computer virus

[BETH]

got on last night and this security shield kept coming up saying i had virus and trogans and all that could not get it off the screen kept popping up saying join for a year and we will remove.Brought it to computer place and he said everyone is bringing theres in with the same issue he said it is a fake they try to wipe out your credit card (which i cancelled) so watch out

[GunNut89]

thanks for the heads up!

[Grizz]

Thanks for the warning!

[BETH]

i'm going to check with computer guy to see what else i can put on computer to protect it if i find out anything i will let u know, i have mcafee and malaware now and that did not stop em

[H-D]

been going around for a while now I got it from an off-site link someone posted here to a funny picture site but some people at work got it from facebook

[H-D]

I have AVG and Spybot and Malwarebytes (all free) they are good

[jack404]

avast anti virus stops it dead ..

[BETH]

will they be compatible with my computer?

[JUNKKING]

Beth there is a program that is called super anti spyware... (one word) Download it for free and it runs in the background. It has removed anything that has gotten past my anti virus. All you need to do is update it every so often by clicking on update when you start your computer you will get a notice when it needs updated.

[mjp28]

i'm going to check with computer guy to see what else i can put on computer to protect it if i find out anything i will let u know, i have mcafee and malaware now and that did not stop em

Make sure you have a good working firewall. (edit add - some bad guys disable your FW then rehit your computer, simple but deadly. I use Norton 360, does everything, AV, FW, etc.)

Plus I'd update your regular antivirus and do a complete scan ASAP.

Also watch where you go and what you click on out there.;)

[BETH]

i am hoping they can fix it without erasing everything i had on there?

[mjp28]

i am hoping they can fix it without erasing everything i had on there?

Do you back up your files? I use Carbonite, backs up automatically off-site (cloud) you set it up and do nothing....costs about $4.95/mo. but can be priceless!

On your files I don't know, depends on what happened.

[Bobitis]

I'm not gonna dissagree with anyone else here. This is just my opinion.

Beth, the best thing you can do is not click on anything that pops up wanting ANY info about you. Just hit the power button and shut off yer computer. Don't close any windows, just turn it off.

2nd.

Any and ALL spy/mal/popup/protect programs have an agenda. They like THEMSELVES. NONE of them get along with any other programs. It's not self serving after all, and they ALL want yer attention. NOT the other guy on the block.

They create conflicts with other programs, and that's bad for you. I've run many of them over the years, and they don't get along. None of them. Every one of them is self serving.

I know many here have other opinions. This is mine.

[gad1111]

I run avast now. Had AVG, up to date, it let through multiple viruses that completely crashed my system. After that I tell people to run away from AVG.

Greg

[mjp28]

Do you ever clean your Registry, important!!

I use Registry Mechanic ($29/yr) but you can get a free registry cleaner, mine creates back up start up data and other stuff.

Also what's your computer make, how old, what O/S, etc. to be more specific.

[BETH]

What's a girl to do decisions decisions? I do not have a back up never ran one? what exactly is registry

[RockinRiley]

I clean this thing at work all the time it has been around for years, this year it has gotten very hard to remove! It evolves about every 6 months. MSN has it most the time, it usually comes from the ads on the right or left of msn, facebook, myspace, etc. It just this year (oops, new year, it was last year) started quite a stir in the apple community as it infected apples. Apple was beside itself as they told the apple techies NOT to admit it as an infection!

It sucks that it can not be rooted and gotten with antivirus.

[cpttango30]

It's just malware not a virus. I deal with them all the time. I myself prefer kaspersky av. Anything Symantec uses too much CPU and memory for my liking. I am forced to use Symantec at work and when someone calles me this problem I just load up a new os image and 20 min later they are good to go.

While avast and avg are good free av programs they are not as good as the new windows security essentials. None of them are as good as a quality av like kaspersky or Symantec Internet security.

[mjp28]

It's just malware not a virus. I deal with them all the time. I myself prefer kaspersky av. Anything Symantec uses too much CPU and memory for my liking. I am forced to use Symantec at work and when someone calles me this problem I just load up a new os image and 20 min later they are good to go.

While avast and avg are good free av programs they are not as good as the new windows security essentials. None of them are as good as a quality av like kaspersky or Symantec Internet security.

That's all very true, the new NAV are better than the older ones, I got real lazy when I worked on a friend's messed up computer (kids!) and got it going and liked the NAV 360 one click and your done thing. It got pretty good reviews in the latest studies I've seen.

I used to piecemeal all the free stuff together -but- in today's world the free ones just don't measure up like they might have years back. Get a good AV!

[mjp28]

What's a girl to do decisions decisions? I do not have a back up never ran one? what exactly is registry

Start here, go to a site like PCWorld.com and look around, they can show you a lot like what's out there, how much stuff costs or even the freebies to download.

Cleaning your regisrty now might not be your #1 priority but I'd look into downloading a cleaner, make sure it does a backup first before running!

