Solved Problems with C: - Not sure if set up correctly - compromised

[Melissa]

Dear Forum,

I am in the state of not knowing if I have the correct set up with my initial set up of Windows 7. I am just about to restart everything and trying to get most of my programs off the system as well.

1. I want a qualified person to have a quick look - I know this is hard via remote means that most of the set up looks correct or I may have to look at if I have an image or some other means of trying to find a copy of my C:.

I realise that by unhiding my folders that I may have ultimately compromised my computer or corrupted it.

I understand what the administrator of this forum was telling me. I gather that is why I have not have not had any responses via the forum. I have been very unwell.

I have also attached a document of what programs I currently have on my machine

If anyone could assist that would be appreciated.

Melissa

 

[gregrocker]

I see a crapware in the Programs which would be better if it were gone. Both McAfee and Norton are horrendous bloatware which cause a lot of problems. Use only Microsoft Security Essentials with the Win7 Firewall.

What are the exact performance problems?

 

[Melissa]

Thank you so much - I appreciate it.

I am on the mend - having more operations.

Going through some of the other members recommendations too. Thank you for your reply.

I know your view on non Microsoft products.

I am very, very sorry

If I have any issues - will stick to your assistance. I have been on here after the event and people respect you.

I felt stupid

Thanks

 

[gregrocker]

Melissa, there is no reason to apologize as all of us here are learning, too.

If you'd prefer to uninstall the Norton and McAfee bloatware since this helps with better performance, here are the tools to use:
Norton Removal Tool to uninstall your Norton product
How to uninstall or reinstall supported McAfee products using the Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR)

 

[Alejandro85]

Maybe I'm missing something, but....... what's the problem exactly?
Is there anything that don't works or just you think screwed up something and want to fix?

I realise that by unhiding my folders that I may have ultimately compromised my computer or corrupted it.

This is totally fake, it's the official MS policy of hiding useful things from the user, and Windows warns it as such. By just unhiding files, it changes absolute NOTHING, just what you can see though Windows Explorer. By just staring at what files are there, even in system folders, don't changes anything (of course, if you began to modify/delete/change things without a clear idea of what you're doing, it can create problems). Any program (or virus) can access any file anyway, hidden or not (if permissions allow), so you gain nothing by hidding.
Also, viruses often distribute themselves as hidden files, relying on the flawed Windows default of not showing them, keeping themselves away from the user's attention. This security flaw can be avoided by showing hidden files.

 

[bobafetthotmail]

All the "un-hiding" thing is dangerous because this allows a less-savy user to screw up stuff by deleting or moving system components. So Win7 does pop a warning.
After all, "hidden" files are only "hidden" to the user, for a program or virus/malware's point of view, nothing has changed either way.

Still, unless you really need to see that stuff (I doubt you need to, because you don't seem like a professional) it's better if you hide them again, go in Folder Options (write "folder options" in the search box of the start menu), then select the tab called View, then select again "Hide protected operating system files" click Ok to confirm.

 

[Melissa]

I was just thinking that I may have deleted any files and folders.

I am also very unsure if the %temp% files that I am going to delete are safe to delete.

I posted the screen snips just to see if what I am observing on my computer is normal. I am afraid that I may delete a system folder or file.

I am having trouble doing back ups and just have the thought that I may be the problem of it not being able to be completing a Windows back up. But after doing some research - most people do not believe in the Windows back up anyway.

Thank you for the reply. I will post any other issues gladly on here.

It is true that for people that do not know what they are looking at - better off that they do not operate that function. There is so much information that is on the internet - people feel a bit more confident

 

[Melissa]

Also I am not too sure how these are created.

I have seen that you can upload in various formats that perhaps would better assist the more qualified people on what I should do.

So I do appreciate all the assistance

 

[mitchell65]

Melissa why are you still worrying about these temporary files. Just leave them alone and get on with the Clean Install that you said you were going to do a couple of months ago! Really with Gregrocker on track you know this is your best course of action!
Use Macrium Reflect for your back up as previously advised!

 

[gregrocker]

Every few months use CCleaner "Run Cleaner" button which will get rid of anything not needed.