Getting two error message randomly "Powershell has stopped working" & Do you want to debug this webpage?"

Question

<Original title: "Powershell has stopped working">

Today I started receiving a "Powershell has stopped working" message on my laptop.

Around 10/19 (possibly related, possibly not) I also started receiving the "Do you want to debug this webpage?" message at random times during page load.  No matter how many times I went into Advanced > Tools under IE and disabled both script debugging options (as well as "Display a notification about every script error") the message still comes up randomly.

Microsoft Security Essentials runs a weekly full scan and nothing has come up in quarantine yet.

This morning I ran a "chkdsk" function, to try and root out any possible corrupted files, but both messages are still coming up.

Are they related, or separate issues?

Either way, what's the next step?

Answer 1

Hello KSPrsant,

Welcome to Microsoft Community Forum

As per the description I understand that you are getting two error message “Powershell has stopped working & Do you want to debug this webpage?". I appreciate your efforts towards resolving the issue. However, there are few more steps that we can try to diagnose the root cause.

There could be several reasons for causing this issue. Like system file corruption due to third-party application conflict, virus infection or incorrect browser settings. Let’s try to identify the actual cause and troubleshoot accordingly.

However, before we proceed I would require some more information to assist you better.

1. When exactly do you receive this error message “Powershell has stopped working”?
2. Do you receive this error message "Do you want to debug this webpage?" while working on a particular website?
3. Which version of Internet Explorer are you using?
4. Do you remember making any changes to the system prior to this issue?

In the meantime, I would suggest you to try the following methods:

Method 1:

Perform System File Check to fix the corrupted system files and then check if this fixes the issue.

For reference:

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

If the issue still persists, then try method 2. ****

Method 2:

Step 1: Boot the computer in safe mode and check if the issue persists.

Safe mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. Startup programs don't run in safe mode, and only the basic drivers needed to start Windows are installed.

Refer to the link below on instructions to get in safe mode.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Start-your-computer-in-safe-mode

Step 2: If the issue does not persists in safe mode then perform a clean boot to check if any third party application is causing the issue, as clean boot helps in eliminating software conflicts.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: After troubleshooting, refer to this section ‘How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting’.

For Internet Explorer issue:

I would suggest you to follow the steps mentioned below in the Microsoft article.

How to troubleshoot script errors in Internet Explorer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308260

Note: The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might reset security settings or privacy settings that you added to the list of Trusted Sites. The Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature might also reset parental control settings. We recommend that you note these sites before you use the Reset Internet Explorer Settings feature. Resetting Internet Explorer isn't reversible, and all previous settings are lost after reset.

Hope the information helps. Let us know if you need further assistance with Windows related issues, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Thank you

Answer 2

Sorry for the lag, unfortunately that machine appears to have been bricked by the virus.  I had to get a replacement laptop.

Answer 3

Hello KSPrsant,

Thank you for prompt reply and keeping us updated on the status of the issue.

What happens when start the Windows, When you say “the laptop now will not boot even in safe mode”.

Do you get any error message?

Please reply with the required information, in order to help you fix the issue.

Thank you

Answer 4

Unfortunately, since my last post things have escalated a bit.  This particular virus is apparently quite nasty and has been known to successfully evade routine efforts to contain it.  Despite it having been quarantined and removed, scans were still picking up traces of the virus in infected files. 

After some research on others' struggles with this virus, I made a tough call and decided to restore the machine to its factory settings.  After following all the steps, the laptop now will not boot even in safe mode.

A technician is looking at it right now, I should know in several hours whether the machine has been bricked altogether.

Answer 5

OK, a subsequent MSE scan very quickly caught and bagged "Exploit:JS/Angore.E" .   Apparently it infected the computer 10/15/14, but managed to lay low enough that the 10/20/14 MSE scan failed to detect it.

The virus has been removed, but I am checking for any bits of it left in the registry.

Anything else I need to know?