Locked out of my HP Envy by a scammer

[Crsprn50]

I am a victim of a scammer and have been locked out of my computer

[Dragora]

Hi Crsprn50

I understand you'd like the information in English. Here's how you can try to regain access to your HP ENVY Desktop - TE01-1175xt after being targeted by a scammer:

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1. Disconnect Your Computer from the Internet Immediately

This is the most critical first step. Whether your computer is connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable, disconnect it now. This will prevent the scammer from having continued remote access to your machine and stop any malicious software from spreading to other devices on your network.

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2. Try to Access Safe Mode with Networking

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and programs, which can help you bypass the scammer's lock. With networking features, you'll be able to download tools if you need them.

To access Safe Mode:

1. Completely shut down your computer. If you can't do it normally, press and hold the power button until it turns off.
2. Turn on the computer.
3. Just after the HP logo appears, repeatedly press the F8 key (or sometimes Shift + F8, depending on your settings) before Windows starts to load.
4. If you manage to get to the Advanced Boot Options, select "Safe Mode with Networking" from the list.

If F8 doesn't work, you can try this:

1. Turn on your computer.
2. When you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button until the computer abruptly shuts down. Repeat this process two or three times.
3. After several failed boot attempts, Windows should automatically enter the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
4. Once in the Recovery Environment, select:
   • Troubleshoot
   • Advanced options
   • Startup Settings
   • Restart
5. After restarting, you'll see a list of options. Select the option for "Safe Mode with Networking" (usually by pressing 5 or F5).

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3. Run a Full Antimalware Scan

Once you're in Safe Mode with Networking, download and run reliable antimalware software. Some free and recommended options include:

• Malwarebytes Free: Highly effective at detecting and removing malware.
• Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT): A Microsoft tool that helps remove common malicious software.

Steps to use antimalware:

1. Open your browser (in Safe Mode) and download the antimalware from its official website.
2. Install the program.
3. Perform a full system scan. This process can take several hours.
4. If the antimalware detects threats, follow the instructions to quarantine or remove the malicious software.

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4. Change Your Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication

If the scammer gained access to your computer, they might have compromised your passwords. It's crucial to change the passwords for all your important accounts (email, online banking, social media, etc.) from a different, secure device. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts that support it, as this adds an extra layer of security.

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5. Consider Resetting Your System (As a Last Resort)

If the previous steps don't work and you still can't access your computer, or if you suspect the malicious software is deeply embedded, you might consider resetting Windows.

Warning: Resetting your system can delete your personal files and installed programs, so it's vital that you've backed them up beforehand if at all possible.

You can try the following reset options:

• "Reset this PC," keeping my files: This option will attempt to reinstall Windows while preserving your personal files, but it will remove applications and drivers.
• "Reset this PC," removing everything: This option will delete all your personal files, applications, and settings.

To access these options, generally from the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) (the steps are similar to how you access Safe Mode):

1. Troubleshoot
2. Reset this PC and follow the on-screen instructions.

I hope the above is helpful