7/31/2026 spouse got [PC APP Store shows create your account then occupied the full screen] malicious virus and 4 fraud charged his credit card 更新8/5/2026 - 蝙蝠的部落格

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7/31/2026 spouse got [PC APP Store shows create your account then occupied the full screen] malicious virus and 4 fraud charged his credit card 更新8/5/2026

2026/08/01 09:58:57瀏覽35｜回應0｜推薦0

7/31/2026 spouse PC got [pc APP Store shows create your account then occupied the full screen] malicious virus infected cant but ask me to help him.

indeed none the Google searched suggestions works except i did succeed disconnect WIFI, then turned off PC 3 times but the [pc APP Store shows create your account then occupied the full screen]repeatedly wont goes away. so searched again :

[spouse was using Opera browser and watched yutube video then popped up [need to update] so he clicked it then bad things happened]

The YouTube video did not trigger the infection, but clicking the "need to update" pop-up allowed malicious software (malware) into the system. This type of attack is called a "drive-by download" or a fake update scam, where hackers trick users into downloading a virus disguised as a web browser or media player update.

Immediate Action Steps

Disconnect From Wi-Fi/Internet: Turn off your Wi-Fi or unplug the internet cable immediately. This stops the malware from sending your passwords or data to the hackers.
Do Not Enter Any Passwords: Avoid typing any login details, bank information, or personal data on that computer right now. The malware might be recording your keystrokes.

[already disconnect wifi but task manager wont show up on the screen ?]

If Task Manager is missing from your screen, it might be running off-screen, minimized, or blocked by a system setting. Try pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc again, or right-click your taskbar and select Task Manager. If it still fails to appear, your window position is likely saved off your display area. [1, 2]

--didnt work.

.................

If Task Manager will not open, a stuck background process or a locked user profile is likely blocking it. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc again. If that fails, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and click Task Manager from the blue screen menu. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Quick Fixes

Restart your PC: Press the power button on your computer case to shut it down safely. A fresh restart clears frozen system files.

--it didnt work, maybe caused by i click windows logo , power, restart or shut down.

[the settings can see on screen but cant select Apps or the setting screen disappeared and the [pc APP Store ] occupied screen again?]

Your computer is hijacked by a stubborn adware program known as the PC App Store, which locks the screen and blocks normal access to settings or apps. To regain control, close the app via Task Manager, disconnect from the internet, and uninstall the software

[didnt find PC App Store in task manager or settings Apps installed apps ]

If the "PC App Store" adware/pop-up does not show up in your standard Apps list or Task Manager under that exact name, it is likely running under a different process name, hidden in the classic Control Panel, or managed by a background task PS 8/2 in the beginning didnt find [PC APP Store] until uninstalled some spouse installed new apps then showed up even uninstalled still cant stop [Create your account] occupied the full screen.

[already disconnect wifi but task manager wont show up on the screen ?]

Quick Fixes

Restart your PC: Press the power button on your computer case to shut it down safely. A fresh restart clears frozen system files.

-- this time it works so i can perform windows security full scan but suddenly got loudly alarm

[why popped up pc APP Store shows create your account, windows security full scan suddenly popped up warning alarm [motherboard in danger] should i ignore and let scan continue ?]

You should treat the "motherboard in danger" warning as a fake alert and a scam. Do not click it. Windows Security does not use phrases like "motherboard in danger" or trigger loud alarm sounds for hardware failure during a normal scan.

Why This is a Scam

Fake Pop-Ups: Scammers use pop-ups that look like real security windows to scare you.
False Alarms: Real virus scans find bad files, but they do not know if your physical motherboard is in danger.
Phishing Trick: The "Create your account" prompt is a trap to steal your personal details or passwords. [1, 2]

now the screen loudly alarm happened again as [Your IP is Exposed] so continue ignored

2nd time loudly alarm the same [Your IP is Exposed]

=================================

8/1/2026 last night 11:48 Pm immediately contacted spouse bank credit card dept about bank website acount showed [Warning
We noticed some unusual activity on your account. To protect your account, weve restricted your card until you review some recent transactions.]

