Couple of questions . . .

[defendandprotect]

If you move to Linux Mint . . . does anyone use their credit card for purchases?

Do any of you have a Special credit card for use on the internet?

Do any of you have identity protection on your non-Linux computer systems-?

And would you need it with Linux?

How many of you PAY for anti-virus protection if you use a system other than Linux ...

and how many of you never pay?

For those here who have fought -- or are fighting viruses/worms -- how long have you

been fighting it and has the situation worsened or improved?

Did you think you had it beat only to find it back again in new form?

How many of you simply PAID to get rid of the problems?

How many didn't and still have them?

Last question . . .

My computer is 5 years old -- Dell . . . and pretty seriously infected --

I'm not hysterical about it because it is 5 years old and was expecting to have to

replace it.

Do any here have computers over 5 years old? Would it be worth trying to rid the

computer of all of this considering the time involved, the aggravation -- and

even if a bare minimum of expense?

[CK_John]

1. Worst case would be to replace a Hard Drive (used) for about 30 bucks. A new

computer would probably be infected within a week. Are you going to change your habits, how will a new one be safer. You downloaded the infection.

You should not be doing any banking until you get a stable system. Also use 3rd party if you do, like Paypal, you ok a charge and they transfer the funds to the seller. Nobody sees your card. All major sellers use this system, if they don't, it's may be a scam, move on there are many legit sellers.

[defendandprotect]

2. First I don't do banking on line --

Over ten years, I've probably used my credit card on line three times --

Probably with this computer twice in five years --

Needless to say, personal things are written via computer -- e-mail etal --
however, I don't keep personal info on my computer --

And keep little of value on it --

I've been using computers for ten years -- no problems --

What habits? Do you post on Democratic Underground? Is that dangerous?

Do you use yahoo or Google -- is that dangerous?


But getting back to the hard drive . . . what you are saying is that even if you

went to something like Linux you would still be infected?

I'm trying to get info from people here who use that system --


PS: Additionally, I don't find the attitude that those of us who have picked up

viruses are idiots or careless, or whatever you're suggesting.

Granted we all know computers are hackable -- but this is insane.

Rather it looks to me like Microsoft has the problems.

[struggle4progress]

3. I use my ordinary credit card for online purchases but try to be cautious in doing so

I don't bank online

I use several OS. I have XP and Vista installed on several machines, OS X installed on several, and various Linux distros installed on several. There is some overlap because several machines are dual boot. I use commercial anti-virus and firewall on the Windows and OS X machines

For my main machine, I use commercial anti-virus and firewall and do several kinds of backup. I have multiple ways of accessing disks in case of failure

My experience is this: in the past, my Windows had multiple security breaches with commercial anti-virus. I have not had, or I have been unaware of, any security breaches on my OS X with commercial anti-virus and firewall since moving to OS X about a year and a half ago. I have not had, or I have been unaware of, any security breaches on my Ubuntu with free anti-virus since installing Ubuntu as the OS on my netbook about nine months ago. I surf the web regularly with the Ubuntu netbook. Mint is essentially a version of Ubuntu; I haven't tried running it, except as a USB stick version or inside Virtualbox

I put Ubuntu on an old Dell Dimension last summer, after updating the BIOS and upgrading with a network card, some additional memory, a refurbished IDE drive (the original had deteriorated) and a slightly faster processor. he upgrades were really not worth the cost: I just hate to throw old equipment away. The machine still boots as slowly as ever, but for certain purposes it is quite satisfactory, and I have surfed the web with it regularly

My impression is that OS X and Ubuntu are rather safe, even without firewalls and anti-virus: the commercial software on OS X has never detected a virus, though the firewall sometimes detected some port scans before I changed some basic system settings in OS X

If you are concerned about intrusions on an Ubuntu or Mint machine, the OS come with a firewall ufw, which you can configure to your liking, if you are unafraid of the Terminal and editing some files:

UncomplicatedFirewall
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UncomplicatedFirewall?action=show&redirect=UbuntuFirewall

I have never bothered, but I suppose as a result of your question I'll get around to trying this sometime

[defendandprotect]

5. Thank you . . . especially

for this part --

My impression is that OS X and Ubuntu are rather safe, even without firewalls and anti-virus: the commercial software on OS X has never detected a virus, though the firewall sometimes detected some port scans before I changed some basic system settings in OS X

If you are concerned about intrusions on an Ubuntu or Mint machine, the OS come with a firewall ufw, which you can configure to your liking, if you are unafraid of the Terminal and editing some files:

UncomplicatedFirewall
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UncomplicatedFirewall?action=sh...

