Simply go back to the Hosts file and delete those IPs from it. After that, save the changes to the file.

127.0.0.1 down.baidu2016 .com

127.0.0.1 123.sogou. com

127.0.0.1 http://www.czzsyzgm. com

127.0.0.1 http://www.czzsyzxl. com

127.0.0.1 union.baidu2019 .com

You say “access” the folder, but what about simply deleting it? Or you have tried that already and it still doesn’t work?

I have:
1. cleaned the registry with CCleaner
2. conducted a malware scan
3. cleaned junk files (temporary files and folders)
4. updated all PC drivers
5. run system file checker (sfc)
6. installed all pending windows updates

Unfortunately I am still unable to access the folder, access is still denied. Is there anything specific you can think of that I should look for in Startup tab and/or Processes tab?

According to what you’ve told us here, it is highly likely that you have the virus on your PC. It is possible that it stays dormant or doesn’t do anything overly malicious but you must still take precautions. Have a look at our guide and try completing the steps. After you are done, come back here, to the comment section, and told us what happened.

First of all, I am not able to access the folder in which the .exe is located. I can find it by enabling Hidden Files in my view finder but cannot open WindowsApps folder even as an administrator (I am the administrator). Are these telltale signs of an infection my machine? Are there any other surefire ways of identifying this infection? Very behind the scenes, I don’t like this at all…