[SOLVED] Windows defender deleted itself, I can't scan pc for malware and viruses

PeterJ · Oct 4, 2024

WARNING! The following fix is specific to the user's system in this thread only. No one else should follow these instructions, as it could damage your system.

Download the attachment SFCFix.zip and save it on your desktop.
Save any work you have open, and close all programs.
Drag the SFCFix.zip file over the SFCFix.exe executable and release it.
SFCFix will launch, let it complete.
Once done, a file will appear on your desktop, called SFCFix.txt.
Attach that file to your next reply.

Piuma · Oct 4, 2024

PeterJ · Oct 4, 2024

Restart the machine.
Run the command sfc /scannow in an elevated commandprompt and report the result.
If it fails, copy the file C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\cbs.log to your desktop.
Zip the copied file and attach the zipped cbs.log to your next reply.

Piuma · Oct 4, 2024

Cannot run sfc or anything else. I'm having a recurring bsod error 0x000021a.
Tried with the usb bootable windows media tool, but unfortunately it's not helping me and I keep getting the same bsod. I'm stuck.

PeterJ · Oct 5, 2024

Since when do you get the bsod error ?

Boot your computer into a Clean Boot state following these instructions: How to perform a clean boot in Windows.
After that, report the result.

Piuma · Oct 5, 2024

It happened after the last scfix. I've rebooted for performing sfc. Scan and it got stuck on the blue screen of death, not allowing me to do anything else. Maybe it was overheating.
And I need to try again today (finger crossed) ,hoping that it lets me perform the clean boot.
Last night's attempts wouldn't allow any further movement from that blue screen.
It was totally stuck

PeterJ · Oct 5, 2024

With the latest fix we replaced 1 file.
Try Windows Safe Mode and use the most recent restore point. Does that help ?

Piuma · Oct 5, 2024

I doubt that it's the latest fix indeed.
The situation is stuck at boot with the bsod (it doesn't load windows).
With some luck I sometimes come across to the option of pressing F8 to get into Uefi. But when I manage to force the usb reboot with the windows media tool, it gets stuck again.
Maybe I should operate into the Uefi advanced screen, where there seem to be other options.
But I'm not able to go ahead with my base experience.
Can u guide me, by chance?

Piuma · Oct 5, 2024

PeterJ · Oct 5, 2024

Does this information help ? startup error code 0xc0000225 windows 8.1

Piuma · Oct 6, 2024

Through diskpart I've managed to eliminate Bsod.
When I start the unit, I now land directly into the bios/Uefi.
the w8.1 bootable usb stops installation at 63%.
I was just wondering whether it would be the case to upgrade to Windows 10.
The machine is unusable at this stage.

PeterJ · Oct 6, 2024

Do you get an error message ? If so post an image of it.

A broken OS should never be upgraded. Only a clean install will be successful.

Piuma · Oct 6, 2024

I see. Thank you.
Right now Microsoft doesn't release any Windows 8.1 iso any longer. The only place where is retrievable is archive.org

Windows 8.1 x64 & x86 (Official From Microsoft) (English) : Microsoft Corporation : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
I hope that it works

PeterJ · Oct 7, 2024

My advise would be if you're doing a clean install check if your machine supports Windows 10/11 and choose that.

Piuma · Oct 7, 2024

In the meantime I had the chance to reset everything and install windows 8.1 in English.
Well, I don't have anything left from the other configuration, even from Asus.
(BTW: My personal data were saved)
More than this there's not issue anymore with the hd intel graphics 4000 device.
I'm thinking, if you agree, that you may have a check of this unit, specially partitions where I have had been fidgeting.
And in case, I may try to install or clean install w10.

PeterJ · Oct 7, 2024

More than this there's not issue anymore with the hd intel graphics 4000 device.

Great. Check Windows Update and make sure the system is up-to-date.

Piuma · Oct 7, 2024

Done and installed everything

PeterJ · Oct 7, 2024

Well done.
Can we mark this thread as solved ?

Piuma · Oct 7, 2024

Yes, thank you

PeterJ · Oct 8, 2024

Your welcome.

Take care.

[SOLVED] Windows defender deleted itself, I can't scan pc for malware and viruses

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