View Full Version : Need some help with Spyware Removal/etc. Help Guys...
Razorhunter
09-10-08, 20:33
Guys,
I have recently noticed some type of Spyware? on my PC, which is the first time I've ever had something like this happen.
Basically, I had a nice big pic of an LMT M4 set as a background pic on my desktop, which I've had set as the background for months now.
However, now that this Spyware? or Trojan? or whatever it is, has infected me, my big background pic has disappeared, and the following message has been STUCK onto my background for a few days now!
"Warning Spyware Threat Has Been Detected on Your PC!
Your Computer Has Several Fatal Errors Due to Spyware Activity!
Update Your AntiSpyware Protection Now!"
SO, I have run Trend Micro's free download online, as well as Panda Antivirus/Titanium?, and a few others. I also ran SPYBOT as well.
After running ALL of these programs, EACH and EVERY one turned up some "Infected Files" on my PC, and most of these programs allowed me to delete/kill the infected files instantly.
HOWEVER, I am STILL having this problem, and even though all these antispyware programs are saying that they have successfully removed the invading Spyware and/or "infected files" on my PC, I am STILL having the problem.
Can ANYONE here give me some recommendations on what to do here? I'm not too computer savvy, and I just don't know what to do.
Honestly, this little issue I'm having is not really affecting me that badly, with ONE exception.
IT seems that MANY times when I try to Google for new ANTISPYWARE downloads, this invading spyware on my PC will pop up a screen instantly, trying to advertise some kind of antispyware program.
SO, basically, it looks like this invading SPYWARE that is attacking my PC, is basically an advertisement for some type of ANTISPYWARE!
Anyone seen or heard of anything like this? I assure you that If anyone HAS seen or experienced this specific spyware, you will know exactly what I'm talking about.
ANY and all suggestions would be great guys.
Thanks so much.
Though you may have a virus, I would try Ad-Aware (not Ad-Ware) at download.com. That is the best free spyware protection that I am aware of. Works well for me.
Good luck.
I use and recommend Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0. The demo is fully functional and free to download. It works damn good, and I think the yearly license is only about $60. I've had good luck with their support too!
-RD62
M1A2_Tanker
09-10-08, 20:49
I know many people including myself hate Microsoft but I would get Windows Live One Care, you get a free 90 day eval period with full rights it actually is a good programe and it works better than norton.
You cant get a free full system scan here: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm
Use the scan before you install OneCare. It will give an incompatebility warning if you have Ad-Aware installed but just ignore it it wont cuase any problems.
I would also suggest that you D-load and use CrapCleaner it is free.
http://www.ccleaner.com/update/
http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/default.htm?mkt=en-us&s_cid=WL2Hdr
:D
ETA:
Live OneCare is $49.99 after 90 days and is good for up to 3 PC's. But all you have to do is uninstall it and reinstall it to get another 90 days SHH dont tell anyone!
Paul:
Spyware Doctor (www.pctools.com) should remove it. However, it's a huge resource hog so, once you remove the spyware problems I recommend that you uninstall Spyware Doctor.
Stop looking at porn...........:p
If you PM me your email I can send you a few programs that should help you out. Spyware is a bitch.
I use and recommend Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0. The demo is fully functional and free to download. It works damn good, and I think the yearly license is only about $60. I've had good luck with their support too!
-RD62
My kid's laptop got a trojan the other day and Kaspersky detected the problem but wanted money to actually do anything about it ... I don't mind paying if it works but many removal tools are not as successful as others.
Ultimately, I used Trend Micro's free online scan and that removed the trojan. He was getting popups whenever he was online (he's usually at NASCAR.COM, he's only 8) but I also received some porn while I was working with it.
Very annoying.
I know many people including myself hate Microsoft but I would get Windows Live One Care, you get a free 90 day eval period with full rights it actually is a good programe and it works better than norton.
You cant get a free full system scan here: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm
Use the scan before you install OneCare. It will give an incompatebility warning if you have Ad-Aware installed but just ignore it it wont cuase any problems.
