Windows 10 Windows 10 Shows DeepFreeze Symptomps !

1. A thorough memory test was performed, yielding a positive result with a flawless 100% completion and no errors detected.
2. Booting in SAFE mode was also attempted, but regrettably, no changes were observed. All alterations made were reversed after each restart.
3. I've confirmed that no further updates are accessible for installation, and I'm unable to uninstall previous updates, leaving me without this potential avenue of resolution.
4. Curiously, the antivirus program, Malwarebytes, is also causing consternation. Despite my attempts to delete items from its quarantine, they persistently reappear.

bochane said:

Are all BIOS updates installed?

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BrokenWinDoz said:

I've conducted several tests to diagnose the issue:

1. A thorough memory test was performed, yielding a positive result with a flawless 100% completion and no errors detected.
2. Booting in SAFE mode was also attempted, but regrettably, no changes were observed. All alterations made were reversed after each restart.
3. I've confirmed that no further updates are accessible for installation, and I'm unable to uninstall previous updates, leaving me without this potential avenue of resolution.
4. Curiously, the antivirus program, Malwarebytes, is also causing consternation. Despite my attempts to delete items from its quarantine, they persistently reappear.

These steps represent my proactive efforts to address the issue, but unfortunately, a definitive solution remains elusive.

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Potential Causes​

1. DeepFreeze or Similar Software:
   • Software like DeepFreeze (or similar alternatives) may be installed and configured to restore the system to its previous state after every restart. Check for such software on your system.
2. Corrupted User Profile or Permissions Issue:
   • A corrupted user profile or misconfigured permissions/settings could prevent changes from persisting.
3. Drive Write Lock or File System Protection:
   • A write-lock or protection utility may be blocking changes to the system's storage.
4. Malware or Broken System Components:
   • Malicious software or broken system files could be interfering with normal operation, especially since Malwarebytes is struggling to delete items from quarantine.

Recommended Steps to Troubleshoot​

1. Check for DeepFreeze or Similar Software​

• Look for DeepFreeze or other system-restore software:
  1. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features and check for software like:
     • DeepFreeze by Faronics
     • ToolWiz Time Freeze
     • Rollback RX or similar utilities.
  2. If installed, disable or uninstall it (you might need a password if DeepFreeze is in place).

2. Verify If Malware is Interfering​

• Given the issues with Malwarebytes’ quarantine, it’s possible malware is persisting between restarts.
  • Run Windows Defender Offline Scan:
    1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
    2. Click on Scan Options, choose Windows Defender Offline Scan, and restart to scan.
  • Alternatively, use bootable antivirus tools like Kaspersky Rescue Disk or Bitdefender Rescue Disk for a deep clean.

3. Check Disk Write Lock / File System​

• Test if changes to files persist outside of the system settings:
  1. Try creating a new file or folder directly on the desktop or C: drive.
  2. Restart the machine and verify if the file persists.
• Check for write-lock or corruption:
  1. Open an Admin Command Prompt and run:
     
     Code:

     cmd chkdsk C: /f /r

  2. Allow the scan to complete and repair any identified issues.

4. Check or Repair System Files​

• Use System File Checker and DISM to restore and fix system components:
  1. Open an Admin Command Prompt or PowerShell.
  2. Run:
     
     Code:

     cmd sfc /scannow

  3. Follow it with:
     
     Code:

     cmd DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. Investigate User Account Settings​

• Create a new user account to test if the problem is profile-related:
  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
  2. Add a new local/user account (no Microsoft account required).
  3. Log in with the new account and test if issues persist.

6. Check Event Viewer for Clues​

• Open the Event Viewer (Win + R, type eventvwr).
• Check for errors under Windows Logs > Application or System around the time of restarts or failed changes.

7. Disable or Test Malwarebytes​

• As Malwarebytes is showing odd behavior:
  1. Temporarily disable or uninstall it and restart to see if its interference is causing the reversion.

8. Windows Reset (As Last Resort)​

• If all else fails, consider performing a Windows Reset while keeping files intact:
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Choose Reset this PC, then select Keep my files.

Key Notes:​

• If this behavior is caused by security software or DeepFreeze, it’ll be explicitly configured to revert changes after reboot.
• If Malwarebytes or other antivirus tools are unable to clear quarantine, this points to a deeper issue with file permissions or possible malware.