Thumbnail handler extraction ad nasuem

Im_Me

Im_Me

Active Member
My "new" computer has picked up an interesting new hobby. It's creating millions of "thumbnail handler extraction host" processes. The longer it runs the more processes it opens and the screen flashes on and off. I suspect this is a virus. I found some sketchy ways to get rid of it, but was hoping someone on here had a good recommendation?/? Interestingly I just downloaded Norton after my Mcaffee free trial ended and this started the very next startup.
 
Bann

Bann

Doris Day meets Lady Gaga
PREMO Member
Im_Me said:
My "new" computer has picked up an interesting new hobby. It's creating millions of "thumbnail handler extraction host" processes. The longer it runs the more processes it opens and the screen flashes on and off. I suspect this is a virus. I found some sketchy ways to get rid of it, but was hoping someone on here had a good recommendation?/? Interestingly I just downloaded Norton after my Mcaffee free trial ended and this started the very next startup.
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Im_Me - I would get rid of Norton, as well!

I use Avast. It's free and user friendly. Even if you do know IT better than the average bear - it is good, solid and FREE antivirus protection. I would also download CCleaner to be able to see what is on my computer. (google CCleaner...but be careful to get the real site)

I have these 2 on all 3 of my laptops here. Foxhound and also a couple of other IT guys on here recommend both of them. (Although, I already had them before I met FH. :dance:)
 
Im_Me

Im_Me

Active Member
Bann said:
Im_Me - I would get rid of Norton, as well!

I use Avast. It's free and user friendly. Even if you do know IT better than the average bear - it is good, solid and FREE antivirus protection. I would also download CCleaner to be able to see what is on my computer. (google CCleaner...but be careful to get the real site)

I have these 2 on all 3 of my laptops here. Foxhound and also a couple of other IT guys on here recommend both of them. (Although, I already had them before I met FH. :dance:)
Click to expand...

Thanks Bann. If and when I'm ever able to use the computer again, I'll dump the Norton. I'm just worried about ever being able to get in to clean anything out.
 
Bann

Bann

Doris Day meets Lady Gaga
PREMO Member
Im_Me said:
Thanks Bann. If and when I'm ever able to use the computer again, I'll dump the Norton. I'm just worried about ever being able to get in to clean anything out.
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Oh. You can't even get in it! :ohwell: I could forward this to him...

Did you already try turning it on in Safe Mode? Will that even work?
 
Im_Me

Im_Me

Active Member
I apparently have to dig out the original windows disks and my computer stuff is everywhere right now due to moving my home office. In the Window 7 and 8 environments if you can't get to your desk top you can't get to Safe mode. It doesn't work by just hitting a function key.
 
GWguy

GWguy

*
Im_Me said:
I apparently have to dig out the original windows disks and my computer stuff is everywhere right now due to moving my home office. In the Window 7 and 8 environments if you can't get to your desk top you can't get to Safe mode. It doesn't work by just hitting a function key.
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Not true. You just have to start banging the F8 key as soon as you can after hitting the power key. It will eventually let you into Safe Mode.
 
L

LostNFound

Member
How about just trying a system restore. Oh - and what she said- never use norton and for the love of god- share with a friend and repeat after me- virus protection is free on the web- downloading leads to more problems and wasted $$- virus protection is now and always was /is - FREE- no need to buy what 'they' are selling.
 
Im_Me

Im_Me

Active Member
Bann

Bann

Doris Day meets Lady Gaga
PREMO Member
Im_Me said:
I did a system restore to the original configuration. I didn't have any new files I was worried about on the computer anyway. Now I'll have to figure out a new anti virus, since norton is a no-go. (I did get it free off of Comcast btw, but not willing to try again fresh.
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:clap: Glad you got it working!

Norton (or is it McAfee? or maybe both!) are resource hogs and they just much your system up, from what I have found.

I used to use AVG (the free version) but I also used to get a lot of my IT advice from Kim Komando since waaaaay back when (http://www.komando.com/) and I would follow her advice. That might also be where I heard about Avast. Since I met Foxhound, he also recommends Malwarebytes.
 
merc669

merc669

New Member
If you have issues in the future you can try this rather than reload everything.

http://www.avg.com/us-en/download.prd-arl

This is a CD Image file you burn to a CD. Its self-booting and updates itself. Reboot your computer and it will scan everything including the MBR and remove any known viruses. I had an issue a few months back where my wife's laptop had a virus and it would replicate itself and effected the MBR. I ran this disk and it corrected all issues. This ISO is also free. From same company as Bann references.
 
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