I have never bothered, but I suppose as a result of your question I'll get around to trying this sometime

but keep in mind I have no idea what "OS X" is and again presuming that Linux is part of Ubuntu/?

The names always seem to be connected.

Thanks for the answers ---




:)

[Dead_Parrot]

7. OS-X & Linux...

"Linux" in everyday use refers to a family of operating systems, which come in different packages or "distributions": Ubuntu is one Linux distribution, Mint is another, Mandriva yet another and so on. The closest Windows parallel I can think of is the difference between XP home, XP Pro and XP Media Center: The basic OS is the same, but get get different add-ons and software depending on which version you get.

If you're thinking of trying Linux, I'd recommend swinging over to http://distrowatch.com for quick summaries and links to reviews: If you look down the right hand side for "Page hit ranking" You'll find the most common distributions in approximate order of popularity.

In slightly more technical terms, "Linux" refers to the kernel - the core bit of the OS that decides which programs run when and how they they interact. The kernel doesn't include the user interface (= your desktop), which is why Linux versions can look very different.

OS-X is Apple's current OS for the Mac range. It's Linux-ish (both XNU, the OS-X kernel, and Linux are based on the ancient but solid Unix) and they've both inherited pretty bomb-proof security protocols, but running OS-X on a non-apple computer (or a different OS on a Mac) requires the use of ancient high magick. :)

[Dead_Parrot]

4. My answers...

> If you move to Linux Mint . . . does anyone use their credit card for purchases?
> Do any of you have a Special credit card for use on the internet?

I use Linux for day-to-day stuff (Mandriva, but not big difference security-wise). I do use a separate card for online stuff, but more because of what might happen at the seller's end: It takes two to keep a secret!

>Do any of you have identity protection on your non-Linux computer systems-?

No, but I don't use them for online shopping. Not sure it would help that much anyway for the reason above.

>And would you need it with Linux?

Nah. :)

>How many of you PAY for anti-virus protection if you use a system other than Linux

Just free stuff, but I rebuild the machines quickly ('cause they're not used much). I generally suggest (to customers) buying a decent package for a normal PC: Current recommendation is Eset.

>and how many of you never pay?

me. :)

>For those here who have fought -- or are fighting viruses/worms -- how long have you
>been fighting it and has the situation worsened or improved?

They only get to fight me once. ;)

>Did you think you had it beat only to find it back again in new form?

It can happen is you've got an undetected dropper: Say a trojan in a bit of downloaded software that isn't picked up by your AV, but is pulling down stuff that is - you'll find the same old shit turning up on a regular basis. Whack the computer with a couple of different AVs to increase the chances of picking the dropper up. Malwarebytes is a good 'second pair of eyes' for this.

>How many of you simply PAID to get rid of the problems?

My customers!

>How many didn't and still have them?

All my non-customers. hehe.

>Last question . . .
>My computer is 5 years old -- Dell . . . and pretty seriously infected --
>I'm not hysterical about it because it is 5 years old and was expecting to have to
>replace it.
>Do any here have computers over 5 years old? Would it be worth trying to rid the
>computer of all of this considering the time involved, the aggravation -- and
>even if a bare minimum of expense?

Well, at 5 years old you're due to have parts starting to fail, and it's damn sight easier to get stuff off a working machine than it is a broken one, so if you've got the cash it might be worth looking for a replacement. But you don't want to be dragging anything nasty over when you transfer your stuff, so you might want to give it a clean out anyway. I'd suggest Avira & Malwarebytes to flush the system (Avira has a free version and has very good detection rates, but it's annoying as hell for daily use) and shifting to a new box.

