Can't download anything, from anywhere - message reads 'Virsus scan Failed'

I have seen that there are loads of people out there with exactly the same problem, but no real solution as of yet. Just questions which are irrelevant to the problem unfortunately. I have windows 7, using both Internet Exlporer and Chrome. Everytime I try to download something it starts to download and when close to 100%, it changes to Failed - Virus scan failed. It is happening all of the time, with EVERYTHING.

1. files and attachments from my email which I know are safe - am using outlook, web and also have desktop client.

2. photographs - have tried my own photos from my sky drive / one drive, have tried images from internet.

3. Even tried microsoft downloads - the systemscanner which I was advised to try. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING can be dowloaded, via any means.

I have checked internet options etc. all settings enable downloads.

I did find a forum somewhere that was directing people to make a small change in the system registry, and other comments back saying it worked, but I am a bit nervous about doing that, as it wasn't an MS community forum.

PLease help. Tks in advance for any solutions.

I've read something about rootkit removal - but I have no idea if this is the problem. If it was, would it be of any use if I just backed up everything and reset the laptop ACER aspire 5820T, to its factory settings. Would this remove a virus if there was one??

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