I would also suggest that you D-load and use CrapCleaner it is free.
http://www.ccleaner.com/update/
http://onecare.live.com/standard/en-us/default.htm?mkt=en-us&s_cid=WL2Hdr
:D
ETA:
Live OneCare is $49.99 after 90 days and is good for up to 3 PC's. But all you have to do is uninstall it and reinstall it to get another 90 days SHH dont tell anyone!
Please be advised that some recent third party tests listed OneCare dead last in it's abilities to detect and remove. I can't find the actual article, but it didn't fare well.
Sidewinder6
09-10-08, 20:55
http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html
Freeware and fairly well rated. Be aware there is no program that removes everything in one swoop. At work we operated probably about 4 different and overlapping programs for various systems we have. S&D does pretty good. Norton AV, Zone Alarm all have programs that detect and isolate spy ware for removal. The last 2 you have to pay for though.
bigshooter
09-10-08, 20:55
I use and recommend Kaspersky Internet Security 7.0.
boooooooyyyaaashhaaaaaka, that's the good stuff.
I've ran webroot and norton, they suck. kaspersky is where it is at.
M1A2_Tanker
09-10-08, 21:05
Please be advised that some recent third party tests listed OneCare dead last in it's abilities to detect and remove. I can't find the actual article, but it didn't fare well.
Yeah that is why I use CCleaner, Ad-Aware on top of it, One care wont mess with you like Norton, or Macaffee, as far as compat. with other programs. Ever Uninstall Norton before? You'll regret it. Nothing out there is an end all but Ive been running this combo for ??? since it came out and have not had one problem with it. I am running Vista on 2 PC's, and XP on 2 PC's.
.02
Many of the suggested above will charge for removals or have other undesirable side effects. Ad-Aware free version is actually free and very effective with no gimmicks. I was told of it by my companies computer technician, and have been using it for 3 years now effectively without incident.
Apologies in advance for sounding like a cult follower ...
Buy an Apple
If you came on here and said you were having problems with an Oly Arms AR you wouldn't be surprised if folks said get rid of it and upgrade. Well, ditto with the Mac. More reliable, better ergonomics, improved features ...
It won't solve your immediate problem, but there's a reason people have so many different ideas on PC spyware/virus solutions and Mac users just turn on their computers and work ...
Jay Cunningham
09-10-08, 21:55
Paul,
You need to find a program called SmitfraudFix - download it and follow the directions.
It will fix your computer.
Razorhunter
09-10-08, 22:05
Thanks for ALL the replies guys. This is great.
As my original (rather lengthy I know) post said, I've already used MANY of the programs you guys are suggesting.
Ad Aware, Spybot's "Search and Destroy", etc, etc.
I will try a few of the others you guys have mentioned, that I have not yet run.
Thanks for the info guys.
And BTW,
I don't look at porn!! Haha!
While I cannot be sure WHAT it was that got this PC infected, I will say that I was over on the theAKforum.net, and I was browsing an old thread with some pics in it.
When I clicked on one of the pics, it took me to some funky pic hosting site, and all kinds of pop ups started hitting me at once.
I quickly closed them all out, but SOON after, I started having this problem.
As I said, I cannot be SURE this was the culprit, but I am almost certain that funky pic hosting website got my PC infected... Dangit...
Apologies in advance for sounding like a cult follower ...
Buy an Apple
If you came on here and said you were having problems with an Oly Arms AR you wouldn't be surprised if folks said get rid of it and upgrade. Well, ditto with the Mac. More reliable, better ergonomics, improved features ...
It won't solve your immediate problem, but there's a reason people have so many different ideas on PC spyware/virus solutions and Mac users just turn on their computers and work ...
+1
Well said.
"More reliable, better ergonomics, improved features ..."
Unfortunately,.....no software. If you're into graphics great. It isn't exactly the engineering platform of the world though.
For gods sake don't spend money for this. Just download two or three of the better rated spyware programs and run them back to back. None of them will find everything but two should get most. frankly I just run ad-aware and spybot and have never had any problems.
OH, and
... +2 stop looking at porn. ;p
Unfortunately,.....no software. If you're into graphics great. It isn't exactly the engineering platform of the world though.
