2:31PM PDT

PUPs are not adored. May be it.

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Pups
Aug 4, 2017 9:07PM PDT

That's not good stuff to have on the machine.

Since you have ccleaner look into it's cookie cleaning option.

I keep a few and clean the rest out every 15 days.