Windows 7 is deleting all downloads

Purpleforfree said:

Windows 7/ Internet Explorer is deleting all downloads on IE8. This includes all kinds of downloads even coupons that are to be printed. It deletes them before they can install or print. I thought it might be from a leftover antivirus but I have checked that too. With or without one it deletes them. I changed the settings on Firefox so it no longer scans downloads. Because it was deleting them too. I have scanned it with windows defender and AVG. No infections or spyware were found. But is still happening. I direct my exe, files or downloads to be saved in My documents or downloads folder. After it is scanned it disappears. It is not found in any folder that I designate. Help, this started about a month ago and it is frustrating. I have deleted anything that I thought might be causing it. Even my music is deleted as soon as it is downloaded. Anyone have any ideas?

Welcome to SevenForums purple.

I've set both IE and Firefox to download to the download folder in my profile.

I have also enabled the option in Win 7 so that the Download folder is shown on the right-hand side of the Start Menu, just ad Documents is.

Let's first assume that somehow your downloads are being stored somewhere else. Have use tried using the search feature of either windows explorer or of the Search box of the Stat Menu.

Fpr both cases, you can make the search faster and more specific by typeing: feliname:mbam-setup.exe. I've used mbam-setup.exe as an example. You put the name of the fiile you want to llocate.

Now if that doesn't work, Please try using the Safety Scanner. This is an onlne malware detect and remove program from Microsoft.
Microsoft Safety Scanner - Remove Spyware, Malware, Viruses Free

If that doesn't work, then go to another computer which doesn't have the download problem and download the Microsoft StandAlone System Sweeper. Here's instruction for the System Sweeper.

PUT SYSTEM SWEEPER ON A USB STICK


System Sweeper, https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper, allows you to start an infected PC and perform an offline scan to identify and remove viruses, rootkits and other advanced malware. System Sweeper is a free standalone, bootable malware and virus remover from Microsoft.

Safety Scanner, Microsoft Safety Scanner - Remove Spyware, Malware, Viruses Free, is free, downloadable, provides on-demand scanning and helps remove viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. It works with your existing antivirus software.

If the target computer has a working internet connection, then you may prefer to use the Safety Scanner.


Download System Sweeper (about 576 kB):
https://connect.microsoft.com/systemsweeper

Insert 256 MB or larger USB stick into a usb port.

Run the downloaded program--mssstool64.exe or mssstool32.exe

Choose the option to install to USB.
Caution: The install program will format the usb stick.

The install program will download about 200 mB more.

After the install is finished, leave the stick in the usb slot.

Run the program you downloaded once again.

This 2nd run, and any subsequent runs, will download the very latest anti-virus definitions (about 60 mB).

To keep System Sweeper up-to-date, simply reinsert the usb stick and run the installation program again.

The initial, full scan by System Sweeper can easily take a couple of hours, but subsequent quick scans will take only a few minutes.

Remember, your computer is being very thoroughly checked for all types of malware.

The results of System Sweeper will be in:
\Windows\Standalone System Sweeper\Support as a file with a LOG extension. You can view this file with Notepad.

------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------

I can 100% assure that Microsoft Security Essentials is NOT the source of your problems.

MSE is the safest anti-virus you will ever be able to install on your computer.

Do I understand correctly, that is a problem that ONLY occurs when you use Internet Explorer?

UPDATE YOUR SEVENFORUMS SYSTEM SPECS


User CP (3rd item in the top menu bar) |
in left-hand column, under Your Profile, Edit System Spec |


Use Speccy - System Information - Free Download
and/or SIW to gather info for filling in the blanks.

Do me a favor and add the word laptop or desktop to the “system manufacturer” block.

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader, Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor

Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.

Thanks and nice system.

What anti-virus are you running now? Having scan of downloads ON should NOT affect downloads.

I'm trying to get a timeline of when you performed what.

When did you perform the full MalwareBytes scan?

When did you run SFC /SCANNOW?

Download, install and run CCleaner.

Afterwards, please carry out following:

LIST OF STARTUP PROGRAMS USING CCLEANER


CCleaner | Tasks icon | Startup tab | click on Save to text file button (bottom right side)

Using the PAPER CLIP icon in the top panel of a Message Reply window, attach the .txt file generated by CCleaner.