Opera Browser

[taichiperson]

Since yesterday, when I try to open Opera, it freezes my laptop and I have to restart it. I usually have Chrome and Firefox open as well (greedy, huh?). I have windows 7. Anyone else having issues with Opera?

[Alex_Higham]

Is your Opera Browser up-to-date.? You should be on Opera 18.

[taichiperson]

I have no idea - I presume it updates itself - I use it every day, so I would have thought it's up to date. As it won't open I can't find out!

[Alex_Higham]

You could uninstall Opera and then do a re-install to see if that corrects matters.

[galeck1947]

You can have as many browsers as you which but you would better using IE11 which is currently the fastest and most secure browser. Give it try and see what you think. It will come down as an update and is now the default browser for Windows 7, 8 ,and 8.1.

[taichiperson]

Alex - even trying to uninstall it freezes the laptop. I guess I'll just have to do without using it until another solution presents itself. It was an old version; 12.6.

Galeck - are you having a laugh? I've not used IE for well over a year. I'd be interested to know if it really is better - but last time I tried, I wasn't impressed.

[Alex_Higham]

Now that it has been established you have an Old Opera Browser, I am wondering if it has picked up a virus of some sort. Opera has had problems with viruses being able to attack older Browsers.

I think perhaps it would be a good idea to give your Laptop a run through with the free edition of Malwarebytes. Make sure it is the free edition which you can download from the following link :-

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

[taichiperson]

Thanks Alex. I thought I was protected with IObits malware, but somewhere along the line it's let me down. Running a scan/fix as I write.

[taichiperson]

I've used IObit malware to scan, but no change. Any attempt to open or uninstall still locks the laptop.

[Alex_Higham]

I am at a complete loss to understand why trying to remove Opera has the effect of freezing you laptop. Surely there is someone in AB who can help-out on this one, which really has me baffled.

My Google searches have proved worthless for a solution to the problem and have only confirmed that Opera can be a real swine to remove.

However, Do Not give up.....Perhaps posting again under the main Topic of Technology might prompt responses from some top Techie members of AB., if you draw attention to this thread.

[daffy654]

IObits malware Has a very bad reputation. Just Google the term 'IObits malware review' and read what some of the reputable websites have to say about it.
I would go ahead with downloading the free version of Malwarebytes and scan with that. IObits malware isn't an anti virus solution so if you have been relying on it for that then I fear your laptop may be riddled with virus' and malware.

[Alex_Higham]

@daffy654......I fully agree with you. Perhaps I should have had a little more courage and told taichperson that IObits is a waste of time and that Malwarebytes will do a better job.

[taichiperson]

Thanks for the advice Daffy - I also have AVG, and was using IO for malware protection - initially the free version, but upgraded to Pro. It was a little confusing as I definitely paid for some element, but apparently not for the whole package, as it accepted my activation code but kept asking for another code for another programme. I'll give it the old heave ho.

[taichiperson]

Methyl - I'm actually using Advanced System Care 7.0, and reverted to the free version,

I'm using Chrome as the default browser, and also use Firefox.

[taichiperson]

Sorry for the confusion - I have AVG Internet Scurity 2013, Advanced System Care 7.0 free version, and IOBit Malware fighter 2.2 Pro.

[Alex_Higham]

@methyl.....It appears that Advanced Systemcare is a creation of IObit and is in a effect a Registry Cleaner. We know that Registry Cleaners are Not things to be casually used. You may have guessed that my advice would be to get rid of anything involving IObit and completly avoid using any Registry Cleaners, because of the possibility of doing irreparable damage to Windows OS.

Do you think that taichiperson could have damaged the Computer's Registry.? Hence the Computer continually freezing whenever Opera is involved.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_SystemCare

[taichiperson]

Alex - can you recommend a good registry cleaner?

[Alex_Higham]

I always advise against the use of Registry Cleaners which can cause more harm than good and nowadays are Not really necessary.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-performance/are-registry-cleaners-and-defrags-needed/eef93da2-1b7f-4078-8907-c2517ba59b1e