What is it, here's the computereze on it:

The Windows Registry is an enormous batch of files containing information about almost everything that occurs on the computer, from a visit to a Web site to a program installation. The registry also contains information about drivers and other essential programs, like DLLs -- small helper programs that often work with more than one application. This information is stored in the form of "keys" that help programs run. It's like a big blueprint for where everything goes on your computer and how it all fits together. Only computers running Windows operating systems have registries, and despite rumors to the contrary, Windows 7 will have a registry.

A registry may have hundreds of thousands of entries, and new entries are created all the time. As it fills with information, the registry may cause a computer's performance to suffer. One problem is that Windows almost never removes registry entries, even if a program is uninstalled, as most uninstallers aren't able to effectively remove their own registry keys. And as files are moved around and programs are uninstalled, some registry keys point to programs or files that no longer exist or are located elsewhere.

[BETH]

I have windows 7

[mjp28]

I'm no IT guy but I know a bit about the normal computer stuff.

On backing up your files which is everything like files, pictures, favorites, etc there's the hard way and easy way.

Hard - get a bunch of DVDs and burn backups of everything, not for me!
Easier - Get a big exterior HD and periodically download to it...but watch you don't DL a virus, etc.
Easiest - do what I do, DL to an offsite storage like Carbonite.

Maybe someone else has other ideas, I'd like to hear them.

[mjp28]

I have windows 7

One step at a time, have you updated and run your antuvirus? I'd do that. EDIT ADD, after running see if anything (like viruses) are quaranteed, if so then get rid of them IF you can...follow your AV instructions.

ALWAYS update before running.

.....gotta run, I'll be back later. ;)

[BETH]

its at the computer shop i could not do anything

[mjp28]

its at the computer shop i could not do anything

I'm sure they'll handle it....and I'd have a list of questions for them, pick their brains before you pay, most are very nice.

Good luck. Michael "mjp"

[BETH]

OK

[BlackEagle]

Sorry you are having problems, Beth.

PCWorld.com also has comparison reviews of the top ten free and paid for AV programs http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/3247/2010_suites.html . Symantic's Norton has a good review from PC World. If you keep your eyes open you can pick up a good AV program for half price or better. While I was visiting my parents last year I picked up Norton Internet Security 2012 for @$15 from Staples. Don't go with the automatic renewal option. The companies always charge about twice as much to renew your AV subscription online as you can buy it for from a store or from Ebay.

I also run scans from time to time with Spybot Search and Destroy, and Threatfire, both freebies. I stopped using McAfee because it's weekly scans took over my computer and I couldn't do anything with it until the scan finished.

Windows 7 and earlier has it's own backup utility. In Windows 7, from the start menu click on control panel, and under System and Security is the option to Back Up My Computer. You would need an external hard drive to back up your data.

That's my preferance, because I don't trust online backup or data storage all that much for security reasons and for accessability if the internet goes down for some reason, and I'm just a little paranoid about stuff. (Sorry MJP) :o :)

[mjp28]

Oh yes I agree with what you said, I used to have:

NAV just the AV not the whole works
Spybot Search & Destroy, good program
A free Zone Alarm firewall, worked OK....NOTE: you can NOT have two firewalls at one time!
CCleaner....still have it and recommend it for quick cookie cleanups FREE
Got the Registry Mechanic, does a great job, backs up registry before cleaning....still have it for now

Now Norton 360 does it all, kinda' the lazy way out and yes look for bargains.:rolleyes:

But I like Carbonite, I'm not doing the ext. HD thing, I like the easy way. :D

OH EDIT ADD - Yes W7 has a backup utility but you still might want to save your important files, pictures, etc. off your computer if you really have a meltdown or some other disaster. I had a HD go bad in 2004, and almost any HD can....and if you keep it long enough will fail.

[mogunner]

I build and fix my own computers, and know exactly the malware that you are talking about Beth, and it's very easy to get rid of. My stepdaughter and daughter have both gotten their computers infected by it not that long ago, all I did was restart the computer in safe mode and do a system restore to a date before the thing started popping up, then run my antivirus programs to make sure. I like malwarebytes for removal of the nasties that a system restore doesn't take care of, but I don't leave it installed as some viruses will disable any antivirus currently installed from running, so I install it, run it, then uninstall it. I have used most of the antiviruses and prefer the free ones as it seem that the virus programmers seem to target the paid ones first off when they build their little programs.

Your computer should be fine if the guys at the shop have any idea as to what they're doing, hopefully they know more than how to hang a sign over the door saying that they are computer repairers...

[mjp28]

I forgot about this one I have that is no longer updated but addresed another problem, browser hijackers......can be nasty.

CWShredder

Clean your computer of CoolWebSearch infections. CWShredder is the premier tool to find and remove traces of CoolWebSearch – a wide range of insidious browser hijackers.

End of Service Notice: As of December 17, 2011 this tool will no longer be available for download. Customers using this tool will no longer receive engine, pattern or product updates after this date. The functionality offered by CWShredder is already integrated into all Trend Micro endpoint protection products, including Titanium, OfficeScan and Worry Free Business Security which offer free 30-day trials.

