tf300t - can't get to settings

[niffer62]

In the notification panel there is one item that just has a period (.) No other information. When I click either the settings key or the settings gear icon above the notification panel, the screen auto-rotates and it says:

Now update.
PLEASE READ!

Do not switch off or reset your phone during update. Please try again once more.


I did not start any update, so I'm NOT sure what is trying to update. I can close this screen, and even stop it with the task killer, but it never goes away. Another interesting symptom is that I cannot uninstall any apps. I go to playstore and find one I have installed, and all I see is the Update or Open option, but no "uninstall".

Is there ANY way I can get to my settings when it seems like my tablet has been taken over? I am not a geek, so if you have suggestions, please let me know without geek-speak if possible

Thanks!

[janner43]

It sounds to me that you have picked up some malware.
I would take the following approach...
1) Power off your tf300
2) Power on again - that might clear things enough for you to run some security software such as Lookout or similar
3) If the problem persists, then follow the instructions in our "how to Factory Reset" thread using the hardware keys. That thread is linked from the Master a help Guide, linked in my signature (below)

[Kevinthefixer]

Just in case j.'s method doesn't do the trick--I think it probably will--the next step would be to try to reinstall the stock firmware downloaded from Asus' website and placed on a microSD card. Procedure also in the Master Help Guide.

We are both assuming that you are still 100% stock, and once you get back running, I advise you to change that. If you have TWRP recovery installed, and a recent Nandroid backup, this would be a 15 minute fix: simply restore your backup and continue on with your life and the tablet's.

[niffer62]

Thanks - I had tried shutting down a few times to no avail. Tried again today and it was finally gone. Strange! I am going to install a different security software as suggested. Really glad, because the next suggestion was going to need a bit of translation

It sounds to me that you have picked up some malware.
I would take the following approach...
1) Power off your tf300
2) Power on again - that might clear things enough for you to run some security software such as Lookout or similar
3) If the problem persists, then follow the instructions in our "how to Factory Reset" thread using the hardware keys. That thread is linked from the Master a help Guide, linked in my signature (below)

[Kevinthefixer]

Glad it worked out. But I'm going to still recommend you do an occasional factory reset; this is as close as you can get to an occasional formatting of your data partition (which is what the tablet actually needs) while you are still locked and have a stock recovery. It's a PITA but it's like spring cleaning, you're always glad you got it done. Just make sure you have all your files backed up beforehand.

[niffer62]

Glad it worked out. But I'm going to still recommend you do an occasional factory reset; this is as close as you can get to an occasional formatting of your data partition (which is what the tablet actually needs) while you are still locked and have a stock recovery. It's a PITA but it's like spring cleaning, you're always glad you got it done. Just make sure you have all your files backed up beforehand.

I will read the files referred to and will ask more questions that I'm bound to have! Thank you ~

[janner43]

I will read the files referred to and will ask more questions that I'm bound to have! Thank you ~

There are many different guides here that may be of interest. The Master Help Guide is linked in my signature (below) along with another help guide on Malware - I recommend you definitely read that one and also try to determine which app or process it was that got your system infected in the first place.

I also recommend with Kevin, the Factory Reset. The Guide for that is very helpful and will hold your hand through the entire process. You can then also be certain of two things...
1) Your TF300 will be running as fast and as smoothly as is possible on the stock firmware
2) Any trace of your malware will be totally eradicated...