read only in windows 10 directories. main hd and external

is there free alternative to malware bytes?

it is Free ....... you must be looking at the Pro page , however the free version does not actively scan everything all the time or update itself, last time i checked Pro was $25 for 3 computers though so not bad value.... alot of Friends Use Pro , depends on what and where you go on the net.

Malwarebytes | Free Anti-Malware & Malware Removal

at the bottom blue free download text

KB

unlocker seems to say it will show unlock in context menu. but it doesn't show anything and if I run assistant it shows the process.. at first windows blocked the installation of the driver file so I copied it to the driver directory.. I also ran the exe file as administrator.

JoshuaM said:

unlocker seems to say it will show unlock in context menu. but it doesn't show anything and if I run assistant it shows the process.. at first windows blocked the installation of the driver file so I copied it to the driver directory.. I also ran the exe file as administrator.

It sounds like you certainly have bigger issues.

Did you run the Permissions fix from SafeMode with WRT? I wonder if it can;t do some fixes from Normal Mode


Maybe a HP system restore is in Order after all ? you live and learn as they say ..... install macrium reflect free ( new version out today) and make an image ASAP after the reinstall and schedule it for ever 2 days after that saving 12 backups to your Ext.Drive so you can go back 3 weeks to rescur things if needed....

ran it in safe mode

that turning "Read-Only" is a big MYSTERIOUS situation. Why should the System behave like that? Incredible!
But be very careful with what you do, trying to get access to it.
I lost 1TB data on a external HDD trying to fix a misbehavior of the OS. The OS was trying make me believe there was a Hardware Failure on the HDD. The same HDD is working perfectly , I have used it often last Weeks and there is NO failure at all, so there is something else going on. Be advised.

If it is an External HDD, try other PC.

JoshuaM said:

ran it in safe mode

Try the Inplace Upgrade is next I guess , if that doesn't help then a Full reinstall maybe needed...


KB

Kbird said:

Try the Inplace Upgrade is next I guess , if that doesn't help then a Full reinstall maybe needed...


KB

what is the difference between this and a factory reset?

Factory will make it like the day your purchased it............ (the Hp laptop?) was it with Win10 or Win8.1?

assuming you mean HP's "recovery" option ie f2 or f12 I think ?

Upgrade , replaces windows Files and saves yours if you choose that Option.... Your ISO/Win MCT USB installer needs to be the same version of higher to work though as an Inplace upgrade AFAIK though

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade - Windows 10 Forums

You can change the owner back to TrustedInstaller. You'll need to use its full name NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller. See:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3...dows-10-a.html