How did that get there? (And other computer related questions)

[Gavrushka]

I powered on my computer (third power-up today) and out of nowhere 'spotify' appeared on my task bar. I've not installed it, or anything else it could've piggybacked on, so it was a bit of a surprise. - I've, of course, just uninstalled the 213MB bleeper, but the question as to its origin remains.

Next, I want to give my last PC to my sister (it's Windows 10 and hasn't been switched on for a year and more.) - It has an old (eight gen) I7 in it and a good graphics card, so it'd be a shame to scrap it. - What I want to know is how I go about resetting it fully so any trace of the two previous users is removed and it's as 'as new' as can be.

And finally, what is the barrage of 'suspicious content' I get whenever I select certain threads on Egosoft's website? I use the premium version of Bitdefender, and it's reported a number of unsafe connection attempts. I don't get warnings on any other places I visit.

Latest site is:

msedge.exe attempted to establish a connection relying on an untrusted certificate to esd.me.uk. We blocked the connection to keep your data safe since untrusted certificates are issued by unrecognized Certificate Authorities.

[pjknibbs]

No idea about Spotify or the esd.me.uk thing, but the easiest and best way to completely clean out a Windows PC is to reinstall from scratch. Do you have recovery media supplied with the PC, or a valid Windows product licence?

[fiksal]

how, probably arrived with some other download

even if it says Spotify may not be, hard to say without looking at details

just recently was reading how it's becoming popular to do malicious code injection into real application and send to people

if you don't need anything on that PC, full restore to original version is a good idea

just need the key for windows and may need to create recovery media before it. I think Windows explains how to do it in menus

[mr.WHO]

Hey, recently I had same issue with Spotify poping out of nowhere.

I deleted it several months ago to keep my Laptop clean of bloatware, but out of nowhere it re-appeared.

It might been either from one of Windows update or maybe MyASUS update somewhat wanted to install some bloatware.


I have two different laptops that update around the same time and the other one doesn't have MyASUS nor Spotify.

My bet is on MyASUS or some other 3rd party software that might come with your machine and has some pre defined bloat update.


Edit:

Well, damn me, it was actually Windows 11 update all along - I apologize to ASUS:
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answe ... n-i-u.html

[Alan Phipps]

Spotify appeared in the bottom left taskbar on my PC after a recent Windows update. I think it may even have been an optional cumulative update preview (which probably means that it will be in a future proper release cumulative update too). At least now I think I understand a part of what it describes itself as containing.

KB5017380 "... New! All taskbar orientations now support news and interests. ..." No commercial opportunities implied there - oh no!

[Terre]

And finally, what is the barrage of 'suspicious content' I get whenever I select certain threads on Egosoft's website? I use the premium version of Bitdefender, and it's reported a number of unsafe connection attempts. I don't get warnings on any other places I visit.

The suspicious items are likely to be peoples avatars and signature images, which are hosted on a myriad of websites.

[EGO_Aut]

Spotify had been automaticaly installed on my PC, and my Job-Laptop a few days before. I never used it, maybe MS got some money for that trash.

[Gavrushka]

Yeah, it does seem like the Windows Update 'gifted' me Spotify...

Thanks for everyone's input. - I'll be doubtless calling for further assistance when I reset my old PC.