register for a "windows explorer context menu component"!

[Bob49]

After running a program downloaded from the internet to verify file associations, I now have this problem :-

Each time I right-click on a shortcut on the desktop and then click on "Open", a window opens, asking me to register for a "windows explorer context menu component"! I can't close the window until the countdown timer expires, and when I click "Register Now", its website opens and ask me to pay a license fee of $149.95!

I have run FileTypesMan and Unassociate but to no avail. Can you tell me how to reset my shortcuts to work the way they should?

 

[Brink]

Hello Bob, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Did you uninstall the program that caused this?

If so, then you might see if doing a system restore using a restore point (if available) dated before this happened may be able to undo and fix it for you.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Britton30]

Hi Bob, it sounds like you've got some Ransomware. Crapware that essentially locks a user out of his PC. The software is useless and paying the fee "enables" it to do...nothing.

If the Restore doesn't work, see my sig for a MalwareBytes link. Download the free version and UNcheck the Free trial option during install, update it and do a full scan.

 

[whs]

You apparently installed a 30 day trial version and after the 30 days it is indeed $149.95. Why don't you just uninstall the thing. Use the REVO uninstaller (advanced option). That will clean up the registry and the temp files.

 

[Bob49]

Spent the weekend on resolving the problem, initially frustrating, but ultimately
successful. Thank you to all for your helpful suggestions.

When I ran the suspect program to scan my file associations, it came out with a
host of problems and to fix that, I had to purchase the program. Totally
disgusted, I uninstalled the program straightaway, and then, had this perplexing
problem with my desktop shortcuts. Amongst my various attempts to correct the
problem, I restored my computer to a earlier date, ran file associations programs,
ran anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware programs but the problem still persisted.

Over the weekend, I even downloaded the "windows explorer context menu component"
program from the website I was directed to, installed it and then, uninstalled it, but even
that didn't work. Finally, I deep scanned the registry and was shocked to see hundreds
of high-risk problems! After I fixed those problems, the problem with the shortcuts was
finally resolved. Boy, was I relieved! That crapware or ransomware was a nasty piece
of work, and it infuriates me that someone could come out with such a program to take
unfair advantage of other people!

Once again, thank you all for responding.

 

[Britton30]

Good to know you finally (hopefully) cleaned the crap out. Be very careful what you download and read the the EULAs to see it something tries to install like a thief in the night.