If you're not ready to go shopping for a new box just yet, run the free Avira & Malwarebytes then install a paid-for Eset to keep it good.

http://www.eset.com/
http://www.free-av.com/
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Good luck. :)

[defendandprotect]

6. Hi Dead Parrot -- thanks for the ...

time and attention -- and humor!!

And thanks especially for this info . . .

Well, at 5 years old you're due to have parts starting to fail, and it's damn sight easier to get stuff off a working machine than it is a broken one, so if you've got the cash it might be worth looking for a replacement. But you don't want to be dragging anything nasty over when you transfer your stuff, so you might want to give it a clean out anyway. I'd suggest Avira & Malwarebytes to flush the system (Avira has a free version and has very good detection rates, but it's annoying as hell for daily use) and shifting to a new box.

If you're not ready to go shopping for a new box just yet, run the free Avira & Malwarebytes then install a paid-for Eset to keep it good.

http://www.eset.com /
http://www.free-av.com /
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Good luck.

I have a couple of options from where I am . . . move on to Linnux and leave my troubles behind.
No expense involved there --

PC Richards will clean the computer for $100 and back in Feb/March when I first noticed something
wrong and up to now -- considering aggravation and worry -- it would have been well worth it to
know that then!

I have Malwarebytes on my computer now -- and it's reporting nothing.

I had to take AVG-free off because it was reporting it's own contamination!
Also was reporting same for Zone Alarm -- false reports?
And when AVG was gone that was the opening for the big attack by allegedly IE pimping for
Antivirus Live! Ironically at the moment, things are working well and quiet -- but you keep
wondering what's being stolen etal. I'm concerned about uninstalling Antivirus Live so I'm
just sitting here.

I've had computers for 10 years -- old and new -- and never had a problem before.
Always had Norton and a fire wall. Last February we renewed with Norton as we always do by check,
but a little later than usual. They acknowledged renewal but it never seemed right. I tried to
check on it and complained but they're not really accessible -- foolishingly. Finally, in August
I asked for a refund -- they gave me a full refund. I put Malwarebytes on but didn't realize it
wasn't actually antivirus, but worked AFTER you had an infection.

Feel better now knowing what happened cause it made me uncomfortable about buying a new computer --
felt very vulnerable.

OK -- thanks for your help -- and I'm sure I'll be back.

Hope all of this helps anyone else trying to figure out this stuff!!


PS: Thanks for the links --




:)

[Dead_Parrot]

8. You want to get Antivirus Live off ASAP

It's malware. There's an incantation at http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivirus-live but feel free to shout for help if you need it: Antivirus live interferes with the malwarebytes scan, so you need to kill it off before it can be removed.

If you're worried about your credit card details being nicked (not unreasonable), give your bank a call and ask them to issue a new card.

(edit: Just seen your other post so you're a step ahead of me there, but the bleeping computer fix doesn't require a second PC)

[defendandprotect]

9. Right . . . but I have to put some antivirus back on --

I'll try Avira, presuming it is an actual anti-virus program

and not something like Malwarebytes which covers post-virus situations.

I'll go back and check your original post on this --

thanks --

OK . . . I'm not sure, but I'll put it on as the anti-virus program and then

knock out the Antivirus Live with the uninstall link --

Back later --

[Dead_Parrot]

10. Yes, it is...

in last year's VB comparative it beat everything else hands down in terms of raw detection rates, but the free version comes with an annoying pop-up and doesn't scan emails, so I don't recommend it as a free day-to-day package (I tend to stick with AVG for that). For install-clean out-remove, however, it's pretty good - especially used with malwarebytes.

Flicking to the new VB; G-data, trustport and webroot are currently beating it out but they are not packages I'm particularly familiar with, so it's up to you.

[defendandprotect]

11. Thanks ... OK... did it . . . now going to remove the Antivirus Live . . .

[defendandprotect]

12. This didn't work for me . . .

It found a bunch of infections -- 281! -- wonder if that's a record???

and 7 threats

However, the program wouldn't remove it unless I subscribed -- $33 something

and credit card.