4 fraud transactions were charged by [PC APP Store Product] . Isnt very scarely ? when AI suggested me to download MelwareBytes.com free anti-virus app to catch [PC APP Store] issued malicious virus, both our PC cant visit due to received weird warning forbid to visit MelwareBytes.com.

searched [how many infected by [PC APP Store] issued malicious virus and fraud charged on credit card ?]

There is no official or exact public total for the number of people infected or scammed by the deceptive software known as "PC App Store" (pcappstore.com). Cybersecurity firms and public databases have not published a precise victim count for this specific adware/malware program.

Threat Profile and Mechanics

Classification: Security vendors classify "PC App Store" as a deceptive application, potentially unwanted application (PUA), and adware rather than a traditional high-consequence file-encrypting ransomware. [1]

Distribution: It primarily spreads via software bundling, piggybacking on free downloads from unverified third-party websites. [1]

Behavior: It locks browser settings, floods the desktop with aggressive pop-ups, and uses high-pressure tactics mimicking system infection warnings to trick users into inputting credit card details for fake subscriptions or unnecessary tech support. [1, 2, 3]

Recommended Recovery Steps

Isolate Device: Disconnect the computer from the internet immediately to stop outbound data communication. [1]

Clean System: Boot into Safe Mode, open the Control Panel or Windows Settings, and uninstall "PC App Store". Follow up with a deep system scan using trusted security tools like Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender. [1, 2, 3]

Financial Action: If you entered credit card information, contact your bank or card issuer immediately to report potential fraud, dispute any unauthorized charges, and request a replacement card. [1, 2]

-- 8/1/2026 in the beginning spouse was watching yutube then popped up screen showing need to update app he clicked but didnt fill any information which issued by "PC App Store" popped up screen to create account. he knew it was fraud and immediately asked me to help him. i didnt know such scam would impact spouse credit card at all. fortunately i visited bank on line which already caught it but need us to confirm whether we recognized the charged.

however it only showed [pending] transactions no timetag so cant verify when does it happen. and spouse already fell sleep so the man cant tell me until daytime (working hour, correct: not tomorrow) spouse call again.

2 days ago i already found another same amount dupplicated transaction paied to grocery store but also [pending] cant tell the shoping date. and in the past the bank also happened same situation then auto fixed. the weird is yesterday still pending thats why i tried to verify today but due to [PC App Store] fraud charges happen it was restricted cant see only the last 5 pending transactions without timetag.

did both of our PC under hacker control thru [PC App Store] burried malicious virus ? ps 8/3/2026 both pc same period time forbid to visit melwarebytes.com by popping detect fraud melwarebytes.com, i did inquire AI was told [PC APP Store] virus infected thru our internet network

searched [PC App Store is a fraud not a real company? that can use the name fraud charged on credit card ?]

Yes, "PC App Store" is widely flagged by security vendors as a deceptive program, adware, or Potentially Unwanted Application (PUA) rather than a trusted software marketplace, and unexpected credit card charges tied to it should be treated as unauthorized or fraudulent. [1, 2]

Dealing with the Charges

Contact your bank: Call the fraud department number on the back of your credit card immediately to report the unauthorized charge and request a chargeback.

Request a new card: Ask your bank to cancel the compromised card and issue a new one so the recurring charges stop.

Check statements: Review your statements closely to see if there are multiple or recurring fees under names like pcappstore.com. [1, 2, 4, 5]
--in the past duplicated transactions always happened to grocery stores but bank auto fixed.

