Hi guys!
After a bad install of Windows 10 crashed a very important document on my Windows 7 laptop 19 times, I finally gave up and bought a new computer. It's an HP with an Intel 1.6 GHz quad core, 4 GB memory, and 64-bit Windows 10 Home Edition. The memory and CPU were so bogged down with bloatware and "helpful" Windows processes I literally couldn't use it. I turned off everything I could manually, but some processes remain. Windows Defender in particular refused to recognize Avast Antivirus and disable itself. It was hogging nearly 50% CPU and memory.
So, I'm an idiot. I downloaded a new copy of a Group Policy Editor I've used before, but I didn't realize {or didn't stop to think} it was outdated {add_gpedit_msc_by_jwils876-d3kh6vm.zip}. It replaced my .adm files {system.adm, etc.} with 2009 versions. Windows' sfc scan recognizes the issue, but cannot repair the problem. I'm hesitant to wipe the computer and reinstall. I've heard horrible stories about resetting issues. Although, if I was going to try it, now would be the time before I invest any more energy into reinstalling old programs and files.
I also downloaded a startup editor {Autoruns.zip} that seems to do a good job of identifying processes and services that I can disable--which is really the only reason I would use the group policy editor at this point.
Is there an easy way to restore the .adm files, or is resetting the best option? Or, does it even matter if they're outdated?
Thanks very much in advance for your time. Hope you guys had a lovely holiday season, and are close to resolving the ridiculous lawsuit.
B.Paulsen