No way I can do it - $ no problem but I won't put any credit card on internet --

especially right now!

I'll rerun Malwarebytes and Avira sometime tonight to see what they can find . . .

I'd like to put AVG back on, as well -- and see what they'd report now --

Maybe tomorrow -- ??

The more the merrier???

OK -- thanks --

I'm sure I'll be back --

:)



PS: I did remove the Antivirus Live with Revo Uninstaller -- and will just have to
hope for the best on that -- used the advanced removal --

[Dead_Parrot]

13. Which program was after the money?

If it was avira/antivir you might have pulled down the paid version by mistake - uninstall and have another go.

All good fun.

[defendandprotect]

14. No -- it was Dr. Spyware . . . and believe me I don't pull down PAY programs

by mistake -- !!!

Because of that, I used Revo Uninstaller to remove the Dr. Spyware and they

kicked up quite a fuss, freezing my machine with a special offer for their

services $5.99!!!

I couldn't get rid of it and it was blocking the uninstall -- finally had to

shut off the power --

They came back again on the next uninstall, but got thru it and it's off the computer now.

I'm still trying to get AVG-FREE back on . . . in fact they had a 30 day FREE trial of

their premium service I was going for, but they said Avira was blocking it.

We'll see . . .

[defendandprotect]

15. Just an update on this, Avira is continuing to block an AVG-free install . . .

and if I take Avira off without having a back up antivirus I could be pulled

again into the hole I was pulled into where I was forced to opt for Antivirus Live!

I'll keep trying --

[Jazzgirl]

16. Download a fresh copy of Malwarebytes.

Boot into Safe Mode with Networking. Download a fresh copy of mbam. Start mbam and let it update and run the default scan. It should remove Antivirus Live from your computer. I have removed it from several people's computers using that method.

There was a suggestion up thread of going to bleepingcomputer.com. They have some wonderful experts at removing malware. It wouldn't hurt to post for feedback.

[defendandprotect]

18. Antivirus Live is gone -- removed it with Revo Uninstaller . . .

Elsewhere I've mentioned the months of aggravation with this --

it's like studying to fix your own car!

And, evidently PC Richards will clean the computer for $100 --

seems worth it --


The current problem centers on trying to download AVG-free which is being blocked

by Avira --

As I've mentioned elsewhere, I'm probably going to take the computer to be cleaned --

and them put a security system on it that I buy and load in. Worth the expense --

and would have been worth it months ago had I known I could get it cleaned at PC

Richards.

[Dead_Parrot]

17. Sounds like quite a party going on in there

OK, haven't come across avira doing that, but there's a first time for everything. If you've got the AVG install program downloaded (avg_free_stb_all_9_40_cnet.exe if you're going to Cnet) you're pretty safe to uninstall avira, then run the AVG install, so long as you keep out of your mail and browser while you're doing it.

Sound like you're making progress, though. :thumbsup:

[defendandprotect]

19. Well, AVG told me -- and it was both the premium package free and

their regular FREE program -- both of them I tried --

that "it was Zone Alarm and Avira which had to be removed as not compatible

with AVG" --

I knew I had AVG on previously with Zone Alarm so I simply turned off Zone Alarm

and same thing --

Now have Zone Alarm back on -- so that suggests to me it's solely Avira.

I can turn ZA off and on -- what about Avira? Can't find a way to do that --

I'm probably going to take the computer to PC Richards and let them clean it --

but I want to confirm that it will be totally clean -- and I put a purchased package

on it. I hear Norton has a good one for $100? PC Richards has a variety of them for

quite less. Don't know where you'd buy the Norton one, however -- but it seems that

people who know BUY them and shoot them into the computer. Change it every year.

Worth $100 a year to definitely avoid anything like this happening again --

But since, technically, I feel this is Norton's fault . . . I'll probably try the

PC Richard's best program.

[CK_John]

20. Microsoft has been offering a free antivirus that has gotten good reviews.

It is called Microsoft Security Essentials, here is the link:

<http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/>

I'm testing it and it seems to keep up with Avast which I usually use. They are both free.