Trend Micro CWShredder is the premier tool to find and remove traces of CoolWebSearch – the name for a wide range of insidious browser hijackers– from your PC.

CWShredder removes these browser hijackers. CoolWebSearch installs dozens of bookmarks–mostly to porn Web sites–on your desktop, changes your home page without asking, and continually changes it back if you attempt to correct it. Furthermore, it significantly slows down the performance of your PC, and introduces modifications which cause Microsoft Windows™ to freeze, crash or randomly reboot.

This tool will find and destroy all traces of the CoolWebSearch hijacker on your system.
This includes:

Redirections to CoolWebSearch related pages
Redirections when mistyping URLs
Redirections when visiting Google
Enormous IE slowdowns when typing
IE start page/search page changing on reboot
Sites in the IE Trusted Zone you didn't add
Pop-ups in Google and Yahoo when searching
Errors at startup mentioning WIN.INI or IEDLL.EXE
Unable to change or see certain items in IE Options
Unable to access IE Options at all

[USNative]

I use combination of Avast Pro & Spybot and don't have many problems. I build my own computers so I know quite a bit. I keep a backup on an external Hard Drive so if I ever get something nasty I just wipe the whole computer clean and reinstall everything. It can take longer to try to sort everything out after getting a nasty virus then it would to re-do the whole thing. Every 6 months or so I do it anyway and very rarely have any problems. I do the same with my wife's PC. Computer shops can make a lot of money over problems that are pretty easy to fix, that's why I decided to learn to do them myself. Haven't paid anyone to do anything for almost 20 years now.

I also recommend to anyone to use Firefox web browser. It has many great add-ons that will help prevent malicious activity from bad websites and such. I never use Windows Internet Explorer anymore, Firefox is all I will use. Also IMO McAfee sucks, stay away from it. Never have liked it as it does pretty much take over your PC as someone else noted above. My wife just got a nice new laptop and the first thing I did was remove McAfee and installed Avast for her. My wife used to work for Symantec and they used to sell a pretty good antivirus (Norton) but we stopped using it because it was a resource hog and there are a lot better ones out there now. Norton may be better now but we haven't used it since the late 90's and never needed to. One of the best ones out there today IMO is GFI Vipre Internet Security 2012. It's really good. Hope this helps you out. :)

[cpttango30]

For back up here is what I do.

1. DON'T STORE ANYTHING on your PC.
2. Get a BIG 1 or 2TB external hard drive. ( I have a 2TB Western Digital)
2. back up online as well. There are many of these out there. Mozy, carbonite, dropbox, they cost. If you want a good free online backup go sign up for a free hotmail account and Microsoft will give you a skydrive for FREE. Amazon also has Free cloud based storage.

BECAREFUL who you use, Not sure if you heard of the megaupload debacle going on. Spme people were using it to illegally share music, and video online. So the government sezed the servers in the USA froze the assiets of the company and now everyone even people who were just using it as a backup are in danger of losing their data.

If you want to be very parinoid you can get 2 external HDD and rotate them on a monthly basis. Where you back up all month long then go to the bank and swap it out with one you have in a safety deposit box.

Also if you have a lot of photos or videos look at a drobo. This is a device that is called a Network Attached Storage or NAS. You set it up at home and you can store what ever you want on it. and access it from any computer in your home. They cost bucks, but if you buy the smallest one you can always had more or bigger HDDs to it. http://www.drobo.com/

I am saving for my drobo right now as I slowly build my home network into a almost enterprise style network.

[cpttango30]

The biggest thing any end user can do to help protect them is to PAY ATTENTION to what is going on. Don't just blindly click on every link in every email.

Make sure you're updating your computer. Keeping windows up to date on all the patches and security updates. Make sure your AV is updating....

If you don't want to worry about virus's switch to linux (I am not a big fan of linux) but, with ubuntu 11+ anyone can use it heck it looks just about like win 7.

Don't believe the Mac fanboys either. There are viruses out there for mac. The last one I seen Apple wouldn't even comment of it then 2 days later they released an update to counteract the affects of the virus. Macs are much safer than windows but, because of Apple's Draconian ways they cost 2 to 3 times as much as a comparable windows machine.

DON'T USE Internet explorer. I use Google chrome. Love it fast secure and smooth interface. Firefox is OK (For me) i find it slow and balky. Opera is another good fast browser that not many know about. It is a proven fact that Firefox, Chrome, Opera are all more secure than IE.

http://www.opera.com/
http://support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=95346
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/


Go watch this online show. http://twit.tv/show/the-tech-guy/844

That is Leo Laport one of the best tech guys on the web today. Episode 844 he talks about backing up.

[Gun Geezer]

Sorry about all your problems. I've used Mac for the past 15+ years. Started with the old IIE's. Never had a virus. Seems the hackers don't bother to write virus programs for Mac's.

