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Thread: Windows 7 possible issue/malware?

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    Default Windows 7 possible issue/malware?

    Hey guys, been using Windows 10 for a long time now but recently decided to fire up Windows 7 to run some older programs I have.

    I did a complete fresh install on the one PC I have and noticed a few strange things. One is that you get an error when trying to download updates, the others are that .ttf font files are trying to be opened with other programs other than windows font viewer by default, same with .zip files are suddenly set to open with VLC media player as default program, and really odd messages about windows recovering from an unexpected shut down when coming out of sleep mode.

    This sounds like a virus? What do you guys think? Is it still safe to connect Win 7 to the web? Yes, I have anti-virus installed, but they say nothing's up.

    Edit: Also, external HDD doesn't start up sometimes, so you can't access it (little light doesn't even come on) -- almost like a dead USB slot.
    Last edited by irritant; 13-03-19 at 08:34 PM.



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    First thing I would do with a new installation of windows 7 is chase all the updates online as quick as possible including drivers. Once you have finished then I would start running other tests. Connecting it online is always a risk so get a antivirus set up as soon as possible.

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    is winzip installed?
    right click a zip file, go properties, change what it opens with to winzip
    now all zip files should be winzip.
    https://www.facebook.com/philquad68

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    Thanks guys, yes one can set all these things of course, but to me, I find this default behaviour just a little odd. It shouldn't, as far as I know, be doing these things by default.

    It bothers me that you can't update Windows (gets error) as these would be the security updates needed. Just a few things of a whole lot of strange behaviour I see.

    Maybe some guys could share here some other strange things they find a bit odd on Win 7 as well.

    Edit: it would be expected with an older OS to be under attack, similar to what happened with Win XP.
    Last edited by irritant; 14-03-19 at 04:20 PM.

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    ive seen windoz default to vlc lots of times if say winrar or zips not installed
    with 7 you really need the mobo drivers, not just windoz jobs, hence usb not working
    updates, well who knows, even win 10 cant decide that
    is it a humm legit win 7?
    if not, i can point you in a direction that has a updated to december 2018 win 7
    or 8 feb-19
    or 10 march-19
    i find this eliminates the wasted hours of updating a 2010 copy with 5gb downloads lol.

    oh if only they had a better option then windoz

    wait, i think i hear someone coming

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    You are so right, Philquad.
    I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...

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    Thanks guys. Yep, legit copy of Windows 7 (came with a Lenovo machine). You basically just load it using recovery partition and you get a fresh install.

    Thanks phil, OK so if someone else has seen it do things like this, then it puts me a bit more at ease.

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    search for Askwoody.com

    click on forums and in the search box enter 2000003

    this will give you the info for Win 7

    you will also find info on security only updates.

    73
    Last edited by osczzzz; 15-03-19 at 05:50 AM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Philquad View Post
    ....wait, i think i hear someone coming

    Geezus, you have good hearing Phil if you can hear him “coming” you sicko...
    Cheers
    Ted (Al)

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    gee thats a bit " below the belt " so to speak

    think your version has a U in it not a o lol
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    All attempts at humour aside. Phil was right, I just did not pipe up as he expected, then. You could always try Linux as an alternative. It does not have these issues and it is free. Yes, some hardware can be a nuisance, but that is pretty rare these days. Unless you are using bleeding edge stuff.
    I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...

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    Couldn't you just run those programs in Win7 emulation mode on your Win 10 OS. That's what i do.
    Cheers, Tiny
    "You can lead a person to knowledge, but you can't make them think? If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
    The information is out there; you just have to let it in."

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    Yeah, I can I guess. I was actually wanting to just get away from Win 10 a bit. It was nice initially, but I've grown to dislike it, the look, the feel, the everything. There's no way to change the look of the thing in any considerable way, or how it works. Even the dark theme is not that great. Win 7 works great on my PC, smoother, faster, looks much better, just like it more.

    As an aside, lsemmens, I've taken the plunge and installed Ubuntu (Bionic Beaver) as dual-boot and I can see why you like it so much. Very nice to use (using it now).

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    Try Linux Mint. It is the version I use. The Mint Forums are very friendly and helpful. just like the blokes (and birds) here.
    I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message...

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    Quote Originally Posted by lsemmens View Post
    Try Linux Mint. It is the version I use. The Mint Forums are very friendly and helpful. just like the blokes (and birds) here.
    I might one day. At the moment, I like Ubuntu very much. For example, it installed my TeXLive distribution in a matter of minutes, versus 4 hours on Windows! Both were from a pre-downloaded iso. It also displays the text of the console in a text size that is suitable for human eyes (versus the one in Windows).

    Yes, it is challenging trying to come to grips with the terminal and trying to install some of the software, but I'm kinda getting the hang of it already. At this point it's more just a fear of irreparably damaging something.

    PS: there are birds on this forum? Hope they haven't been reading my joke-thread posts.
    Last edited by irritant; 20-03-19 at 05:54 AM.

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  • 29-04-19, 06:29 AM


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    I have a few little tools on a USB stick that I run on every new Windows 7 install before I ever let it near the internet, including MS updates.

    Firstly, your choice of antivirus software. You can usually download the install files onto the USB stick from another computer and also try to find an offline version of the latest virus definition file, or if it's not available, register and update your antivirus software first thing once online.

    Secondly I like to stop the AUTOMATIC windows 10 OS download before it even starts, there are some nice little free apps around to do that for you, for example ""

    Then I install "" and run it to turn off all those nasty little back door reporting functions built into windows (there used to be a freeware version but I can't see where it's available any more).

    Then I have a swag of third-party software I typically install like web browsers, email clients, media players, 7zip, , etc.

    And don't forget your and (absolutely invaluable these days).

    Andrew

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