GG- I agree on Active AV software, but Avast has an on startup option, which lets it get to work before windows is activated, in effect in the pre windows boot period. As said, I'd deleted on sight, a few of the iffy looking e mails, but Avast running in boot mode quarantined these and gave mE a virus name as a warning. With that it should be possible to go to the Synamtec/Norton removal tools and download a specific removal tool for that problem  . But to be absolutely safe, I'd look to protect my stuff. I'm lucky as I have IDE ports on my Mobo, and these days ,there's plenty of cheap not wanted on journey( as IDE is SO yesterday) IDE drives appearing on E bay. I'v got two 80GB which I've checked on Maxtor /Seagate disc test, and come back as clean. Every so often I make two backup copies( one to each HD) ,and sit HD on shelf. For a modest outlay, I've got two copies of my data, Just in case one HD has problems . Then in the event of problems/viruses/ ransom ware, I can say "FORMAT, AND BE DAMDED". Photos I keep on backup,as well as on Photobucket, as two accounts- one for mine, and another for family historical photos.

 

I know about the feature, but that only works if the virus hasnt overwritten the virus definition files to hide itself - and this is the first thing most viri do - find the active AV and alter its files; so it keeps SAYING it is active, performs scans and updates as normal- but doesnt see the actual infection. With an email you can use this start-up service BEFORE opening it, but an infection via a website is on your system and overwriting your AV before you even know something is wrong, and long before you can reboot.

I think this laptop will be seeing my favourite hammer. Ran malwarebytes last night in safe mode. Found 700 items.

Cleared them and it ran fine after that.

Turned it on this morning to get a warning that the hard drive is about to fail. It will not load up at all now.

What type of warning? Before Windows loaded up?

 

Get a photo of the error if you can.

I've got a picture. Will upload it. Said imminent failure of hard drive.

That Milwaukee Drill would solve your Virus Problem and render the infection neutralised :clap:

Dont use the drill yet, laptop drive replacement is usually very easy, and drive prices are comparable to 3.5" prices; this might even be the time to go for a SSD to improve battery life.

 

On most laptops I have played with, the drive needs a couple of screws and a latch on the bottom, then either a hatch opens, or a drive caddy pulls out.

The Milwaukee drill would sort the hard drive in no time lol.

I've just bought a new laptop but think I'll replace the hard drive on the old to use as my garage and vcds laptop.