No software? Dude. I know zippy about engineering software ... and I'm willing to bet that 99% of computer users would say the same thing. But for the stuff most people use their computer for (mail, web, word processor, spreadsheet, etc.) it's all right there ready to go. Also, all currently produced Macs will run XP & Vista so they can run any Windows software.
While I cannot be sure WHAT it was that got this PC infected, I will say that I was over on the theAKforum.net...
Another reason not to own an AK.
:D
buckshot1220
09-10-08, 23:36
Something that worked on one of mine a while ago....
As your computer is loading (ex. the first time your monitor actually shows something, I can't remember for the life of me and I'm not gonna restart to find out lol) rapidly press and/or hold the F8 key. This will take you to screen that will list options, you cannot use your mouse, just your keyboard. Use arrow keys to select something to the effect of "Run Windows in Safe Mode without networking." Once your computer starts, be advised it is like skeleton mode no frills and sometimes no wallpaper, run all of the programs you have. When they're done, restart the computer in normal fashion.
Sorry if you already know how to get to safe mode. Anyways what this does is essentially #1 Close of access to the internet so no new viruses/spyware can get in while scanning and #2 runs only the applications needed so that deeply rooted spyware/viruses can't regenerate like most are written to do.
Hope this works for you as it did for me. This was first reccomended to me by a neighbor who is head of an IT dept.
"More reliable, better ergonomics, improved features ..."
Unfortunately,.....no software. If you're into graphics great. It isn't exactly the engineering platform of the world though.
This is BS. There are tons of SW available including engineering SW. If you have specific needs for a specific package that only runs on Windows, you can either dual boot your Mac with Windows, or better yet run Windows in a virtual machine using VMWare or Parallels. This allows you to clean up viruses etc on the Windows side easier as well btw.
Eat the Apple -- you won't regret it.
While I cannot be sure WHAT it was that got this PC infected, I will say that I was over on the theAKforum.net, and I was browsing an old thread with some pics in it.
When I clicked on one of the pics, it took me to some funky pic hosting site, and all kinds of pop ups started hitting me at once.
I quickly closed them all out, but SOON after, I started having this problem.
As I said, I cannot be SURE this was the culprit, but I am almost certain that funky pic hosting website got my PC infected... Dangit...
I had the same thing happen to me. I clicked on a picture (No not porn) and was sent to a picture hosting sight and started getting a bunch of pop up’s then my McAfee software popped a message that it had blocked a Trojan program. What virus program do you use?
Littlelebowski
09-11-08, 05:51
Paul, I just cleaned up a computer with this infection. Follow the instructions here (http://www.xp-vista.com/spyware-removal/antivirus2008-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions) and contact me in this thread or via PM if you need help and we will get it done.
For what my advice is worth; I've been a Microsoft, Linux, and Solaris engineer for a few years. I've also dealt directly with end users when I was sysadmin and jack of all trades at a dot com. Apples are the way to go, guys. The Apple operating system gets out of the way and allows you to use your computer.
Another program to look at is AVG. You can get a free download of it off the net.
Voodoochild
09-11-08, 07:27
Paul, I just cleaned up a computer with this infection. Follow the instructions here (http://www.xp-vista.com/spyware-removal/antivirus2008-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions) and contact me in this thread or via PM if you need help and we will get it done.
For what my advice is worth; I've been a Microsoft, Linux, and Solaris engineer for a few years. I've also dealt directly with end users when I was sysadmin and jack of all trades at a dot com. Apples are the way to go, guys. The Apple operating system gets out of the way and allows you to use your computer.
Interesting..Might have to speak with you about IT jobs when I get back CONUS. Was beginning to think I was the only IT guy here..
Littlelebowski
09-11-08, 12:46
Interesting..Might have to speak with you about IT jobs when I get back CONUS. Was beginning to think I was the only IT guy here..
Hit me up when you feel like it. The short answers I have to everything are "get a clearance" and "learn VMware."
Razorhunter
09-11-08, 16:28
Paul,
You need to find a program called SmitfraudFix - download it and follow the directions.
It will fix your computer.
Ok guys, since I have already tried ALMOST ALL of the programs that have been listed in this thread, I was GOING to try out this "SmitfraudFix that Thekatar has posted above.