[cpttango30]

Sorry about all your problems. I've used Mac for the past 15+ years. Started with the old IIE's. Never had a virus. Seems the hackers don't bother to write virus programs for Mac's.

No they didn't because macs used to own such a small portion of the overall footprint of the computers in the world. They are becoming more common place.

I just hate the fact that I have to pay $1900 for an iMac that has the same power as a $900 PC. The only thing the imac has going for it is the 27" monitor. But as I type this my screen side is 50" as I have a duel 25" monitor set up on my work computer.

Don't get me wrong the Mac is a good computer. If you are wanting to do video and photo editing the Mac is going to be the machine I will point you towards.

[Double D]

I have been using spyware doctor with anti virus for a few years and it seems to work well. I think my issues are dell computer related and possibly windows related as well. Maybe I should try firefox or something else? I just went and downloaded firefox and am using it now for my browser. I hope to see an improvement. Cant be any worse, thats for sure.

[Zane71464]

Hate to hear your having pc issues Beth...went tru that for some time over the past year 'er so.
I was running AVG on mine at the time but the virus I got (cant recall what it was now) SpyBot Search and Destroy sure picked it up and it picked it up from Google search page. One thing, as has been mentioned, DO NOT click on ANY pop-ups when your searching or on any page.
(at the present time, for the first time Ive ever owned a pc, I'm on High Speed....not that this has anything to do with the OT, but dang....what Ive been missi'n!)
:dance::bow::thumbsup:

[Carne Frio]

Sorry that happened to you.
http://edibleapple.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/silver-apple-logo.png

[raven818]

What's a girl to do decisions decisions? I do not have a back up never ran one? what exactly is registry

Absolutely...do not mess with your registry at all if you don't know what your doing.......Your PC's " brains " are the registry. You can kill it all together. If you want the registry cleaned, get someone who doesn't use a store bought program to do it.

Do not back up your computer programs until you are absolutely sure the issue your having is not in, or has invaded, one or more of the programs you want to back up. If you were to back up the issue that's creating the problems, and you had to reload one or more programs you use, it's more than possible you could load the bug right back into your machine.

Someone qualified needs to do what needs to be done..first to be sure the problem is gone. Then ask that person how to ensure it doesn't happen again.

My first advice would to be to start using Mozilla Firefox. Download the latest version. They have plug-ins that can prevent further problems.

At their site http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ you can download it.

Then... go here... https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ It's the Add -On page for Firefox.

Go to the search bar on that page and type in the following plug-ins, and load them

Ghostery
Ghostery sees the "invisible" web, detecting trackers, web bugs, pixels, and beacons placed on web pages by Facebook, Google Analytics, and over 600 other ad networks, behavioral data providers, web publishers - all companies interested in your activity.

Better Privacy
Better Privacy serves to protect against special longterm cookies, a new generation of 'Super-Cookie', which silently conquered the Internet. This new cookie generation offers unlimited user tracking to industry and market research. Concerning privacy Flash-cookies are most critical.
This add-on was made to make users aware of those hidden, never expiring objects and to offer an easier way to view and to manage them - since browsers are unable to do that for you.

Flash-cookies (Local Shared Objects, LSO) are pieces of information placed on your computer by a Flash plug-in. Those Super-Cookies are placed in central system folders. They are frequently used like standard browser cookies. Although their thread potential is much higher as of conventional cookies, only few users began to take notice of them.

LSO's ( super cookies ) follow and record your every move from the time you turn on your PC, until you turn it off, and starts doing it again the next time you turn it on. These LSO are the most common form of invading your PC by hackers. They can get all your personal information, all of it..including bank account numbers, pass words, etc...This is a must have for everyone on the internet.

WOT ( web of trust - It will tell you what sites are safe, and block you from going to pages with bad reputations )


Cookie Killer
This is a small Firefox Extension that adds a sub-menu to the context menu and an icon in the status bar which allow the user to selectively kill (remove) cookies based on the domain that set them. The user may also remove all cookies for the current domain or all cookies that are present.

If you like to keep hundreds or thousands of cookies on your system, this extension is not for you. It is intended for people who typically keep relatively few cookies on their system at any given time (say less than 100.)

You can choose which cookies you want on your PC. Sites that you know are OK, and you use regularly that drop cookies that allow your to be identified when you go to them ( like TFF ), keep those cookies ( you can see all thee cookies from the plugin ). Erase the rest. The worse that can happen is you'll have to log on again ( no big deal ).

All of these plug-ins will be available on the Ff browser each time you start it. The have very tiny foot-prints ( take a very small space..very small space on the browser. You won't know they're there, until you need one.

Last but by no means least..if you have a couple extra bucks, get Mail Washer Pro--Mail Washer is free ( . You can read your mail while it's still on your server w/o ever bringing in onto your PC. It allows your to respond, and BOUNCE email you don't want, and by right clicking on an email in the program, you can build a friends list, or a no friendly list. It's below ( thunderbird is Mozillas email program ).