Edit: you can only have one antivirus installed at a time. You can have multiple anti spyware installed.

[defendandprotect]

22. I'm not actually looking to have more than ONE anti-virus programs on the

computer at the same time ---

What I'm trying to avoid is being boxed in again in removing one program and

getting tossed into something like Antivirus Live -- which, allegedly IE passed to me!

This is also getting time consuming and at this point, I think I'm going for the

PC Richards cleaning in a few days so I might just as ell leave Avira on til then.


I may be wrong, but I think in the past I simply was able to unload on anti-virus

program and then put another on. Can't take the chance on trying that again, however.

Thanks for all the help --

And I think time and upset, stress and aggravation also have to be considered in these

matters . . . so I hope that this PC Richards thing will actually work.

I also think buying a security program once a year -- a higher level of security -- is

probably not a bad idea either. Certainly I never felt that Norton anti-virus which

I was paying $60 a year for was doing anything. And in the end it screwed me up because

the last time I renewed, I don't think it was performing properly.

C'est la vie!

Thanks, everyone!





:)

[Dead_Parrot]

26. SE scored a bit pants in the comparative test, though

(chart in post 10)

[Dead_Parrot]

21. Ahh, got you

AVG's being stubborn, but it's generally a bad idea to run multiple anti-virus programs so we can't really blame it. As I mentioned, you can safely uninstall Avira before re-running the AVG install.

I couldn't really recommend spending money on Norton (Look for Symantec on the chart in post 10 - it's pretty mediocre): Pick one from the top right end of the graph instead. Eset usually gets my vote, but you can try it for a month before spending money if you're ot sure.

[defendandprotect]

23. I wouldn't ever have tried to put more than one anti-virus on the machine ...EXCEPT

that the last time I uninstalled AVG-free because it seemed to be "infected"

according to its own reports -- I got stuck with IE not permitting me to download

anthing else EXCEPT the program they were pushing: Antivirus LIVE.

Couldn't get to the internet -- and everything time I tried to use the link to AVG Free

it would get knocked out -- interrupted. Wouldn't let me do it.


Agree re Norton/Symantec -- never felt they were doing anything -- and as I see it it's

their fault I have this problem. I've always renewed by check -- and I don't think they

ever renewed it properly the last time around. I was quickly complaining about it to

them where I could reach them. Ineffective service. Finally I found a way to ask for

refund.

As I've said -- PC Richards also has a program --

I'll see what they have -- but I'm also thinking that I like the idea of buying a program

every year --

Thanks again --

Time is worth a lot of money so I'm looking at it this way -- more security, less

headaches, less stress -- and in the end less costly . . . I hope!



:)

[defendandprotect]

24. Well, one part of the party now is AVIRA shooting up an AD once a day . . big red thing ...

asking me to BUY their program to ensure my e-mail is safe --

$26.99 --

That's not the kind of "progress" I was looking for -- !!!

:thumbsdown:

[Dead_Parrot]

25. I did mention that...

..in post 10 ;) Differences are it does actually clean viruses and uninstall afterwards but like I said, not recommended for a day-to-day package ('cause it's f--ing annoying). If you think you're finally cleared up (I hope so, you've had an epic battle) uninstall avira & flick back to AVG or go shopping.

(edit for inability to count to 10 :dunce:)

[defendandprotect]

27. Avira has been telling me found nothing -- Malwarebytes same . ..

[defendandprotect]

28. Computer is heavily infected -- just loaded Microsoft's CyberDefender . . .

and took Avira off --

They identified a lot of crap but want $29 something for a program --

They at least have a telephone # so I can find out if they are real and if they

will remove ALL the stuff they've identified . . . we'll see.


Also found that PC Richards probably isn't going to be very helpful --

They ship the computer out -- two weeks or more -- $25 to look -- then they tell

you how much!

I did get a computer guy from a computer place in town I used to use -- he's too busy

but is looking for some help for me --

My main problem -- that I'm aware of -- is doing searches -- I can move around pretty

much anywhere with links I already have. It's only when you try for a SEARCH that you

become aware -- you have to go for it 4-5 times before you'll get thru the adware.