Removing the Software from Your PC

Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, look for "PC App Store" or related unfamiliar processes, and click End task. [1]

Uninstall the app: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or Control Panel > Programs and Features), find the PC App Store, and select Uninstall. [1, 2]

Run a security scan: Use Windows Security or a trusted tool like Malwarebytes to scan your system and remove any lingering adware or hidden files. [1, 2]

8/1/2026 (around 2:00Am)spouse went to pee then came by i told him so far i would say fixed his PC that i believe 7/31 MS updated his pc reinstalled all his past notebooks used such as OneDrive, OneNote so i uninstalled them

searched did MS restored previous notebooks OneNote , OneDrive triggered PC APP store scam ?No, Microsoft restoring previous OneNote notebooks or OneDrive files does not trigger a "PC App Store" scam. The program named PC App Store is unrelated adware or a potentially unwanted application (PUA) that installs itself quietly alongside third-party software downloads or malicious redirects

--do i believe it is coincidence MS updated and the scam happened on the same day or hacker use [PC App Store] to steal victims money ? after i uninstalled unused OneDrive, OneNote, spouse pc seemed finally get rid of the virus. ps 8/2 spouse current PC never install OneDrive, or 360 products but i found those old time installed showed up and verified those folders are emplty.

8/1/2026 received bank sent 4 emails on 7/31/2026 6:00pm, 5:32pm 5:30pm, another one suddenly auto disappeared (8/2 i did verify whether in email junk, spam an others folder but didnt, it happened in front of my eyes). the same amount $19.99, where : PC APP STORE PRODUCT

..........更新 8/3

8/3/2026 visited on line bank showes:

7/31/2026 6:00pm Action required: Verify suspicious credit card activity
Credit card ending in 7608
We noticed suspicious activity on your credit card and need you to review this recent transaction.
Date July 31, 2026
Amount $19.99
Merchant PC APP STORE PRODUCT
Status Declined
7/31/2026 5:32pm and 5:30pm , one auto disappeared; 3 times $19.99 x 3
Credit card not present during this transaction
This transaction was declined
spouse credit account information
Amount: $19.99
Date: July 31, 2026
Where: PC APP STORE PRODUCT
This may have occurred for a purchase you made online, by phone, mail or when a merchant manually enters your card information.
If you dont recognize this activity, please contact us at the number on the back of your card.
spouse credit account information Sent To: email account

--however 1 Action required, 3 Credit card not present, all didnt have time tag. received emails has sent email timetag and 1 [credit card not present] auto disappeared.

searched [i received 3 exactly same email but different time then in front of my eyes one of 3 auto disappeared, i did check email trash , spam, unread folders, does my email account be hacked ? ]

Receiving identical emails and seeing one vanish can happen for several reasons, and it does not always mean your account is hacked. Common causes include a server sync delay, an automated sender retracting a message, or a minor glitch in your email app.

Signs Your Account Is Safe

Sync correction: Your phone and computer showed the same incoming message at slightly different times, and the server fixed the duplicate.

Sender recall: Some systems let a sender cancel or update an email right after sending it.

Filters or rules: An automated rule might have archived or deleted a duplicate message instantly. [1]

What You Should Do Now

Check recent activity: Look at the bottom or security page of your email settings to see active login sessions or recent sign-in locations.

Review account settings: Make sure no strange forwarding rules or filters were added to your account.

Secure your login: Change your password and turn on two-factor authentication if you want to be completely safe.

...........................................

8/1/2026 9-10am remind spouse to call bank replace a new credit card in the meanwhile spouse request adding my name on his card so in the future i can call for him without problem. the lady this time quite cooperative due to i requested at midnight want the man make a note that i did inform the 4 fraud charges and spouse suffered [PC App Store] malicious virus and why didnt fill its created account form but can charge spouse credit card. i was told 2-3 days will receive the new card. then i need change autopay credit card information. not sure whether too late and get late penalty.

[search] returned . search [7] : MS Edge WebView2 (search) x 4, MS Edge WebView2 x 2 (msedgewebview2.exe) , SearchHost.exe

searched : can i uninstall [search] app ?

