noknojon, I DID follow the Bleepingcomputer.com instructions, and malwarebytes reports it cannot find any badguys/viruses, and even Drweb-cureit reports it cannot find any badguys/virus, too ... albeit, again/still, when I try to install AVG, ... same warning regarding 'Malware Defense': please see: Malwarebytes 'apparently' functioned, as it picked up and supposedly removed 7 badguys, one or two with the direct words 'Malware Defense' in their names; but when I go to install AVG anti-virus, after going thru its pre-install procedures, it states that it has a compatibility problem with the following software it found on my computer: Malware Defense ----- thank you for that Malwarebytes link/instructions regarding removal of 'Malware Defense'! (Will read and most likely try, Even if it is same method I've already done twice; I'm game for a cure ;-) Thank you for helping! Much appreciated! (btw, what is a good free anti-virus alternative to AVG please ;-) Happy New Year!!!