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‎01-26-2026 08:37 PM - edited ‎01-26-2026 08:42 PM

HP Recommended

I have an HP Pavilion desktop TP01-3xxx and I'm having a problem with a loading or progress bar appears shortly after starting the PC, saying in Portuguese "Verificando atualizações de segurança" (Checking security updates). I'm very worried. I installed an .hta file that might be the cause. Please... 

What do you recommend? 

 

Thank you very much

 IMG_20260126_223633.jpg

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions

‎01-28-2026 11:43 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @clio38,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for sharing the screenshot. Seeing a security update window appear right after startup, especially after running an unknown .hta file, can feel alarming, like something is happening behind the scenes without your permission. That uneasy feeling in your stomach is completely understandable.

Follow these steps carefully to prevent further damage.

1. Disconnect From the Internet (Important)

This helps stop the malware from downloading additional components.

  • Unplug the Ethernet cable OR
  • Turn off Wi‑Fi on the PC

 

2. Remove the Suspicious Program From Startup

✔ Check Windows Startup Apps

  1. Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC
  2. Go to Startup Apps
  3. Look for anything like: 
    • “Microsoft Edge Update” (fake)
    • Unknown .hta or .vbs entries
    • Programs without publisher names
  4. Disable anything suspicious

Real Edge updates are handled by:
Microsoft Edge Update (msedgeupdate.exe) not by .hta files.

3. Run Windows Defender Offline Scan

This is a deep scan that removes hidden malware.

  1. Open Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security
  2. Click Virus & threat protection
  3. Select Scan options
  4. Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan
  5. Restart and let it scan completely
    (Takes ~15 minutes)

Offline scans catch persistent malware that runs before Windows loads.

4. Check Task Scheduler for Fake Update Tasks

Malicious .hta scripts often create fake scheduled tasks.

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type: taskschd.msc
  3. Look under: 
    • Task Scheduler Library
    • Microsoft → Windows → Update
    • Microsoft → EdgeUpdate

If you see a task running an .hta, .js, .vbs, or pointing to a strange folder:

➡ Right‑click → Disable
➡ Then Delete

Do NOT delete legitimate tasks that show Microsoft as the publisher.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

 

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

View solution in original post

1 person found this reply helpful
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4 REPLIES 4

‎01-28-2026 11:43 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @clio38,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

Thank you for sharing the screenshot. Seeing a security update window appear right after startup, especially after running an unknown .hta file, can feel alarming, like something is happening behind the scenes without your permission. That uneasy feeling in your stomach is completely understandable.

Follow these steps carefully to prevent further damage.

1. Disconnect From the Internet (Important)

This helps stop the malware from downloading additional components.

  • Unplug the Ethernet cable OR
  • Turn off Wi‑Fi on the PC

 

2. Remove the Suspicious Program From Startup

✔ Check Windows Startup Apps

  1. Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC
  2. Go to Startup Apps
  3. Look for anything like: 
    • “Microsoft Edge Update” (fake)
    • Unknown .hta or .vbs entries
    • Programs without publisher names
  4. Disable anything suspicious

Real Edge updates are handled by:
Microsoft Edge Update (msedgeupdate.exe) not by .hta files.

3. Run Windows Defender Offline Scan

This is a deep scan that removes hidden malware.

  1. Open Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Security
  2. Click Virus & threat protection
  3. Select Scan options
  4. Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan
  5. Restart and let it scan completely
    (Takes ~15 minutes)

Offline scans catch persistent malware that runs before Windows loads.

4. Check Task Scheduler for Fake Update Tasks

Malicious .hta scripts often create fake scheduled tasks.

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type: taskschd.msc
  3. Look under: 
    • Task Scheduler Library
    • Microsoft → Windows → Update
    • Microsoft → EdgeUpdate

If you see a task running an .hta, .js, .vbs, or pointing to a strange folder:

➡ Right‑click → Disable
➡ Then Delete

Do NOT delete legitimate tasks that show Microsoft as the publisher.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

 

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

1 person found this reply helpful
Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎01-28-2026 11:45 AM

HP Recommended

Hi @clio38,
 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

 

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

1 person found this reply helpful
Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎01-28-2026 01:35 PM

HP Recommended

I've done everything I could from what you suggested, including running autoruns and removing a startup application that had no description and wasn't verified. I restarted the PC, and so far, I haven't seen the progress bar in Portuguese.

 

I performed all the diagnostic tests and the result was a pass. The processor's starting temperature was 23°C and the final temperature was 32°C.

 

Thank you very much for your help

Was this reply helpful? Yes No

‎01-29-2026 06:27 PM

HP Recommended

Hi @clio38,

That’s great to hear, and honestly, well done on the troubleshooting you did 👏
You were very thorough, and the fact that the progress bar in Portuguese hasn’t reappeared after removing that unknown startup item is a strong sign you found the culprit.

Those diagnostic results also look excellent:

  • ✅ All tests passed
  • 🌡️ CPU temperature from 23°C to 32°C is completely normal and very healthy

That tells us the hardware is in good shape and reinforces that this was a software/startup issue, not a system fault.

You’re very welcome. I’m glad I could help, and I appreciate you taking the time to update me. If anything odd shows up again, or if you just want help double-checking startup items or system settings, feel free to reach out. Enjoy the smooth (and now properly-language-matched 😄) startup!

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

 

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

I'm an HP Employee.


If this reply helped resolve your issue, please select the Accept as Solution as it helps others in the community quickly find the answer they’re looking for.


And if you found this reply helpful, clicking Yes below is a great way to let us know we’re providing the support you need, as it encourages us to keep improving and sharing helpful guidance.

Was this reply helpful? Yes No
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