You cannot normally uninstall the built-in SearchApp.exe from Windows because it is a core system feature, though third-party malware or browser hijackers named "SearchApp" can be removed.

Windows SearchApp.exe

Core system status: Built-in Windows component handling taskbar search.

Removal risk: As noted in discussions on platforms like Quora, a consensus among users indicates that forcing removal via PowerShell can break the Start menu or cause system instability during future updates. [1]

Malware alternative: If "SearchApp" is redirecting your browser or showing rogue pop-ups, it is a browser hijacker or adware, not the official Windows file. [1]

searched [in task manager shows: search [7] : MS Edge WebView2 (search) x 4, MS Edge WebView2 x 2 (msedgewebview2.exe) , SearchHost.exems; are they hijackers ?] No, those processes are not hijackers. They are legitimate system components used by Windows 10 and 11 to run the modern Start menu search bar and its online features. [1, 2]

[why search(7)] kept popped up windows menu (installed apps, mobility center, ...Desk top) ] N/P

[why kept popped up windows menu (installed apps, mobility center, ...Desk top) by auto search?]

Common Causes

Stuck or broken physical key: The Windows key (flag icon) or an assigned macro key is stuck down or sending false signals.

Touchpad settings: Tapping with three or four fingers is configured to launch Windows Search automatically. ps 8/2/2026 never configured any tap, cant but thru Settings, Bluetooth & devices , Touch 3 and 4-finger touch ON changed to OFF

External hardware: A plugged-in joystick, gamepad, or secondary macro pad is sending phantom keystrokes.

Explorer or Search freeze: The core shell interface or search process (SearchHost.exe) is looping or corrupted. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

[why kept popped up windows menu (installed apps, mobility center, ...Desk top) by auto search that i didnt search at all?]

Windows pop-up menus like the Mobility Center or installed apps appear by themselves because a key on your keyboard is stuck, a shortcut macro is active, or a mouse button is broken. [1, 2]

Common Causes

Stuck Windows Key: Pressing the Win key or Win + X opens the quick link menu. A dirty or stuck key triggers this by itself.

Controller or Tablet Mode: An Xbox controller, extra macro pad, or a touch screen can send hidden shortcut signals.

Third-Party Software: Custom mouse software or old macro programs might replay hotkeys on a loop

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the worst my notebook PC mouse pad and touch screen got serious problem cant but disable the driver so only can use external mouse and keyboard. Hate MS updated to the death, every time must spent many days to solve the updated caused serious bugs. spouse mentioned couple years ago happened to his PC thru MS helper solved driver problem. but i told him this year hardly can get MS helper but AI which no guarantee but this and that trials. sometimes made worse.

ps the only way can tempory solve screen lock, or others that cant find how to solve the freeze, mouse or touchpad wont work... then re-open task manager (Alt-Ctrl-del) which only for short time then happen again, repeatedly. another is task scheduler i did disable {CDE24B29-B1A4-487C-9801-4EA6B... and EPM preload by AI suggestion yesterday. now found 2 more as MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineCore and MicrosoftEdgeUpdateTaskMachineUA that xxxCore was suggested to disable but didnt show up yesterday.

And yesterday i also did browser settings , Privacy and security , clear browsing data , clear data specific sites, so i did now again.

Hoping can reduce re-open task manager frequently.

8/2/2026 it didnt but worse and worse. after spouse went to bed i did compare with spouse. and found as:

[spouse went to bedroom and gave me his pc which did install KB5101684 on 7/29/2026 , i think to compare his pc and mine maybe can help. i did copy your suggestions if i fail by comparing then i would try method 2 (more easy for me as method 1 unlikely work for my pc (did try before for other problem but safe mode disallow *.exe...so i would infor you the result and type [Method 2 (the blue Recovery screen) ] to get you help me again. so see you later

--i went to make my lunch meal, returned back the freeze screen happened again, only re-open task manager can help. none in bottom task bar such as file explorer, 5 notepad opened files, settings, firefox and Library (ie favorists) can allow.

