FAO Brave**** (Mark)

[LMH]

Sorry - couldn't bring myself to type the actual word!

I did a scan disc then defragmented and I got a pop up (well I think it was a pop up, it appeared to be from windows) saying my privacy was at risk, including bank details etc. Did I want to install and run a free edition of drive cleaner?

Well, without thinking rationally, I clicked yes, and installed it. It then did a scan of my system and reported that I had several thousand threats or whatever, did I want to clean it? Of course, I clicked 'yes', then it very kindly said I would have to pay for that service. I haven't.

Question is, is there any other reliable free software I can install and run? Also, it's obviously a con but is it a cosha system?

I have syngate personal firewall, AVG anti virus, Ad aware and ad watch.

Any comments would be appreciated but please don't tell me I've downloaded a dodgy system!

Many thanks.

Lisa

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Things don't look too good Lisa :O( ⇦ sad icon thingy.

Read the links I've posted.

http://drive-cleaner.wiki-security.com/wiki/Parasite/Drive_Cleaner/
http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2006-062217-0726-99

 

[colin(bridgend)]

I am not being drawn into this discussion because I am a computer dinosaur when it comes to the technical side of things. I had to rely on Liz to tell me what wifi was.

 

[Viking1]

cut & past for Avast Antivirus

http://www.download.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-2239_4-10680976.html?tag=pop.software
Its a bit hard to use at fist but when you get uesed to it very good.

it speaks as well

Mark

Mark

 

[Fubar]

Hi Lisa

it does sound like a bit of spyware has got on your pc, which while it may not be malicious can be very annoying.

you have AdAware (make sure it is up to date!), do a "perform full system scan" rather than a smart scan, then select and delete everything it finds.

I use Spybot as well, and another useful tool is CCleaner - download from:

http://english.ircfast.com/lv/group/view/kl25623/CCleaner.htm
and Spybot from:

www.download.com - a very useful site.

I'm assuming you have Windows XP SP2, make sure you also run a windows update to close any security loopholes. And keep your Anti-virus up to date and run it once per week, but I'm sure you do all this already.

I did have a really annoying security message that my wife got everytime she logged in, eventually the only way to get rid of it was to delete her user account and recreate it - not as scary as it sounds! but helped by the fact we all log in seperately to Windows.

let me know how you get on. Mark (",)

p.s. what is wrong with the word Fart?!?!?

 

[Fubar]

another free download that may be worth trying:

http://www.spywareterminator.com/
8mb installation file - I have not tried this myself but my colleague is using it happily at the moment.

Mark (",)

 

[Fubar]

Lisa, if you are still having the same problem after running the removal software try going into Safe Mode and running AdAware, Spybot, etc.

to do this: bootup your pc; after to initial "splash" screen press the F8 key; choose Safe Mode; choose Windows XP o/s; once into safe mode it will ask if you want to perform a System Restore click Yes, or to enter Safe Mode click No - click No.

...then run your spyware cleaner and AV software. just means that Windows is not starting up all its processes making it easier to clean. Mark (",)

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Hi Lisa

it does sound like a bit of spyware has got on your pc, which while it may not be malicious can be very annoying.

you have AdAware (make sure it is up to date!), do a "perform full system scan" rather than a smart scan, then select and delete everything it finds.

I use Spybot as well, and another useful tool is CCleaner - download from:

http://english.ircfast.com/lv/group/view/kl25623/CCleaner.htm
and Spybot from:

www.download.com - a very useful site.

I'm assuming you have Windows XP SP2, make sure you also run a windows update to close any security loopholes. And keep your Anti-virus up to date and run it once per week, but I'm sure you do all this already.

I did have a really annoying security message that my wife got everytime she logged in, eventually the only way to get rid of it was to delete her user account and recreate it - not as scary as it sounds! but helped by the fact we all log in seperately to Windows.

let me know how you get on. Mark (",)

p.s. what is wrong with the word Fart?!?!?

Just a thought ... perhaps she cannot retain it :O)

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I have Windows open permanently, that way I don't need to clean Windows and I always get plenty of fresh air.

