Do I have malware? Should I do a factory reset(would it even help)?

Question

Do I have malware? Should I do a factory reset(would it even help)?

Anonymous

I have had an issue with my laptop, it won't stop scrolling down and it even selects some icon in the corner. Literally everything scrolls down, settings page, websites, it even used to give off the warning sound when i had to enter my bios password(most probably because it had a down scroll input) . It was not really continuous but it may start scrolling down(some time even selects icons on the corner) and you may never know when it might stop. I tried a lot of things(reinstalling drivers, disabling keypad &keyboard, software updates) but none of them never worked, sometimes you think the problem has been resolved but it just reappears out of nowhere, this happened for a few days .I did try scanning on Windows Security but it displayed no threats have been detected. "And then I cleared site data from some really strange addresses on my chrome browser and magically the issue has been resolved" never had that issue again. I did visit an illegal streaming website.

But now I don't know if my computer has any malware. I do sometimes see command prompt(but supposedly it might be false flag) appearing for a moment before disappearing after resuming the laptop from sleep mode. I could do a factory reset but it might take painstakingly huge amount of time to again download all my files from various sources as before.

Since the beginning Windows defender scans and mrt displayed no threats. Now I am paranoid and never know if my computer is still infected

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.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

John DeV 164.9K Independent Advisor

if you are worried that there might still be malware in your system despite Antiviruses not detecting any threats, you can perform a Factory Reset. Just make sure to think twice before clicking links or downloading anything from suspicious websites.

0 comments

5 additional answers

Answer 1

Anonymous

As of now that issue of scrolling down was was solved. My pc is working properly. But I am suspicious if I can still use my PC for sensitive purposes like for example bank transactions.

And want to know if one factory reset will solve if any remaining malware that might inertly exist.

0 comments

Answer 2

John DeV 164.9K Independent Advisor

When was the last time it worked properly?

0 comments

Answer 3

Thank you!

It did try suggestion no.1 and 3 but they didn't help.

And just now I tried scanning with malware bytes and it displayed no threats and so did MRW and Windows Defender even when the problem existed. I just feel paranoid every time I try to do something important fearing the pc might still be infected. Strangely enough some time after opening laptop from sleep mode I see command prompt open before closing in a moment by itself.

Answer 4

Hi, good day! I'm John and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, Rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you.

When was the last time it worked properly?

Please try the following methods below

Please try to disconnect any external device from your computer. If you have a controller connected, check if one of your controller's direction controlling stick is stuck in a certain position.
You may also try the free edition of Malwarebytes to scan your system for any malware.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/

Perform a Clean Boot

Determine if a background program or a software conflict is causing the issue.

Go to the search box > type msconfig

Select System Configuration > go to the Services tab.

Select and put a check mark on "Hide all Microsoft services" > Click Disable all.

Go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all the unnecessary services running there. Restart your computer.

Kindly check the support article below for more details

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-t...

Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.

Kind regards,

John DeV

Independent Advisor

Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Share via

Do I have malware? Should I do a factory reset(would it even help)?

5 additional answers