Just going to check to make sure my Firewall is on!!

:)

[Earth Bound Misfit]

29. You have a variant of TDL orTDSS or MBR Rootkit present ....

Your computer needs to be REFORMATTED. These baddies are EXTREMELY difficult to remove on PC's with all software & hardware patches & fixes installed. Your's OBVIOUSLY does not, given your admission that you've NEVER seen a monthly notice from Microsoft, which makes it an excersise in futility to even try to clean the machine.

Reformat it asap, and save yourself a lot of aggravation.

Some reading material that describes in technical detail what these Rootkits do. The "Rogue" programs you are seeing actually act as "Watchdogs" for the rootkit, which is INVISIBLE to nearly ALL of the tools used presently to try to detect & remove them:

http://www.prevx.com/blog/120/MBR-rootkit-changes-itself-and-strikes-again.html

http://www.drweb.com/static/BackDoor.Tdss.565_%28aka%20TDL3%29_en.pdf

http://www.avertlabs.com/research/blog/index.php/2009/04/19/stealthmbr-gets-a-makeover/

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2006/082806-rootkits.html?page=1

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2009/04/21/mebroot-rootkit-new-variants-more-advanced-and-difficult-to-detect.aspx

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=239141

[defendandprotect]

31. What is "reformat" . . . I have no idea . . .

My last option, of course, is to move on to Linux . . .

Though I don't understand where that leaves all this garbage on the machine

which would still be attacking the computer?

I thought I checked that with those using Linux and they seemed to suggest that

you can just move on --

Fortunately, this is a 5 year old Dell computer --

But, if it remains usable for the next months -- fine --



PS: Just realizing that I've had computers for 10 years and NEVER saw a month report

such as you're mentioning . . . ????

[Earth Bound Misfit]

35. "Reformat and reinstall" is the computer equivalent

of erasing the chalkboard and starting over.

http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_reformat_and_reinstall_windows.html

Reformatting and reinstalling is pretty much exactly what it sounds like:

•Reformatting is the process of initializing a hard disk to an empty state. This step deletes everything on your hard drive. Everything.

•Reinstalling is the process of copying Windows back on to your hard drive and reconfiguring it to your needs. It also encompasses the fact that you'll also need to reinstall all the application software you use, as well as restoring all the data you might want to continue to have available.

[defendandprotect]

38. This sounds like what I was FIRST asking about when I came in here long ago --

Completely erasing what's on the machine and a complete reboot?

I recall when we moved that everything had been disconnected and when the cable people

came to hook everything up again they needed the "program disc" -- they mentioned had

I not had it, they wouldn't have been able to help until I got one!

I have an XP program around still --

When I have time later today I'll try to read what it's all about from the info you've

supplied --

thanks --

:)


But, again, if I choose to move on to Linux . . . what about all this stuff supposedly

"eating at the tools and controls" . . . ???

[defendandprotect]

41. Thanks for the info -- I'll try to look it over tonight . .. . taking a quick look now ...

I don't keep anything really on my machine --

and no add ons --

I can use IE . . . I can use Windows -- that's it --

and before I would do it I can move anything I really want to Yahoo --

Again, I pretty much have nothing on the machine except a lot of links --

and they're not things generally used -- just for background info.

And if I do this, I'd simply add a pre-bought anti-virus/security to it.



AFTER looking at it a little more thoroughly, it seems exactly what I originally

wanted --

I have to check the pack of stuff I got from Dell --

I know I have a LOGITECH disc --

SetPoint 2.42a
Microsoft Windows
XP
XP x64 Edition
2000
Me, 98, 98 SE

Don't recall anything about a KEY -- ?????????

I do seem to recall on this machine and on others something came up re ownership of

the computer -- that was on the machine. What is the "key" -- numbers . . . ????


And I do recall the disc making it very easy to set up the computer --

Since I want to ERASE the whole thing, I guess . . . I'm a bit confused by "C" and "D"

and "partitions" . . . ???

Thanks for the info -- will think it over -- I'd love to do it -- but want to be sure

that I have all the stuff and info I need.

