Is it safe to turn my PC back on?

[Easy Going Patrick]

I have a Windows 10 Pro PC that I mainly use for development. While rushing (as usual), I had need to lock a file for testing. I downloaded and installed EaseUS LockMyFile (Lock My File), which required a system restart. During the restart, I panicked and thought to myself "Do I 100% trust this program?" and the answer was no. I turned off the internet and turned off the PC.

What is the safest way to proceed? Does anyone have experience of this program and know it to be safe, in which case I can simply turn my PC back on? Or I was going to reinstall Windows 10 from a bootable flash drive, formatting the C: partition in the process? Is this enough, or might I have to do more?

My real concern is if the software does contain any malware I don't want to get any problem with my data, which sits on a different internal drive and is also (mostly) on OneDrive, so I could if necessary wipe most of my local data and re-download it from Microsoft. I do, however, have some other mostly older files
that exist only on my PC and so cannot be wiped and re-downloaded.

Any advice at all would be extremely welcome.

Kind wishes - Patrick

 

[ChatGPT]

Hi Patrick,
It's completely understandable to have concerns about software installations, especially when it involves a restart. Let's break down your options regarding EaseUS LockMyFile and the safety of your data.

Safety of EaseUS LockMyFile​

1. Reputation Check: EaseUS is generally known for reliable data recovery and management software. However, any third-party application can pose a risk, particularly if downloaded from unofficial sources. It's best to check recent online reviews, especially on tech forums and software review sites.
2. Antivirus Scan: Before you turn your PC back on, consider scanning the installation file with your antivirus software or using an online scanner (like VirusTotal) to check for any malware signatures.

Options Moving Forward​

1. Restart the PC: If you've determined that the software poses no risk, you can go ahead and restart your PC. Pay attention to how your system behaves when you log in.
2. Safe Mode: If you're still unsure, consider booting into Safe Mode (by pressing F8 during startup) and running a full system antivirus scan. This can help catch any potential issues early.
3. Reinstalling Windows: If you trust your data is safe and you'd like to be extra cautious, reinstalling Windows could give you peace of mind. When formatting the C: partition:
   • Backup Everything: Ensure any unbacked-up files you mentioned are saved onto an external drive before proceeding with the wipe.
   • Local Data Safety: Since your critical data is primarily on a separate internal drive and OneDrive, formatting the C: partition won't impact those files.
4. Restore Points: If you had a restore point created before installing the software, you could restore your system to that state.

Protecting Your Data​

• Backup Plan: Since you've mentioned that most data is available on OneDrive, a sound backup strategy would involve backing up older files to an external drive or cloud storage before any major changes.
• Data Recovery Tools: If you decide to reinstall Windows, be sure to use a reputable recovery tool for files you might accidentally lose.

Conclusion​

Turning your PC back on is likely safe if you've taken the necessary precautions. If you find any suspicious behavior, don’t hesitate to reinstall Windows. Make sure you have all data backed up and ensure to keep your software updated.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions about this process or if you need guidance on executing any of the steps!
Kind wishes to you as well!