browser hikacked

Oh yeah. That's all there is around here this time of year.

The point I was making is that viruses, trojans,and all other types of malware are out there. We have to acknowledge that and need to be proactive about avoiding those things. Just like avoiding potholes and the potential damage they can cause.

 

scan your computer with Malwarebytes great product

 

Easiest method to do a clean install... Yes. With a little due diligence from a computer-savvy friend near-by, even easier. As you said, you have software installed like a firewall, AV, etc. maintaining an up-to-date computer (not just Windows but all your security software, too) and regularly using it, helps.

Also, being selective in which emails and which sites you visit... helps a LOT. There's a browser-addon for the Mozilla Firefox browser called "Web Of Trust" that adds color-coded circle icons to sites based on a community rating... Sites with a poor reputation pop a warning up to you before showing you the site (and allow you to leave with no harm done). I'm an advanced power user and I have it installed on each and every computer I work with in a given day.

These computer scammers are some of the most ingenious bastards you'll ever come in contact with.