All downloads blocked by security settings

[scthompson]

Hi there, I am running 8.1, and firefox 25. I can't download or run Avast, or download any executables, suddenly. I lowered my security settings to Medium and added Avast to the firewall permissions, but to no avail. My download settings were already at "prompt" anyway, so there's something deeper I can't figure out. I'm a reasonably competent generalist but not super computer smart, so I need answers for the layperson Thanks for any help.

 

[ectech]

Have you checked for malware?

 

[scthompson]

I can't get the scanning software to run because of the uplink issues. I've broken down and taken it to a tech. I'm sorry I bought a pc-my mac was more expensive but it ran effortlessly. I thought I wanted to learn how to geek a pc, but I just can't get the logic of it, pr at least not in a way that solves my problems. Oh well.

 

[FileNotFound]

I would first try for a system restore
1) go to control panel
2)enter recovery in the search box,and click recovery
3)now click on system recovery and follow on-screen instructions

after doing that try checking the drives for errors Check Hard Drive For File System Errors in Windows 8