Windows Security: Recommended Actions Solved

Question

Hello, I am on Windows 11. When uninstalling the McAfee antivirus a few days ago, the Windows Security indicator in the taskbar turned yellow and shows "recommended actions." However, when accessing the security settings, no actions are available. I have tried the following solutions: - Check that no action is required in the entire Windows Security (everything is OK) - A manual quick scan (no threats detected) - An offline scan (no threats detected) - Disable the notification indicator in the task manager and restart the computer (the indicator appears as before) - Repair and reset the Windows Security application (no results). After investigation, I thought the problem might be due to an empty or malfunctioning protection history: it is indeed empty in my case. I specify that I do not have the CCleaner application, which may be the cause of such a problem from what I have seen. - Does this conceal a significant security issue? Or is it just an aesthetic bug of the icon? How to remedy it, if necessary? Thank you in advance for your responses.

MisteryBean · Answer

Hello

We will start with a PC diagnostic:

Read the entire procedure carefully before posting the reports
Do not post them directly in the messages as they are unreadable and incomplete

The reports FRST.txt and Addition.txt are expected.

All reports must be hosted on https://security-x.fr/up/ and you need to indicate the obtained links in your response.

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--> The SmartScreen filter may trigger an alert. Click on Actions or More information then on Run anyway

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--> Download the FRST version of Farbar, compatible with your system and save the file on your Desktop.

--> For a 32-bit system
--> For a 64-bit system

How to find out which version, 32-bit or 64-bit, is running on my system?

--> Wait for your browser to prompt you to download to save, without clicking anywhere, especially not on the page sponsors.
--> Close all applications, including your browser.
--> Double-click on FRST.exe and click Yes to accept the Disclaimer.
--> On Vista, Windows 7 / 8 and 10, you need to launch the file by right-clicking -> Run as administrator.
--> Wait until it indicates The tool is ready to run.
--> In the main menu, click on Scan and wait for the scan to complete.
--> At the end of the scan, the reports FRST.txt and Addition.txt are created. Post these reports in your next response.
--> The reports are saved in the same location as the tool and under C:\FRST\Logs

Olei · Answer

Thank you for your response, Here are the two requested links: For FRST.exe: https://up.security-x.fr/file.php?h=R193e92e8ee2805995fe4c187c3921ad8  For Addition.exe: https://up.security-x.fr/file.php?h=R540c23e07ba526888ac08c946f7ee0cd

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_ Nothing special in the reports, I'll send you another one => Download Farbar Service Scanner (if the download doesn't start automatically, click on "click here")  => Run it by right-clicking run as administrator  => Make sure the following options are checked => Click on "Scan" => An analysis report (FSS.txt) will be created in the folder where FSS.exe is located. => Post the report HERE and provide the link in your response.

Olei · Answer

Good evening, Here is the link to the FSS report: https://up.security-x.fr/file.php?h=R53a9d651a7f8241ce1ce27fd37537e01

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_ No problem detected. Can you take a screenshot of the security center? (You can post it like the reports) => Click on the Windows Defender shield in the taskbar => Go full screen and take a screenshot like this:

Olei · Answer

Good evening, Here is the link to the screenshot from the security center: https://up.security-x.fr/file.php?h=R60ed371e5443af546bd2df43e8a12f56

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_ Everything is fine on this side. Check: => Windows Update -> Do you have any failed updates? => Security Center -> Virus Protection -> Protection updates -> Check for updates -> Check for updates -> What does it show?

Olei · Answer

Good evening, => There are no failed updates indicated in Windows Update. However, these few lines intrigue me in the Addition file of the first analysis. Date: 2022-09-12 20:12:25 Description: Microsoft Defender Antivirus encountered an error while updating the security intelligence. New version of the security intelligence: Previous version of the security intelligence: 1.321.69.0 Update source: Microsoft Update Server Security intelligence type: Anti-virus Update type: Full User: NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM Current engine version: Previous engine version: 1.1.17300.4 Error code: 0x80240022 Error description: The program cannot check for definition updates. However, definition updates have been downloaded and installed since. => When searching for updates, the system informs me that "the security intelligence is up to date".

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_  However, these few lines intrigue me in the Addition file of the first analysis.  Yes, that's why I indicated (in addition to Windows Update):  => Security Center -> Virus Protection -> Protection Updates -> Check for updates -> Check for updates -> what does it yield?

Olei · Answer

Good evening, Here is what I get after the last manipulation: https://up.security-x.fr/file.php?h=Rd5c0b52ecddfaf625708b0593c37b8d8 Thank you for taking the time to look into the issue, Have a good evening.

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_ Try this: --> Copy what is below from start:: to end:: (without pasting it anywhere) start:: closeprocesses: createrestorepoint: deletevalue: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TrayNotify|PastIconsStream deletevalue: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TrayNotify|IconStreams emptytemp: end:: --> Open FRST (or FRST64) as an administrator and click on Fix --> A fixlog file is created in the same location as FRST, post it --> Let me know if you still have the problem

Olei · Answer

Good evening, Here is the link to the fixlog file: https://up.security-x.fr/file.php?h=R1962ff67938fa740fd12fcd2338754f9 Unfortunately, the issue has not been resolved.

