Posted on 06/09/2016 5:44:36 PM PDT by deoetdoctrinae
I need some help from you computer gurus. Just powered up my Toshiba laptop a little while ago and began surfing. Suddenly a tone started beeping and a message filled the screen saying a malfunction had been detected and gave a toll-free number to call to get help from a technician (yeah, right). Underneath that message is a screen saying that Windows 8.1 64-bit Defender encountered an error code: 0x80016CFA. Can't close the windows, and powering down the laptop fails, it just powers back up.
I sure could use some help FRiends.
Kill it with fire!
Hold the button down until it turns off. This is usually about 10 seconds.
IF it is a newer laptop there is a tiny button hidden which you have to do this. The “Big” off button only does a minor shut down.
UNplug your internet cord or find the switch that shuts the computer in to airplane mode if there is one.
What model is it?
One of those should get you to do a hard power off.
It doesn’t sound like it is a ransom wear attack. It’s just a phony warning that took care of a vulnerability and they want you to call in to some Indian scam factory.
Pulling the Battery will give you a hard powerdown.
I had a laptop that would go funny sometimes.
This was the only fix.
It is a Toshiba Satellite C55-B5101. I think I’ve had it about 3 years or so.
A hard reset, followed by a scan using any reputable anti-virus, *should* fix it.
Take it to a good local computer shop and they will be able to give it a good cleaning. You’ll be safe and be helping the local economy
The message suggests to me virus or malware. I would get a copy of Malwarebytes (preferably using a different computer) and scan your system.
Also, if your normal Windows shutdown options are available (not likely), you can hold down the shift key while clicking on restart.
Pull the power cord, pop out the battery for about ten seconds see if it powers down then.
Malware?
Load Malware Bytes running in Safe mode. Then be sure you are running a good anti-virus and I don’t mean Mcafee or Norton. AVG, Microsoft are both superior.
I am in no way a computer expert, but I think something like Norton security program may help.
I would suggest downloading it to your non-infected computer. Then disconnect your laptop from the internet, move and install Norton security and run it, hope it finds and deactivated the virus.
Of course, computer experts around here may well have more effective methods. I will keep reading — it is good to know because one never knows what can happen.
Just hold down the power button til it turns off then leave it off til the next day. It should be fine. I had the same thing happen. I just turned it off and it was fine the next day. My mom had the same this g happen. We have Toshibas.
Right before I saw your post I had managed to start Windows Defender. It’s running now. I’ll see if it finds and removes any nastiness when it concludes, and if not, I’ll definitely try your suggestions.
This is malware. Do not call that number.
This will help fix it:
It is Microsoft’s website Q&A area.
See: https://blog.malwarebytes.org/fraud-scam/2014/11/psa-tech-support-scams-pop-ups-on-the-rise/
You can use the Task Manager to close your browser: How to Use the New Task Manager in Windows 8 or 10
After a reboot the pop-up should be gone.
If not, please follow the steps provided here: Remove Tech Support Scam pop-up (Call For Support Scam)
This is from Microsoft Community boards.
Good advice - bears repeating or even putting in my posting history for reference. Thank you!
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