access registry, use command prompt or anything like that. i was about to resort to a Linux style delete everything and start again. after a 9mb update to the latest definitions AntiMalware fixed absolutely everything. Thanks for the kudos! I use Ubuntu for casual browsing and general PC use. I normally only log in with Windows for Steam games, Netflix and Audio work. Since I have done this, I have completely stripped Norton and McAfee from my system. Now I just have Malwarebytes free and Spybot S&D installed, neither with background services running. If Windows is a requirement and dual-booting is too cumbersome, I highly suggest that anyone using Chrome or Firefox use the Adblock+ and WOT extensions. Check the user reviews and scan any torrent or software distribution site download before running it regardless of the file type. Always-always-always keep your AV definitions up to date! All of this with a bit of good judgement has kept my machine running smooth and virus free for the past 3 years. There seem to be quite a few Linux folks here that lean toward thinking Linux is immune, or close to it: "Use Linux. You do not get viruses or even need AV software . . ." Now granted, Linux may not be as vulnerable as Windows, and viruses directed at Linux are certainly not as plentiful as Windows viruses (though crossplatform malware is becoming more common), BUT THERE ARE LINUX VIRUSES in the wild, and Linux machines do indeed get