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_ I think it's a bug with the icon, but it's strange that the previous fix didn't repair it. Try: => Right-click the taskbar => Taskbar settings => Taskbar overflow area => Uncheck Windows security => Restart => Repeat the procedure to enable the icon => Click on the hidden icon in the taskbar and, without releasing, bring it to the taskbar => Do you still have the problem?

Olei · Answer

Good evening, I have unchecked Windows Security in the overflow area of the taskbar corner. The icon became visible directly on the taskbar. I restarted, then checked Windows Security in the overflow area of the taskbar corner. The icon went back to the hidden icons space of the taskbar. I performed the last manipulation. The issue has not been resolved.

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_ I don't see anything more to do, for me, it's a bug, hoping that the next update will fix the problem. You can wait for it to happen automatically or you can launch it manually For FRST: To automatically remove all files/folders created by FRST and the tool itself, rename FRST/FRST64.exe to uninstall.exe and run it. The process requires a restart

Olei · Answer

Good evening, Thank you for looking into the issue. However, I am now facing a new problem, perhaps related to the first one: I am unable to download the new Windows update that the article in your link discusses. Here is the error message: https://up.security-x.fr/file.php?h=R7266337f0f163a73fec3b33d2c82514b I have encountered this problem before, and I had to reset Windows (10 at the time). In both cases, the issue appeared after I clicked on the “pause updates” option and then clicked on it again to cancel, an action that seems trivial to me but might actually be significant? Thank you in advance.

Olei · Answer

By trying to solve the problem on my own, sometimes I completely mess up... I followed all the steps of this tutorial that seemed quite serious: https://windowsreport.com/0x800705aa/ Problem: after step 6.9., I can no longer access my account: I am prevented from entering my PIN code, I cannot log into my session. Thank you in advance!

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_ There are quite a few issues with the 22H2 update for Win11 Regarding your last problem, did you check Hide all Microsoft services? At the login screen, do you not have Other sign-in options? How do you usually connect? Password?

Olei · Answer

I did not check the option "Hide all Microsoft services": "deselect the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft services" in the article, certainly an error. I log in with a password. Now, the login screen tells me that "there was a problem and your PIN is not available. Click to set up your PIN again," and there is an option "Set up my PIN." When I click on it, a window appears to inform me that an application is needed for this task and it suggests looking for one in the Store, an option that does not work (nothing opens).

MisteryBean · Answer

I didn't actually uncheck the option Hide all Microsoft services: "deselect the checkbox for Hide all Microsoft services" in the article, certainly a mistake.  Yes, big mistake because you disabled Microsoft services, some of which are essential for the proper functioning of Windows. Can you take a picture of the login screen when you start the PC without clicking anywhere?

Olei · Answer

Here it is!

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_ It's not looking good :-\ What icon do you have in the bottom right? We can't see them in the picture

Olei · Answer

Accessibility and On/Off!

MisteryBean · Answer

OK, so try starting in safe mode to see if it's the same:

=> Press the shift key (Arrow up above ctrl on the bottom left)
=> While holding it down, restart the PC (bottom right)
=> You will arrive at the startup options, release shift
=> Click on Troubleshoot => Advanced options => Startup Settings => Restart
=> The PC restarts, press the 4 key or F4 (5 or F5 if logging in with a Microsoft account)
=> You arrive on the desktop in safe mode

Olei · Answer

Hello,

I carried out the procedure, once selecting F5 and the other F4.

In both cases, I end up in front of the same blocked session screen.

=> In the utility accessible with shift, there is a reset option. Would this restore the default settings and solve the problem?

I have no important files on the PC, and a reset is not a problem for me if necessary.

Thank you.

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_

=> In the utility accessible with shift, there is a reset option. Would this restore the default settings and resolve the issue?

I think it will ask you for the password and you might still be stuck, but it's worth a try.

But before that, check if you can restore to an earlier point.

=> On the session screen
=> Press the shift key (the arrow up key above ctrl in the bottom left)
=> While holding it down, restart the PC (bottom right)
=> You will arrive at the startup options, release shift
=> Click on Troubleshoot => Advanced options => System Restore

=> See if you have a point before your issue and launch it.

Olei · Answer

Hello,

I'm writing to you from my PC!

I successfully restored to a previous point and logged into my session, but then I was confronted with a black screen. The reset didn't work either (the process got stuck halfway and sent me back to the startup options).

I preferred to use the warranty and send the computer for maintenance due to a lack of time, but with a little more patience and your help, I have no doubt the problem would have also been resolved.

Thanks again and have a good evening!

P.S.: the initial problem of the subject is also resolved ;).

MisteryBean · Answer

RE_

I preferred to use the warranty and send the computer in for maintenance

Indeed, if I had known that the PC was under warranty, that's the first thing I would have told you to do :-)

@see you on CCM

Windows Security: Recommended Actions - Page 2

Read the entire procedure carefully before posting the reports
Do not post them directly in the messages as they are unreadable and incomplete

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Read the entire procedure carefully before posting the reports Do not post them directly in the messages as they are unreadable and incomplete

Read the entire procedure carefully before posting the reports
Do not post them directly in the messages as they are unreadable and incomplete