CHAT

[JBR]

A serious question.
Can anyone tell me how I can permanently get rid of this 'Chat' thing which loads whenever I turn on my computer?
I never asked for it, and I have no intention of using the damned thing, but I just can't stop it loading.
I'd be very grateful for any advice.

[klondike]

you're going to need to be more specific. what operating system? what chat thing? maybe a screenshot or something.

if you've maybe picked up some malware then malwarebytes is worth installing and running.

https://www.malwarebytes.com/solutions/free-antivirus

or a guess from the limited info straight from google asking about startup chat
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=chat+loading+on+startup&hl=en

How to get rid of Google Chat pop-ups?
Turn off Google Chat notifications in the Gmail app
Open the Gmail app .
At the top left, tap Menu Settings .
Select your account.
Under "Notifications," uncheck the box next to "Chat notifications."

[dextrous63]

Might be worth downloading a freebie startup manager software/app which will help identify and thus stop automatic startups 🤷🏻�♂️

[klondike]

windows has that built in. just type startup in the search box in the taskbar. not sure which release it appeared in though.

[dextrous63]

Ah.  Wasn't sure of that.  Am on my phone and couldn't be bothered to go and boot up.

[JBR]

Thanks for all advice.
Sorry to be late replying, but we've been out for most of the day.
I did try to shut down the computer and start it again, but the problematic thing didn't appear.
It will tomorrow morning, and I think that the best thing to do is a screenshot (if it allows me to do so) or, if necessary, take picture of the screen with my phone.
I have no idea what this thing is and, despite trying to do a search using some of the apparent titles, etc., I have been unable to locate anything of use.

[JBR]

To conclude this (hopefully), there was no sign of the thing this morning when I first turned on.
I have done absolutely nothing about it, primarily because I didn't have any idea what to do, but nevertheless it seems to have gone - I hope.  Presumably some sort of scam.

Hopefully it will not return, but if it does... I'll be back!

[dextrous63]

Touch wood.👍