Over 8 million people use MailWasher as their spam filter

Introducing MailWasher, the leader in spam filter software, and the easiest way to check and manage your e-mails before you download them.

MailWasher is free to use and won't ever expire. It works with Outlook, Outlook Express, Incredimail, Thunderbird, Windows Mail, GMail, Hotmail and every other email program.

Use this powerful spam blocker software to effectively stop email spam. Discover the safe way to stop unwanted e-mails before they get to your computer.

No gimmicks here, it is so easy to set up and use that you'll be managing your email like a pro in seconds. It can even be used as an effective privacy tool.

I think you will find this to be the easiest, most effective way to manage your incoming e-mails and stop spam. You will be amazed at how quickly you will like using MailWasher.

http://www.mailwasher.net/


I use all these, and have for years...never a virus ( knock on wood ).


These plug-ins will do more to keep you safe than anything else you can do. Have a good anti virus, and try to stay safe...it's not easy... If you skimmed over Better Privacy, go back and read it again...it's number one on the list, IMO.

[fuzebox40]

To whom it may concern. If your using Firefox and allow your pc to save passwords for you, (which many of us do) any other user can view those saved password in just a couple of seconds, unless you go into firefox settings and password protect those saved passwords.

[raven818]

To whom it may concern. If your using Firefox and allow your pc to save passwords for you, (which many of us do) any other user can view those saved password in just a couple of seconds, unless you go into firefox settings and password protect those saved passwords.

Password protect is another positive for Ff.

[BETH]

got laptop fixed $100 virus removed asked about putting more protection on he said no it would conflict with what i have now he said he uses avast but told me that would not have stopped the virus i had?

[Zane71464]

got laptop fixed $100 virus removed asked about putting more protection on he said no it would conflict with what i have now he said he uses avast but told me that would not have stopped the virus i had?

good to hear you got it fixed, did he tell you what virus you had?

[BETH]

it said security shield i believe

[raven818]

The post I created has nothing to do with AV's. All of it will help prevent issues, a lot. LSO's are something everybody needs to control ( better privacy ). None of it conflicts at all.

Nobody should ever run two AV's at the same time...glad you got it taken care of.
FYI, anybody can use more than one browser. Give Ff a chance, I bet you'll like it.

[mjp28]

it said security shield i believe

I'm glad you're back online! That can be a nasty bug alright, this is from Symantec:

My Security ShieldMy Security Shield is the name of a Misleading Application (rogue software) designed to display false information, such as claiming your system is infected with malicious threats or other system errors. Misleading applications may also perform annoying actions or inconvenience the user in order to coerce them into purchasing software to remove the nonexistent threats or errors reported. The Norton Power Eraser tool is available to remove the My Security Shield misleading application.

If you have become the victim of crimeware that regular virus scans can't detect, use Norton Power Eraser to target and eliminate it.

Download Instructions: 1. Click Download Norton Power Eraser, above
2. On the File Download dialog, click Save.
3. Select the location to where you want the file saved, and click Save.
4. Go to the location of the downloaded file and double-click the NPE icon.

Because Norton Power Eraser uses aggressive methods to detect threats, there is a risk that it can select some legitimate programs for removal. You should use this tool very carefully.

For Norton users with a valid Product Key:
If you feel your computer is still infected after you use the Power Eraser Tool, please click here to learn more about how the Norton Bootable Recovery Tool can help get your computer back up and running fast.

[USNative]

Glad you got it fixed Beth. :D

[mjp28]

This has been a very good thread started by BETH.

There are a lot of good and differing opinions by everyone, very informative indeed!

Just a few thoughts:

First watch where you go and what you open, clean your computer often, just plain good horse sense.

Someone mentioned Mailwasher Pro, I have it and love it, great way to screen your mail and put all kinds of settings BEFORE you load it into your mailbox and computer.

Registry Cleaners, BE CAREFUL, I recommend a good one that creates a Restore Point before cleanning your Registry. I like Registry Mechanic and YES your registry can get really filled up with all kinds of junk. (I know one person who after years finally ran a cleaner....had something like 600+ errors to fix.)

Of course you can NOT run two AV or Firewalls, they will conflict and you only need one. FREE is fine most of the time, the better ones are better in today's sophisticated bad guy world. Not just kids but "OC" organized crime and nations.

And get good passwords!!!!! Use a password strength checker like:
Check your password—is it strong?

Your online accounts, computer files, and personal information are more secure when you use strong passwords to help protect them.

Test the strength of your passwords: Type a password into the box.

https://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/password-checker.aspx

.....and remember to have fun online! ;)

[BlackEagle]

Glad you're back up and running, Beth.
With all the advice given, you should be able to stay safer now; pick the options that work best for you.

[cpttango30]

I do believe this is one of the so called clickjacker bugs. What happens is you visit a web site that has an ad that is infected and as soon. As you click on the page it downloads to yout hard drive then runs it.

I ran Ito one that hides everything on your computer.