I got to doing a little reading on this program, and most people on the net say that you must put your PC into "SAFE MODE" to make this "SmitfraudFix" work and perform as it should.
I then read somehwere online that in order to put my PC into "SAFE MODE", that it's necessary to restart my PC, and during startup of my computer, I must continually press? or hold? the "F8" button, and this apparently will take me to a setup screen, where I can choose "SAFE MODE" ???
Does this sound correct? I actually tried this, and F8 did not work. However, the "F1" button DID take me to a setup screen, but there was NO provision to switch my PC into safe mode. NO provision at all that I could see.
SO, I have not yet run this "SmitFraudFix" that Thekatar recommends.
I think since Littlelebowski says he has encountered this exact Spyware/Virus, that I will try his link first, and then go from there.
Thanks for all the help guys. I don't think I could fix this problem without you guys and your recommendations...
Crossing my fingers that I'll get things fixed tonight....
Razorhunter
09-11-08, 16:31
Paul, I just cleaned up a computer with this infection. Follow the instructions here (http://www.xp-vista.com/spyware-removal/antivirus2008-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions) and contact me in this thread or via PM if you need help and we will get it done.
For what my advice is worth; I've been a Microsoft, Linux, and Solaris engineer for a few years. I've also dealt directly with end users when I was sysadmin and jack of all trades at a dot com. Apples are the way to go, guys. The Apple operating system gets out of the way and allows you to use your computer.
Ok, well I've tried a number of times now, and each time I click on the link above, all I get is a blank white screen. ????
Nothing at all.
Will continue trying...
buckshot1220
09-11-08, 17:08
Paul- look at my previous post on the first page. If it is Windows, it "should" go to the option screen using F8. Like I mentioned in the last post, some computers require you to rapidly press F8, while others require you to hold F8. I am sure one of those will work. Do this from the moment you start your computer and you will here an audible "beep," that is when you let go of F8 and the option screen should appear. Good luck.
Razorhunter
09-11-08, 18:27
Ok guys,
Well when I continually press "F8" before/during the startup process, it takes me to a screen that says "Press F1 for Setup" or something like that. I MUST press F1 in order to get to any sort of area of computer setup.
When I get to this area of the PC's setup, it is labeled something to the affect of "BIOS SETUP" or something??
It's got all sorts of setup options/etc. It also displays the specs on the computer on one of the tabs.
Again, there is NO PROVISION for putting the computer into "SAFE MODE".
Still trying to get into "SAFE MODE" to run Thekatar's SmitFraudFix.
Also, still trying to get Littlelebowskis link to work. Link still takes me to a blank white screen. !
I have just noticed that this funky virus/Spyware/trojan? has been screwing with the TIME/DATE format on my PC. It has switched the time from regular format to Military time format, and EVERY time I change it or try to adjust it, it just won't keep the adjustment I made. It's forcing me to stay on military time for some odd reason???
I need to get this fixed. Driving me nuts. LOL.
Try downloading Avast or AVG Anti-virus software from download.com, both are free. What make of computer are you using, and what version of Windows? If Windows Help doesn't tell you what key to use for safe mode, check the documentation that came with your computer if you still have it. There should be instructions on starting it in safe mode. I have seen one or two computers that use another key besides F8.
Jay Cunningham
09-11-08, 18:51
Ok guys,
Well when I continually press "F8" before/during the startup process, it takes me to a screen that says "Press F1 for Setup" or something like that. I MUST press F1 in order to get to any sort of area of computer setup.
When I get to this area of the PC's setup, it is labeled something to the affect of "BIOS SETUP" or something??
It's got all sorts of setup options/etc. It also displays the specs on the computer on one of the tabs.
Again, there is NO PROVISION for putting the computer into "SAFE MODE".
Still trying to get into "SAFE MODE" to run Thekatar's SmitFraudFix.
Also, still trying to get Littlelebowskis link to work. Link still takes me to a blank white screen. !
I have just noticed that this funky virus/Spyware/trojan? has been screwing with the TIME/DATE format on my PC. It has switched the time from regular format to Military time format, and EVERY time I change it or try to adjust it, it just won't keep the adjustment I made. It's forcing me to stay on military time for some odd reason???
