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Search engines not working, although internet is fine.

Anonymous
2022-09-17T16:40:52+00:00

Hello. I have had a problem for about a week now that has caused all search engines not to work, although my internet is just fine. I've tried Bing, Microsoft Edge, Google, and DuckDuckGo, and none work. Now my Discord is giving me random speakers and Spotify is closing out. I think its a virus, but not sure how to get rid of it due to my search engines not working. I've used different DNS addresses, flushed DNS, got rid of add-ons, updated drivers, unplugged and replugged ethernet cords, restarted my devices numerous times, restarted my network, allowed Chrome through my firewalls, etc. Please help me! Only thing that is working that requires internet is XBOX and Microsoft News :/

* Moved from Virus & Malware

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Internet and connectivity

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-09-17T17:57:24+00:00

    HI Caleb. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

    To check most thoroughly for infection and any resulting System damage, Download, install and run a full scan with the most powerful on-demand free scanner Malwarebytes:

    https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ Make sure to only choose the Free version.

    In the Malwarebytes Settings (gear icon) > Security tab set it to include scanning for Rootkits.

    If necessary run it in Safe Mode with Networking (to have internet), or Safe Mode accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf.... These require a password and not PIN to access.

    Clean up anything found, restart PC and then run again until it comes up clean.

    Then download, install and run a full scan with AdwCleaner:

    http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcle...

    Remove whatever it finds.

    Check for anything found but is still left over in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, and C:\Program Files and C:\Program Files(86) to uninstall or delete them. I can guide you how to do this if there are problems.

    Also in each of your browser's Extensions, Home Page settings, Search service or Add-On's as shown here: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001411.htm

    to disable anything you didn't add yourself and are sure you need. Ask back if in doubt.

    Then check for damaged System files by running System File Checker and DISM from Step 10 in this checklist:

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/for...

    If completing all of Step 10 in above Checklist doesn't fix it then run a Repair Install which reinstalls WIndows while keeping your files, programs and most settings in place, by installing the Media Creation Tool from this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/software-downlo..., open the tool and choose Upgrade This PC Now. This will solve most problems and also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method.

    If you want to keep Malwarebytes as an on-demand scanner then you can turn off its Real Time trial version using the slider buttons on it's front panel. I recommend it as the #1 tool for your toolbox. For best WIndows performance, use built-in Defender which gives adequate real-time protection.

    If problems still persist report them back here and we'll try more fixes including resetting all browsers: https://www.howtogeek.com/171924/how-to-reset-y...

    Feel free to ask back any questions. Report back results for more steps if necessary.

    ______________________________________________

    Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-09-17T16:42:31+00:00

    Okay I fixed the Discord issue, but Spotify and searching still isn't working.

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