Bought an Open Box Unit directly from the ASUS website, it came with a virus installed.

[michaelkam]

I recently bought an open box unit directly from the ASUS website (link: https://www.asus.com/me-en/deals/outlet/)

When I received it, it worked fine, I was able to login in etc... The problems first came up when I first tried updating my windows update and the pre-installed armory crate. Both ran into problems and I was unable to update it successfully. My windows defender is also blank and I was unable to access it. Something about the "contact your IT admin" nonsense. I then thought it was MacAfee interfering my access but I was quite literally unable to delete it. This is the photo:

So I did just do a local system recovery, and then decided to download malwarebytes and this is what I got Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NlVhmunxTuuLFqG9zfcHW14Vt_klzr54/view?usp=sharing

Would a fresh install OS do the trick? what if it was one of those BIOS malware that won't get removed even with a fresh OS install from a bootable USB? I have 4 days to return it and get a refund but how would I explain this to ASUS? I do not want to get hit with that 15% restock fee since there are actually no physical defects on my laptop. 

[Bogus5]

BIOS viruses such as "Chernobyl" are not dangerous in current versions of Windows. A clean install of your system should do the trick and don't install Mcaffe and MyAsus.

[michaelkam]

It came with the laptop

[Bogus5]

It's your computer, not Asus, and you decide what you want to install on it.

[michaelkam]

Would a fresh install void my 7 day return policy? I bought it in the UAE

[Bogus5]

In my opinion, it won't void the warranty as long as you don't change the partition structure on the disk.

[michaelkam]

But I think the virus is in the partition. I did a local system recovery and the virus was still there. What do I do?

[Bogus5]

The best solution is to replace the drive that came with the laptop with your own during the warranty period, because when returning the hardware or during a service recall, the drive in the computer must be original and in the same condition as it was delivered.

[michaelkam]

I heard that ASUS rma outside of the US or Europe is notorious for damaging your product. If that is the case, I might just return it and ask for a refund. What a pain in the ass this was. Worst experience I have ever had.

[Bogus5]

I had and still have laptops from different companies (DELL, Lenovo, MSI), but it wasn't until I bought an ASUS computer that I had to join a local forum to settle many doubts. It's a completely new experience for me.