O.K. I'm sorry, I couldn't help it though :O(

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I have Windows open permanently, that way I don't need to clean Windows and I always get plenty of fresh air.

O.K. I'm sorry, I couldn't help it though :O(

⇦ hits myself upside the head.

 

[Fubar]

Hi Lisa

it does sound like a bit of spyware has got on your pc, which while it may not be malicious can be very annoying.

you have AdAware (make sure it is up to date!), do a "perform full system scan" rather than a smart scan, then select and delete everything it finds.

I use Spybot as well, and another useful tool is CCleaner - download from:

http://english.ircfast.com/lv/group/view/kl25623/CCleaner.htm
and Spybot from:

www.download.com - a very useful site.

I'm assuming you have Windows XP SP2, make sure you also run a windows update to close any security loopholes. And keep your Anti-virus up to date and run it once per week, but I'm sure you do all this already.

I did have a really annoying security message that my wife got everytime she logged in, eventually the only way to get rid of it was to delete her user account and recreate it - not as scary as it sounds! but helped by the fact we all log in seperately to Windows.

let me know how you get on. Mark (",)

p.s. what is wrong with the word Fart?!?!?

as we say in our house, who smelt it dealt it! perhaps the word "fart" is too extreme for a family forum......!

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Hi Lisa

it does sound like a bit of spyware has got on your pc, which while it may not be malicious can be very annoying.

you have AdAware (make sure it is up to date!), do a "perform full system scan" rather than a smart scan, then select and delete everything it finds.

I use Spybot as well, and another useful tool is CCleaner - download from:

http://english.ircfast.com/lv/group/view/kl25623/CCleaner.htm
and Spybot from:

www.download.com - a very useful site.

I'm assuming you have Windows XP SP2, make sure you also run a windows update to close any security loopholes. And keep your Anti-virus up to date and run it once per week, but I'm sure you do all this already.

I did have a really annoying security message that my wife got everytime she logged in, eventually the only way to get rid of it was to delete her user account and recreate it - not as scary as it sounds! but helped by the fact we all log in seperately to Windows.

let me know how you get on. Mark (",)

p.s. what is wrong with the word Fart?!?!?

It depends on the individual Mark. Google it and you will be surprised to see its mentioned on professional sites including the ones dealing with health.

 

[LMH]

Thanks Mark and others, much appreciated.

I'll sort it out tomorrow, out on the raz tonight. If I get any probs, I'll give you a shout.

Lisa

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

I'm just wondering what probs she could encounter when out on the razz. If the phone goes about 2a.m. I'm not answering it, I don't intend to be a taxi service.

 

[LMH]

Hi Mark

Thanks very much for your help, I downloaded some software from the websites and its all sorted now.

Many thanks.

Lisa

 

[NorfolkMike]

LMH.

I would re-boot your system first ( turn kit on and press F8 key straight away ) scroll down to safe mode and choose to re-set to a date before the dodgy softwear was downloaded. This will also stop it appearing all over your screens as pop ups and icons that you cant get rid of.

If you struggle get Mod to give you my e address and I will phone you and talk you through it.

 

[Fubar]

Hi Mark

Thanks very much for your help, I downloaded some software from the websites and its all sorted now.

Many thanks.

Lisa

no worries Lisa, glad it's sorted. Mark (",)

 

[LMH]

Hi Mike

Thanks for the offer. Before I donloaded the anti spyware etc, I used 'restore my system' and put in the time before I downloaded the other stuff.

Is that still ok?

Lisa

 

[NorfolkMike]

If your system was clean b4 u downloaded what you wanted you should be ok. When I got a similar it locked up my screen and I could only proceed by paying. I refused. In my case I had allowed it to overide my anti virus softwear which had advised me of its unsavory nature, however I was doing something else and did not bother to read it.

My view of the World is that there in no such thing as a free lunch, so if somthing arrives that you did not ask for, dump it.

But hell, I am only a silver serfer.

 

[smiley]

My hubby did the same thing. Go to add/remove programmes and delete the pop up you let into your computer. Have a look at what sites your computer has been trying to access and delete all.

Then run your own security check to see what is there.

If anything comes up delete it then reboot.