virus detected /file deleted error when trying to download anything

[alkazoo]

I now am unable to download any file/program etc off the internet or email. Everytime I do, I get the error message at bottom of screen " virus detected and file was deleted".  Google indicates fairly common problem (infected by zeroroot kit seems to be the common verdict). Of course, there are many suggested fixes, mostly involving modifying the registry. Does anyone here know a fairly easy, not to complex fix for this. The problem started after I downloaded a McAfee security suite, which in turn shutoff or corrupted the Windows Defender program. I have windows 10, the laptop is just a year old.  I downloaded (on another computer and installed on mine) Hitman Pro, but that doesn't clear out the problem.  Any help appreciated. thankyou

[WAWood]

@alkazoo 

There is no simple way to sanitize a PC that has been infected with malware.  There are AV apps that will CLAIM to do this, but NONE of them know every place that malware can infect a PC, and some residue is going to remain.

The best way to do this is to do a factory reset of the PC, using HP Recovery Media, or a Win10 reinstallation using Win10 media you download and create yourself.

---------- HP Recovery Media ----------

HP Recovery Media is a set of DVDs and a CD, or USB stick, that will erase the hard drive (removing all data, settings, and applications, reinstall the original OS, drivers, and some HP Utilities.

In some cases, you may be able to order a USB stick instead of disks. You have to order these from HP; they can not be downloaded.

You can look online for Recovery Media starting with the linked paged: http://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers

Once there, input your Product name or number. On your Software and Drivers Download page, select your Operating System and and Version. Click "Update".

If HP Recovery Media is available for your machine, down near the bottom of the page, you will see an entry for Order Recovery Media-CD/DVD/USB. Click the "+" symbol to expand that entry and click on Order Media for details.

Or, if you prefer, you can do the same by contacting HP Customer Service:

If you live in the US or Canada, contact information is on this page: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/phone-assist.html#section1

If you live elsewhere, contact information is on this page: http://www8.hp.com/us/en/contact-hp/ww-contact-us.html

NOTE: After you get through, stay on the line until you are finally able to talk to some one -- it can take a while!

If you have trouble finding a phone number, then try: 1 (650) 857-1501.

If HP no longer provides Recovery Media for your model, another site you can check is: http://www.computersurgeons.com

When you get the media, if it is a USB stick, insert it into your PC, pressing F9 to get a Boot menu, then select the External USB Hard Drive to boot from it.

---------- Win10 Install ----------

1) Use this link to download and create Win10 install media: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

2) insert that into your PC and boot from it.  That will start the Win10 installation.