Can't change my default browser

Question

I've recently been attacked by a malware/virus. After that, a lot of things stopped working. My Opera GX browser ceased to open even after reinstalling, so I deleted. I can still use chrome and microsoft edge, so that problem was solved. The main problem right now is I can't open links to Chrome. For example, when I click on a link someone sent to me on Discord, the links opens in Internet Explorer. The links keep opening to Internet Explorer. I tried to change the default browser in the settings as shown in the image below. Every time I select Google Chrome, the settings page closes. When I go back to the settings page, I can see that Internet Explorer is still the default browser. I even chose "Reset to the Microsoft recommended defaults" and apparently Internet Explorer is still there. Does Microsoft recommend Internet Explorer over Microsoft Edge??? The only reason I can think of for this problem is that the virus tinkered with some of my settings since these things were working fine previously (before the virus got into my pc). Do I have to do a full restore on my pc or is there another potential solution.

Answer 1

Hi, my name is Felipe Lucas, Independent Advisor and Microsoft Windows user like you.

I'll be happy to help you.

I found this solution on my researches:

1. Right click on start > Task manager
2. Click on more details
3. Go to Details tab
4. Find explorer.exe > Right click > Click "End Process" (Do not close Task manager)
5. Go to file > Run new task > type explorer.exe and check create this task with administrative privileges. > OK
6. Go to start > Setting > Apps > Default Apps > Web Browser > Click on Microsoft Edge > select your favorite browser.
7. Restart your PC

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Source:

https://superuser.com/questions/1053049/windows...

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.

___________________________

Felipe Lucas

Independent Advisor

Answer 2

If you're sure that your computer was attacked by malware, forget about trying to fix it. Not to be rude, but you're fooling yourself if you think you can fix a computer compromised by malware.

Do this, in the following order:

1- Disconnect the computer from the internet so that the attacker no longer has access to it.

2- On a different computer, or on your phone, change all your passwords - all of them.

3- Backup all your personal files to an external hard drive.

4- Format your hard drive, and re-install all your software.

5- Scan your backed up personal files for malware, with at least two different malware scanners. If there is no sign of infection, restore them to your computer.

6- Be on the lookout for signs that your identity has been stolen. Be particularly careful with financial accounts.