One thing you could do is run a virtual machine. I have done this just run a virtual computer wide open when it gets infecter revert back to the original version.

[BETH]

How do i know if that mailwasher pro will conflict with what i have?

[yetiman]

I was running "cyber defender" last year and got infected with a redirection bug. I called them and their excellent customer service said yes we can remove and have you up and running in no time for only $300. I canceled and haven't used them since. I found this CD on Ebay that pretty much is idiot proof as I deleted and reformatted my hard drive by myself in just a couple of hours. The CD was only $10 and I used it to get my spare computer up and running so now I have a spare. I store my info on the spare and rarely hook it up to the internet.....

[yetiman]

That disc came with a registry cleaner and a program called bleach bit both free and I use Malware and Clamwin anti virus.....haven't had a problem since but if I do my crap is backed up and I aint skeered to reformat and save that $100.

[Woodnut]

Beth, I have just now caught up with this thread. I used to have the same problem. I bought a new computer last summer and installed Avast, the free version. I have had no more problems. It will block anything I try and open that is bad stuff. Hope this helps. Just go to google and type in FREE AVAST, and go from there.

[mjp28]

How do i know if that mailwasher pro will conflict with what i have?

I've used Mailwasher for years, it let's you preview your mail at the server level before you click it to your computer.

It should work fine with any AV out there. I think there still is a free version.

http://www.firetrust.com/en/products/mailwasher-pro

MailWasher gives you the easiest way to remove spam before it gets to your computer.

MailWasher has deservedly earned its reputation as one of the worlds top anti-apam products. With over 8 million users around the world and features on both BBC and CNN you can be confident that it is one of the easiest ways to get rid of spam.

Get your free download today and become spam free with MailWasher.

Now in 18 languages! English, German, French, Spanish, French Canadian, Dutch, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Ukranian, Swedish, Russian, Czech, Norwegian, Armenian, Croatian, Danish, Japanese and Pirate!.

[cpttango30]

On a side note. When you get them phishing emails report them to phistank.com.

http://www.phishtank.com/

[DesertRose]

I use AVAST Free, Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware. For the past four years, used FireFox as my chief browser after previous years of becoming sick and tired of cleaning out Explorer hijacks of one kind or another.

ZoneAlarm is my current Firewall.

As long as I keep these updated and regularly scan for any possible "narsties", I haven't been hit. That doesn't mean nothing as "tried". Fortunately, my AVAST has prevented what few have tried.

However, there are Tech Support forums that could help walk you through most problems. You might want to check out Tech Support Forum (http://www.techsupportforum.com/) and Tech Support Guy Forums (http://forums.techguy.org/)

Both of these have been my main "places to go" whenever I had problems.

[fuzebox40]

Beth, most of the people who have not gotten this malware (malicious software) or one like it is because they've been fortunate enough not to have stumbled accross it. It gets past most antivirus programs because it's not seen as a virus. However there are steps to removing this yourself which you can easily find on the internet if you don't wish to pay $100 to a tech who probably removed it in less time than it took to connect and disconnect your pc. Of course they don't want you to know that. The simplest solution is to already have the necessary removal tools installed on your pc because often the more aggressive malware will actually try to prevent you from seeking help, thus requiring a second pc to surf for answers.
Anyone who relies on or even uses a pc regularly should have a backup pc, BUT, if you don't, at least learn one simple thing, -to boot into safe mode-. Sometimes this is all you need to regain control and axcess help.
Security Shield's predecessor was "Sucurity Tool Fraud". The names will change to protect the guilty but this stuf's not going away so best to learn self defense and save your $.
Here's a link to step by step instructions for removing it.
http://www.malwareexperts.com/guide-to-remove-security-shield-2011-virus/

Terry.


Additional Security Shield Information:

What is Security Shield?
Security Shield is what is known as rogue spyware or ransomware which means it claims to be legitimate security software but it is actually spyware itself. It attempts to scare you into purchasing bogus software by hijacking your computer and bombarding it with fake security alerts and spyware scans, but the entire process is just an elaborate hoax.

However, the larger threat that Security Shield poses is that hackers use it to attempt to gain access to your sensitive information i.e. passwords, account numbers, credit cards, etc. because it can log keystrokes and internet activity and then send that information to a remote server over the internet – which can ultimately lead to identity theft.

*IMMEDIATE REMOVAL OF SECURITY SHIELD IS REQUIRED TO KEEP YOUR COMPUTER AND PERSONAL INFORMATION SAFE*

Why Can’t I Remove Security Shield Manually?
Security Shield is an extremely complex spyware infection. It places a large number of random files and registry entries on your computer. Because there are also legitimate Windows files that are random strings of numbers and letters, knowing which files to delete is near impossible (I know because I tried!) and if you delete a legitimate file that your computer needs this could lead to further problems, including causing your computer to become inoperable.

Security Shield also has the ability to recreate itself – meaning that unless you remove all traces of it completely, it will simply resintall itself every time you restart your computer.

