Okay so I just downloaded a torrent for Connectify having about a 1000 seeders and mistakenly ran the setup... Tada! Sh*tload of viruses...
The virus changed my chrome settings, installed a bunch of adware, but then malwarebytes to the rescue. Did 2 scans, removed everything, rebooted.
Notification bar and start menu not working since then. I randomly keep hearing the notification sound on my laptop. Tried this answer, the powershell script, everything. What do I do?
Honestly? Wipe and reload your operating system. If Malwarebytes and your subsequent troubleshooting weren't able to get you back to normal, you won't really have full functionality (as well as peace of mind) unless you start over with a clean slate.
As a public service announcement, I can't tell you how many times I have heard of similar problems occur after someone downloads a torrent file that is laced with malware. At some point, I hope that the "school of hard knocks" will provide some valuable lessons.
