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Question

When I start my desktop it gives me an error about Backgroun

Nov 3, 2013 2:26AM PST

an answer on another forum said: I actually had no luck with anything I found on the Internet but this error is from removing the Conduit search malware. In any case, there were no registry entries whatsoever....because this was indeed in the Task Manager, but running as an argument in the RunDll32.exe task. Remove the argument and you're clean and clear.

I don't know what an argument is in this case. What do I do to get rid of this error?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
I can't tell how much you know about Windows.
Nov 3, 2013 2:31AM PST
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I have no experience with anything you or grif mentioned
Nov 3, 2013 2:37AM PST

I think this happened because I tried out windows defender instead of Avast (which I had used for 2 years with no problems).

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I have used malware bytes but I've never done the whole
Nov 3, 2013 2:42AM PST

procedure grif outlines.

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The reason for all that
Nov 3, 2013 2:44AM PST

Is we need a full suite of such things since one POC will bring in it's friends and unless we do the entire scan with all the tools, leaving a POC item may result in the one POC reinstalling it's friends.
Bob

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Avast and defender
Nov 3, 2013 2:42AM PST

Are usually subpar at dealing with adware or potentially unwanted programs (AKA PUPS.)

So you are writing another forum did not give you advice about the apps Grif noted?

In other words, I use Grif's advice (I don't have a link handy where he mentions Adwcleaner) but for most folk this will clean out the unwanted things.

BUT once in a while I have to use a power tool like Hijackthis to delete the last item.

You bring up a good point. Has Windows seen it's best days as users struggle with crap like this?
Bob

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Yeah I've been struggling with several issues since I bought
Nov 3, 2013 2:49AM PST
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I thought that multiple anti-spyware/virus/malware
Nov 3, 2013 2:58AM PST

programs caused them to conflict with each other and could make your PC not run correctly. That's why I only had been using avast.

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Which is why Grif wrote that guide.
Nov 3, 2013 3:18AM PST

You bring up a good point here. Has the time come for Windows end? That is, here you have an issue, you get some advice and then have a good question but what's at the root of all this trouble?

Grif's scans are just that and you don't have to install the real time portions if offered.

My thought is that the Windows industry and my friends are going to do well for a few more years as long as folk don't deal with such themselves.
Bob