[sorry, found spouse windows update , update history i immediately notice his didnt show Feature Updates at all, mine shows Feature Updates (2) as 25H2 (repair version), 25H2. is is bad news for his pc or not ? ]
No, it is not bad news for your husbands PC; it is actually very good news and completely explains why your computer is freezing while his is running fine.

[25H2 repair version on 4/22/2026, 25H2 on 12/26/2025 i did remember had serious problem happened during Apr-May, his pc had 23H2, 24H2, 25H2 but mine 23H2, 25H2 due to MS update wont updated my PC and cant but compaired with spouse and manual adjusted settings then suddenly MS updated to H25]

Later i worked on comparing mouse settings that i did make changes during pc got serious problems and took searched suggestions. now base on spouse recovery except new mouse was suggested to plug in working with AI together then disabled mousepad.

after done it did help until during made lunch. so not yet take method 2 finally stage to wipe off all including my data files, settings... plan to install unix-type OS in my current machine ie no need to buy new computer. Decide when go to old house to buy usb, we are really too old to learn another OS.... that made me hesitate for several years...

searched [cursor settings circle on but why frequently popped up 2 circles on screen ?]

Seeing two circles pop up on your screen usually means a touch feedback setting, a shortcut key, or a ghost touch issue is active. It often happens if your screen registers touches, or if a tool like "Find My Mouse" is triggered. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Common Causes for Two Circles

Touchscreen Feedback: Windows shows visual circles when a touch screen detects input. Dirty screens or faulty touch drivers can make these circles pop up randomly. [1, 2]

Control Key Locator: A setting called "Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key" creates a circle animation whenever you press the Control key. If you press it multiple times or have a sticky key, it may show multiple circles. [1, 2]

Microsoft PowerToys: The "Find My Mouse" utility in Microsoft PowerToys highlights the cursor with circles when you double-press Ctrl. [1]

Hardware Glitch: A malfunctioning touch panel can create "ghost touches," making circles appear as if someone is tapping the screen. [1, 2, 3]

How to Fix and Turn Them Off

Disable Touch Feedback: Search for Visual Feedback in your Windows search bar. Open Show visual feedback when you touch the screen and turn the touch feedback slider to OFF. []

Disable Control Key Circle: Open Mouse Settings via your system settings or Control Panel. Go to Additional mouse options, click the Pointer Options tab, and uncheck Show location of pointer when I press the CTRL key. [1, 2]

Check PowerToys: Open Microsoft PowerToys if installed on your PC. Go to Mouse Utilities and turn off Enable Find My Mouse. [, 2]

Test Touch Screen: If the circles keep jumping around or act like random clicks, go to Device Manager, expand Human Interface Devices, right-click HID-compliant touch screen, and choose Disable device to see if the ghost circles stop. [1, 2]
--it is Accessibility , mouse pointer and touch , touch indicator , show a circle on the screen where i touched ON so changed to OFF see whether it help. i also saw 2 mouse arrow pointer on screen one was on bttom task bar near by windows logo so frequently popped up menu and not opened data file.
i thought might background picture so changed to myself collected photos as bacggrund but didnt disappear, until showed to spouse he placed his finger one one of circle then both disappeared. in the meantime firefox with several opened tabs included udn auto closed. so re-open browser and login udn suddenly can see ghost frequently pressed on start and mouse cursor pointer wont move only move left-right-up-down on key board. open settings suddenly mouse cursor became noraml in udn here. but back to settings it became busy and wont move. and screen freeze. now both became normal. what a painful MS updated [2026-07 Preview Update (KB5101684) (26200.8973)] which cant uninstall even did it auto reinstall after auto restart. and in updated history all showes [Learn more] no uninstall option. Can it be hacker collect users finger Print ? very scarely.
8/2 10pm finally caught MS updated embded [search] which is related Apple generated 7 process so end the process then windows logo frequently auto popped menu finally reduced (not sure whether stop or would auto search again.