[CK_John]

30. CyberDefender is not a Microsoft product. Just advertises that it is Microsoft compatible. Every

PC app is compatible, even bogus ones.

[defendandprotect]

33. Btw, doesn't or shouldn't that bother Microsoft?

And, when all of this stuff is permitted to imitate real products, how is

anyone supposed to guess what's going on -- James Jesus Angleton couldn't guess!!

Where the hell is our Congress???

[defendandprotect]

32. Oh, great . . . however, I''ve been thinking of taking that off as well cause they want $$$....

again, I have no problems with paying for cleaning -- I just won't use

a credit card -- so I need to be able to buy something at a store -- or

have a place to mail a check.

But I did put Microsoft Essentials Security on which I presume is also antivirus . . .

so that I could get rid of Cyber-Defender if I wanted to?

What a merry go round -- as if we had nothing else to do!!!


So far Microsoft Essentials Security hasn't asked me for $$$ . . . yet!!

They did a fast scan and if it was ever completed I haven't see results yet --

I'll run a full scan of it overnight --


Microsoft Essentials quick scan now reports -- no problems found!!!!





:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[CK_John]

34. MSE is free and will not ask for money. It is an antivirus whose job is to prevent virus from

getting into your system. Getting rid of problems already there is another matter. If you want to try and clean your system, this link has step by step instructions, and pretty straight forward. But...you have to follow the instructions. No jumping around, if you don't understand stop and ask.

Link:
<http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-malware-defense>

[defendandprotect]

36. I'll take another look at it when I have time . . .

but think I did this already -- ShopZilla . . . seem to remember that!

[CK_John]

39. The link I provided has nothing to do with ShopZilla or any advertisement, the instructions start

about half way through the page following this line.

Automated Removal Instructions for Malware Defense using Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware:

You have been asking for help and then disregard any assistance given.

Bye, you're on your own.

[defendandprotect]

40. Sorry . .. it's STOP ZILLA . . . still familiar --

When I have time I will take a look at it --

Began once before to look at their stuff . . . and quite timeconsuming.

Not that keeping the computer clean isn't a worthy effort --

but I could probably have learned by now to take my car engine apart and

put it back together!!

Understand some people can do that with their computers -- that's not what

I'm going for!


Don't want to appear ungrateful -- I do appreciate your taking time to put

forth information that you think may help.



:)

[defendandprotect]

37. But that still leaves the question then of why they're doing a scan for viruses

and malware ALREADY ON THE COMPUTER if ...

Getting rid of problems already there is another matter.

[Occulus]

42. Follow the advice above. Get your Windows disc and reformat.

You do have a Microsoft Windows XP/whatever disc, right?

Reformatting requires an original disc. What it means is, after you format the drive (this will wipe the drive clean), you need some sort of system to install onto the drive. From what you've posted thus far on this thread, I would only use Ubuntu linux (and nothing but Ubuntu) as a last resort and only if you don't have a Windows disc. Linux does require some expertise and a bit of reading at times, particularly if you're using a laptop, or if you need wifi.

If you don't have a Windows disc and elect to use Ubuntu, you'll need a Ubuntu disc. This involves burning it from the downloaded .iso file to a DVD. You'll need to use a different computer than the infected one for that. You'll also need software that can create a bootable disc from a .iso disc image file (image here being not a picture or painting, but a single .iso file that contains the entire disc, which you'll get from the Ubuntu website).

From the sound of it, your PC is completely unusable, and probably a zombie for whatever trojans are out there by now. You need to completely wipe the drive and start over. I'm afraid that's your only option at this point.

[defendandprotect]

43. I think reformatting is what makes most sense . . .

when things are quiet here -- and, of course, like anyone else's life other things

going on -- then I'll check my computer packages and see what's in them.

Sounds like the easiest way--

And, I will have a few things I want to review before I wipe everything clean--

And, btw, Microsoft Essentials has come thru like a dozen times in the last hour

with stuff they are finding -- and they are actually removing it!!!!



I think reformatting is an excellent way to get rid of all this crap and the first option

I had been looking for when I came here --


Thanks!!

:)