Unable to open 7.4 docs with 7.6 version loaded

[EarnestAl]

If it were a successful ransomware attack then your files connected to your computer could have been encrypted, also a virus could still exist on the external drive unless Norton has cleaned it. A connected drive is not a backup.

Try using an online antivirus tool to scan your computer. Norton should have one as well as other reputable anti-virus companies.

@deren

Defender did nothing there (on the original computer)

No. You have to turn on Controlled Folder Access for Defender to defend against this type of attack. It prevents programs from modifying files unless they have been added to the Allowed list. Every new version of a program needs to be added again although Microsoft usually (it forgot to add an updated version of File Explorer once) adds its own programs to the built-in list. Other antivirus programs might call it anti ransomware.

[deren]

Layers upon layers of confusion, but I am trying to work my way through. This did begin with what they told me–and I still do not believe it was true–a Windows Defender alarm. Too many “red flags” however. I shut down the computer before I had an opportunity to run Norton (which would have required me to restart the computer in any event). However, I am assuming that the same anti-virus, anti ramsomware protection I have on this unit would have caught the virus/trojan if it were there. You mention needing to run the Controlled Folder Access for Defender, but I have been avoiding all things Microsoft for several years (as much as possible) and even if I had been aware of this I might not have done so. Ironic, if I turn it on now and I end up with that same incident on this, my backup computer, I will be entirely lost. You are human, yes, Mr. “AI”?

[robleyd]

That’s Mr A Ell not A Eye. The font here makes a lower case ell look very similar to an upper case eye.

[EarnestAl]

If Norton AV was running on your computer then Defender would be disabled, therefore it might have been a fake warning. Create a Norton Boot drive and boot infected computer with that to do a anti-virus scan.

A word of warning, anti-virus programs can miss new viruses and they normally won’t interfere if you approve malware rights. Vigilance and suspicion can be more effective that just relying on AV.

[deren]

Thanks again. IF I knew what a boot drive was… Yes, yes, I will look it up…
I was suspicious the moment the screen said “Windows Defender” but was all in French, and was blocked by several other windows which were further blocked so that only one, in the end, could be read. I called the number three times, recd 3 diff tales from v anxious foreigners… All wanting money to fix the problem “If it is major…oh, yes, only if it is major!” Which, naturally, it would be.
But, the question remains if it was a bluff or a real planting of a virus. If they were sophisticated enough to do what they’ve done, they were sophisticated enough to run a trojan through as well, I should think.
However, having been three days, and having run a Norton Deep scan using the peripherals on the backup computer several times every day…and finding nothing… I’m wondering if I should simply go ahead and power up my main computer and see what happens. Boot drive or no!! But thanks again for all your assistance, Earnest. And everyone else, of course!!!
Hopefully, I will return to my 7.4 version!

[deren]

To EarnestAI and all ships at sea–especially those kind enough to have taken part in this conversation…
When last we “spoke” Earnest was kind enough to recommend that I reboot my computer utilizing Norton. It turns out that Norton uses a third-party tool called “RUFUS” and, while they may still be friends, at the moment they are not exactly on the same page, operations-wise.
I have contacted Norton about this and they are as miffed about this as I when I attempted to use RUFUS.
So, if you should have friends in need of this tool, as I was, you may wish to warn them. Hopefully, soon Norton will have this matter resolved.