Is this malware? Can't open most websites.

[SAnnRoberts]

Can you tell me if this is malware and how do I get rid of it? I first noticed the problem after downloading an installer by mistake that I later realized was an ad. I was trying to download a .png file for my son's game, but didn't recognize the "fake" download button. Dumb. Anyway, all my web searches started to be redirected to conduit search and my home page of all my browsers was also changed. I uninstalled the program and another one that showed up in Windows Programs, gorilla. Gorilla redirected me to a website to download the uninstaller, which I did. Dumb again. Now when I click almost any link, including sites I go to every day, I get one of two messages (screenshots attached):

The system cannot find the file specified 

or

Access violation

The url shows up correctly on the name of the tab and in the address box.When I right-click to show source, the source looks exactly the same. But some sites, I can get to--like my bank, credit card company, etc. (Have not logged in there, however; not that dumb.) I have tried AVG and Malwarebytes--they initally found adware and removed them, but it did not solve the problem. Now both of them find no problems. I've uninstalled and reinstalled Chrome several times. I've tried Firefox and IE, with the same problems. I've even tried a system restore, but it did not succeed (screenshot attached). I don't know what to try next. When I try to follow the directions for this forum, I can't get to dds.scr or dds.com. Can you help?

 

[SAnnRoberts]

Never mind -- I was able to get to some info on another computer and I think I've cleared the problem. Not sure how to delete a post, so I guess this one will stay here.

[AdvancedSetup]

Since this issue is resolved I will close the thread to prevent others from posting here. If you need assistance please start your own topic and someone will be happy to assist you.