Train...

Thank you!

I now have graduated to the BSOD with the following message, FWIW:

"A problem has been detected and Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.

IRQL_NOT_ LESS_OR_EQUAL

Technical info:

***STOP: 0x0000000A (0xFFFFF6FB82200E70, 0x0000000000000000, 0000000000000000, 0xFFFFF80002D0C75A)
collecting data for crash dump..."

I did not, unfortunately, use the removal tool -- uninstalled through Control Panel :/ Is it too late to salvage? Will the sys start in Safe Mode so I can still use the removal tool?

OTHER INFO:

Malwarebytes quick scan revealed no malicious items.

I had installed all the recommended updates through the Windows Update page.

I hope I haven't inherited an expensive doorstop :/ Wait for the 5 PM call from HP to recover and reinstall the entire computer?

Help.

sbuxman