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8/2/2026 searched : did bank (Bxx) credit card clients on 7/31/2026 got [pc app store] malicious virus attacked and multiple fraud charged each $19.99 by [PC APP Store Product] ?

No widespread or official system-wide "PC app store" fraud attack specifically targeting Bank of America credit card clients on July 31, 2026, has been reported or confirmed by Bank of America or major news outlets. However, individual cardholders frequently experience localized card-not-present fraud, such as recurring unauthorized micro-charges or subscription scams mimicking digital storefronts. [1, 2, 3]

......

There is no widespread or official confirmation that Bxx credit card clients were collectively targeted or hit by a "PC App Store" malware and $19.99 fraud surge on July 31, 2026. However, recurring, individual complaints regarding adware known as the "PC App Store" and unverified, recurring small-dollar unauthorized subscription charges (like $19.99) frequently impact cardholders across various major banks. [1, 2]

What to Know About PC App Store Charges

Adware/PUP Risk: The "PC App Store" is frequently flagged as potentially unwanted program (PUP) or adware bundled with freeware downloads, sometimes generating aggressive pop-ups or deceptive subscription prompts. [1]

Small-Dollar Pings: Scammers often test or drain credit cards using repeating charges of $19.99 or similar amounts disguised under generic software or digital store names.

Bank-Specific Breaches: While Bxx has faced third-party vendor data incidents in the past, a mass event specifically tying Bxx cards to a PC App Store malware attack on July 31 has not been verified by security bulletins or the bank. [1]
--8/2/2026 spouse told me he used OPERA browser watched YouTube videos then popped up window shows need to update YouTube so he clicked then it was not updating but showing [PC APP Store] creating accounts screen, he knew it was fraud and tried to close the window but no way as occupied full screen, he did imediately turned off computer but when turned on the [PC APP Store] creating accounts screen immediately return back. then asked me help.
what did i do? the only can showed up is task manager (Alt-Ctrl-Del) for short time and only worked one time then wont showed up as others such as click bottom task bar notepad, edge... , the next i can do is turned WiFi off (fortunately it can allow), then turned off and turned on but if turn on WiFi bad things immediately happened again.
the only thing i can do is without [WiFi on] examined what app was recently installed and those IObit, Opera, ... i requested spouse tried hard to uninstall them he did except Opera and xxx (forgot the name) but it didnt work. until examined windows updated history and [settings Apps] OneDriv and OneNotes then found his file explorer got [OneDrive] related empty folders so i uninstalled and deleted all empty folders. Problem solved.
certainly immediately called bank (11:48pm) but until (9:57am) spouse with me called them and he requested put my name in credit card so in the future i can call for him to resolve urgent problems.

8/5/2026 whenever my pc seems getting better then got worse, it caused my iphone cant be used, task manager jump high over 85% and cant read clicked news, in the past i would end processes such as [phone link] [xxx update], intelaudioservice, [realtek HD audio..], lenovo-related and intel-related . but less and less works, finally caught [phone link] process cant but uninstall completely and now memory drop down to 66% without end any process in task manager.

searched [ can i uninstall phone link without side effect, whats that for ? ]
You can safely uninstall the Phone Link app from Windows without bad side effects. The app connects your phone to your PC so you can see texts, calls, and photos. Removing it only stops this connection and breaks no core computer features.

What Phone Link Does

Shows recent phone photos on your PC.Lets you read and send text messages from your computer.Allows you to make and take phone calls through your PC speaker and mic.Displays phone notifications on your Windows screen.

How to Remove It : Open PowerShell on your PC as an administrator ,

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> Get-AppxPackage *Microsoft.YourPhone* -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackage

PS C:\WINDOWS\system32> exit , then restart PC

ps the memory would jump even higher but after restart PC then it works, so far no need end any process.

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