What does Security Shield do?
Once installed, Security Shield can:

*Steal your passwords, credit card numbers and personal information.
*Block you from running Windows Task Manager
*Block you from running executable files
*Trick you into purchasing illegitimate software by simulating detection of infections.
*Hijack your web browser by blocking access to websites of legitimate software vendors.
*Affect the performance of your computer so much so that it may render it inoperable.
*Selectively disable parts of your system to prevent you from uninstalling it.
*Prevent legitimate spyware and virus removers from running
*Disable automatic system software updates
*Install additional spyware or viruses onto your computer

How did Security Shield get on my computer?
The most common ways to come in contact with Security Shield include:

*Maliciously coded web sites that popup a warning message that you are infected
*E-mail messages that trick you into clicking on a link
*Web sites that claim you need to download additional software like a audio codec or video viewer
*Links or downloads that are spread through social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook
*Instant Messaging systems

[fuzebox40]

Password protect is another positive for Ff.

Yes but many users are not aware of this and unknowingly giving axcess to thier passwords. Even if no one else uses the pc it may be handed over to someone for repair somaday. I've repaired many such pc's so I tend to point this out to them as the next guy may not be Honest John.

[mjp28]

There are a lot of good ideas and advice in the thread here.

(here's more :eek:) When I have a problem or hear of a rumour or whatever I go directly to the home page of MY AV or computer mfgr or O/S site first! Symantec.com (Norton), Microsoft.com, avast.com, apple etc.

I get my advice and fixes directly from them and it's almost always FREE. You can use another computer to look up or print out (if necessary) the instructions. I would not go to unproven or rumour mills until I check them out first.

And yes learning how to start in safe mode is an important and kind of easy thing to do, again do your regular backups so you can create recent restart points or you might lose recent data.

The bug that BETH had can indeed be a tricky devistating one.....that's why it's nice to have geeky friends to ask stuff. :cool:

[fuzebox40]

When I have a problem or hear of a rumour or whatever I go directly to the home page of MY AV or computer mfgr or O/S site first! Symantec.com (Norton), Microsoft.com, avast.com, apple etc.

I get my advice and fixes directly from them and it's almost always FREE. You can use another computer to look up or print out (if necessary) the instructions. I would not go to unproven or rumour mills until I check them out first.

Good point. :thumbsup:

[BlackEagle]

For general info and for what it's worth, this came in one of my PC World emails today--their latest comparison of security software suites:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/248479/best_security_suites_pc_bodyguards.html#tk.nl_spx_t_cbintro

[BETH]

What does it mean "interface isn't friendly to beginners?

[BlackEagle]

What does it mean "interface isn't friendly to beginners?

It's not as intuitive as some other software. With a well developed program you can easily find your way around the menus and get it to do what you want it to do. Less well-developed softeware has all the features, but the menus are not as logically laid out so it's harder for the average Joe to make the program work the way he wants it to.

[BETH]

That's me the average Joe better forget g data i will never be able to do it

[mjp28]

Remember everybody is/was a computer "newbie" once, I'd highly recommend signing up for free newsletters, I like the ones on security & privacy, daily tech news among others. I've learned a whole bunch from them and it's FREE!

You will be a techie before you know it. ;)

http://www.pcworld.com/newsletters/index

PCWorld » Newsletters.

Sign Up for Newsletters
To keep up-to-date with the hottest technology trends, reviews, downloads, and more, select the newsletters that interest you and enter your e-mail address.

(it's easy)

[BlackEagle]

Remember everybody is/was a computer "newbie" once, I'd highly recommend signing up for free newsletters, I like the ones on security & privacy, daily tech news among others. I've learned a whole bunch from them and it's FREE!

You will be a techie before you know it. ;)


You and me both. :)

[BETH]

I do like pc world think they are good

[marlin795]

Kaspersky is the best anti virus on the market. It stops everything dead,I'm a staples tech with a degree in networking and 3 years of computer experience and it's all i recommend.

[fuzebox40]

Kaspersky is the best anti virus on the market. It stops everything dead,I'm a staples tech with a degree in networking and 3 years of computer experience and it's all i recommend.

Every techno wizard claims the one he uses is the best. Fact is none of them stop everything. If there were one infallible program they'd have the market cornered.
I like Eset Smart Sucurity (Nod32), probably not the best but definitely up there holding favorable positions, easy to use, low maintenance, easy on system resourses, self updates, has a cool looking logo and of course gives me the winning lotery numbers. To bad I don't gamble!

[raven818]

What does it mean "interface isn't friendly to beginners?

Think Internet Explorer. It's identical to a kids crayon book ( color inside the lines ) it's friendly to beginners. If you want something that you'll have to learn as you go, use another browser, part time, and you'll catch on..

