Nasty computer virus.
 

We got hit with a particularly nasty computer virus last Monday. It poses as an anti-virus service and if you click on it after it asks if you want to search for viruses on your computer, it plants one. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_Antivirus

Very ironic. We had a lot of guests over the past 10 days so we are not sure when and how this virus got on.

These types of viruses often are contracted from visiting a website. However, these sites are often very "normal" sites. These also usually pop up immediately upon visiting the infected site.

I have been wondering if they came from the New York Times website? The Wikipedia article said that the NYT had been infected with this virus.

I've had that virus a couple of times over the past couple of years. Assuming you have a pc do a system restore with a date prior to when you saw this particular virus. You will also have to boot your computer in safe mode to do the system restore so that the virus doesn't pop up when you go into windows.

John

The restore did not work. We had to reload all our CDs of Windows, the Printers, System Support, etc.

Some ideas to help
 

I'm really sorry for you folks that have been hit. It is difficult to avoid, but here are a couple of suggestions.

Nearly all of the commercials you see on TV and on line for cleaning your PC are fraudulent. At best they just tell you your computer is infected to sell you their service. It isn't really infected and their service doesn't do anything. At worst they do download viruses. Most viruses are aimed at making you go to websites you don't want to, often porn. The company that got you there gets a fraction of a penny for each computer it directs there. They destroy your computer for a little money.

The only reliable antivirus companies are well know ones like McAfee and Norton. And unfortunately, in my experience they miss more than they stop and really slow down your system. I actually don't use any and am just very, very careful.

Another important this is to avoid web sites that you do not know. And certainly don't respond to any popups no matter how interesting they are.

Don't forward files as attachments,and don't open ones you receive, even from friends. These files are often harmless appearing...cute pictures,jokes, etc. But they contain harmful stuff. Set your security on your browser on high.

I would suggest you use Google or Yahoo for mail. Their software seems to catch stuff pretty well.

Finally, my son the programmer would tell you only to buy Apple products. I'm still on PCs, but he is right. Apple doesn't have many problems. And I would suggest you explore an iPad. I think for many folks our ages they can replace a computer and they are safe from viruses. They are cheaper too. I got my wife one for Christmas and she has stopped using her laptop and uses it exclusively.

Just some ideas that I hope are helpful.

Best of luck.

Sorry to hear that. I'm sure it's the same virus I had where you couldn't do anything because that message kept popping up telling you to buy their anti virus software. The procedure I mentioned worked for me a couple of times.
How far did you go back from today when doing the restore? I usually go back a week.

John

We tried pretty far back. Had some technicians out who finally figured out that our computer had been hit with a virus.

Thanks for your suggestions but the red highlighted statement is where I disagree.

There are many free anti-virus software packages that can be run on a PC to do a good job of protecting it. MicroSoft Security Essentials in addition to Malware Bytes will help protect one's PC but no one is totally immuned from viruses. One can get a virus from many sources so it does pay to be careful
and be protected to some degree.

That's what I love about my Mac & iPad. Trouble F R E E for 4 years.:024:

Have learned the hard way NOT to click on anything you're not sure about. PLUS you should already be covered with a virus detector so don't fall for the ploy.

One thing to be learned too is not to do any intense cyber-shopping over the holidays as it's a time to get hacked for your personal stuff. This can be done by you just clicking on what you think is a safe site---happened to me!

Make sure you have good virus, malware etc. detection that's been tried and true.

I just got my PC back from the shop. He'd seen the virus we had alot recently. and said it was a BAD one. It locks up uour PC and does endless scans with something called Platinum Security Protection I think. (shield shape logo)

It stops you from getting on the internet and said I had 39 corrupted files and viruses. Couldn't restore or start up in safe mode, so I sent it out.

The tech loaded me up with a year subscription of Norton for $29.99. I had been using free Avast anti-virus, with Malwarebytes added on. Guess it didn't help in this case.

Looking back, I did open an email designated spam on my Frontiernet email. I was duped into opening it bacause the title was print your airline ticket. I was afraid someone had cloned my Visa. When I opened the email it said I bought a $270 ticket to Charlotte, which was BS after I checked my credit card account.

Not completely sure this was the culprit. But I learned my lesson after spending $160 to fix. No more opening spam that I don't know. Beware.

don't worry your day will come :smiley::smiley:

Fixing your problem!
 

I marvel at the people who offer advice that sends you down the road to Apple products! Good as they may be, it doesn't solve your current problem, and if you follow it introduces a whole new learning curve just when you don't need it!

The solution is to download and install Malwarebytes, a free program, then reboot in safe mode with networking (by tapping the F8 key as it boots up.). Next, run the malware quick scan, and remove any malware you find. Done!

If you need more, help I do this for a hobby. I'm in the phone book.

Don Kobes

DON KOBES= Helen Keller
 

don you are hellen keller The Miracle Worker ! your post makes so much common sense,, if folks just think! keep up the good work my friend... oh every apple does get a bruise no matter how tough they think they are,, and sometimes end up rotten to the core! great response