The issues with IE are many. A beginner hacker can do what they want to it. And the updates never stop coming. But, it's friendly

[mjp28]

(Just FYI on our little computer thread)

From today's PCWorld's Daily Downloads (from my 2/3/12 newsletter):

Top 10 Downloads

avast! Free Antivirus 2,012,195 <-----number of overall downloads, higher is generally better
Quick Heal AntiVirus 2010 32Bit 123,957
Kaspersky Anti-Virus 94,042
McAfee FreeScan 1,822,708
Solar System Theme 634,144
avast! Internet Security 29,666
Lonely Landscapes Windows 7 Theme 13,257
avast! Pro Antivirus 45,763
Avira AntiVir Premium 22,825
SlimDrivers 58,042

So there you go. ;)

[squaw man]

No matter what anti-virus software you have, you should run this on a red basis:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/uk/index.html

[raven818]

No matter what anti-virus software you have, you should run this on a red basis:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/uk/index.html

I may have missed it.

I read the page about the free scans, but I didn't see anything about it fixing any problems, if it found any?

[BETH]

if i do decide to put another security system on computer all i have to do is uninstall the old one?

[raven818]

if i do decide to put another security system on computer all i have to do is uninstall the old one?

Use the uninstall that came with it, if it has one.
If not, click on Start > Programs > Add-Remove Programs
Find your AV and double click on it, then Remove. It'll ask you if your sure, Yes.

There will be some registry entries that won't be removed. But, that's OK. You new AV will work.

[mjp28]

if i do decide to put another security system on computer all i have to do is uninstall the old one?

Absolutely YES! Do an uninstall program.

[mjp28]

Use the uninstall that came with it, if it has one.
If not, click on Start > Programs > Add-Remove Programs
Find your AV and double click on it, then Remove. It'll ask you if your sure, Yes.

There will be some registry entries that won't be removed. But, that's OK. You new AV will work.

That's why among other reasons you should have a registry cleaner, mine runs once a week.

I also run CCleaner, AV.

[BETH]

Ok thanks everyone

[BETH]

one other question i had malware on my computer before bringing it to computer store but now it is not on my desktop or under the list of programs so the guy must have taken it off my computer? Nice of him to tell me

[Bobitis]

It looks as if I'm the only outcast here. :(

Spybot was a bomb fer me. Avast sucked, as has every other 'free' download I've tried. I'll not trust any other free crap.

No offense to anyone else and their suggestions, but nothing in life is free. Everything comes with a price tag.

I have Windows 7 and MS Security Essentials. It works.

But that's me. :rolleyes:

[BETH]

i have windows 7 Bob and i got the virus?????????

[mjp28]

No matter what anti-virus software you have, you should run this on a red basis:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/uk/index.html

There are many, many programs like this, some better than others, some are almost like the bad ones that tell you there's problems you MUST fix now and they will do it for $xx.xx.

Watch out for the driver tests, they generally tell you that you need many drivers updated, I NEVER follow their advice some old drivers work fine or better than the newer ones in your machine. I'd go to MSFT anyway to check mine.

Just keep your AV up to date, run it occasionally, more if you have high use. Check to see if you need to defrag or clean your discs. (W7 has all the tools to do this in your computer).

If you need Spybot use it (I used to have it but my Norton 360 does it.)

[mjp28]

one other question i had malware on my computer before bringing it to computer store but now it is not on my desktop or under the list of programs so the guy must have taken it off my computer? Nice of him to tell me

In 2004 I had my HD go bad, I didn't want to change it out and had a good Cyber Tech guy do it. He gave me a complete report and even loaded extra programs on my computer like a better Roxio burner and other toys.

On the malware removed if done right should NOT be there.

[BETH]

He did not tell me he removed malware but i can't find it?

[mjp28]

i have windows 7 Bob and i got the virus?????????

W7 is your O/S, operating system, this bug just got by your AV (anti-virus).

Sneaky huh. :eek:

[mjp28]

He did not tell me he removed malware but i can't find it?

If your computer is running OK don't worry about it.
edit add - or call him and ask what he did or any other questions, you paid for it.

[BETH]

ok

[raven818]

If you think you have Win 7, you can find out by clicking on:
Start > Computer > System Properties

Right at the top left it will tell you - Windows Edition

[armedandsafe]

He did not tell me he removed malware but i can't find it?

If you are talking about not finding MalWareBytes anti-virus after getting the machine back, you can reload the latest one from cnet.

http://download.cnet.com/windows/

Install it, do an update and you are back in business.

Pops

[RockinRiley]

its at the computer shop i could not do anything

Oh, wow, I am soo sorry, I thought you had this fixed. Most simple way to fix is f8, go to system restore and restore to a previous date, install malwarebytes and then clean. The exe you need to remove is in the program data directory, it is hidden. You will also want to remove your temporary files.
Once again, I am sorry, I thought you had this fixed.
If they want to reformat your computer, please make sure they get you a full backup first. Hopefully they will do what I have stated above. Safe mode is f8, it has been around for quite along time. Computers have gotten fast enough that it is sometimes difficult to get to safe mode. Keep trying and you will eventually get it. Good luck!