I need to get this fixed. Driving me nuts. LOL.
Keep trying.
This program will kill your problem. All of the other listed software will probably not even detect it, much less kill it.
You will need to follow the simple instructions and run smitfraudfix from your DOS prompt. It may seem scary but it will work.
1859sharps
09-11-08, 19:14
Interesting..Might have to speak with you about IT jobs when I get back CONUS. Was beginning to think I was the only IT guy here..
nope, not the only one :)
1859sharps
09-11-08, 19:41
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
I have had good luck with ms defender when it comes to removing spyware.
The two best free spyware removers I have personally used are spybot and ms defender. Ad-Aware is good and does get some spyware.
haven't personally used smitfraudfix myself but it looks like from a bit of googleing it should work.
But if your having difficulty getting into safe mod, give MS Defender a try.
to get to safe mod you do press F8, but you don't do it right at start up. you press F8 after the bios/post steps finish and just before windows starts up. A good guide for knowing when this happens is to access the bios you often press F1 or DEL. and you get a quick mesg about that. once that mesg clears the screen start pressing F8. Just press it and hold it down. don't "pump it". you might be missing the "window" for going into safe mod because you are press, release, press, releasing it.
be sure to dump your system restore points prior to trying to clean out viruses/spyware. this would seem to be counter to what system restore is about. however, once you reach the point you need to get special tools, sometimes the viruses/spyware have been recorded into system restore points. you clean out the virus, then it gets put right back from these files.
to dump your system restore right click on my computer on your desktop or from your start menu, choose the system restore tab, click the Turn off System Restore on all drives check box. once clean remember to uncheck this once your system is clean.
cleaning out spyware and viruses is more an art then a science. you have to be willing to play detective and spend sometime googleing and asking questions.
Fireguy275
09-11-08, 20:23
Paul, I feel your pain. I went through this same issue about a month ago.
I had let my Norton expire and this infection installed itself as my antivirus and disabled control-alt-delete, my task manager, my cd drive, and a host of other things.
I was able to get some anti-spyware installed (Spyware Doctor) and find and "delete" the infection but it kept returning. I even had our city IT guy work on my laptop and he could get no where (he was here working on a city computer for the same infection).
My end option and the easiest, was to transfer all my important docs onto a flash drive and move them onto a different computer. Then I reformatted my hard disk and re-installed all my software onto my "new" laptop.
I was not aware of the Smitfraudfix, so if that doesn't work you may want to do what I did. No telling what corruption may remain once you get your computer cleaned out.
Try this too.
http://www.sandboxie.com/
It's a "sandbox" utility that will let you run applications in a "sandbox" - where they are isolated from the system. SOme guys have clamied to have deliberately tried to infect their machine via the web browser while running in the Sand Box and the viruses and malware failed to infect.
Keep in mind that some features that require access to the system may not function properly, or may not persist after the box is shut down.
I just tried this the other day for my kids web browsing since he got infected last week. So far, so good.
It's free and the reviews I have read have been positive. It's also pretty easy to use.
There are also some utilities that will run your web browser with reduced permissions. One of the main flaws with Windows is that everyone is typically an administrator - making it much easier for malware to install itself. These utilities will allow you to run just your web browser with reduced permissions, since may apps will not function correctly without admin rights.
Littlelebowski
09-14-08, 09:12
Paul, you should have PMed me, man.
Try the Googled cached instructions (http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:EJEKL9yaUFgJ:www.xp-vista.com/spyware-removal/antivirus2008-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions+http://www.xp-vista.com/spyware-removal/antivirus2008-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us).
Voodoochild
09-14-08, 11:56
Go to comodo.com and D/L the BoClean and install it and update it. AVG is good as 9X19 pointed out. Avast I am weary of so I wont give it the thumbs up. Try AdAware it is a decent program and is free.
Razorhunter
09-14-08, 12:40
Paul, you should have PMed me, man.
Try the Googled cached instructions (http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:EJEKL9yaUFgJ:www.xp-vista.com/spyware-removal/antivirus2008-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions+http://www.xp-vista.com/spyware-removal/antivirus2008-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us).
Well I finally got my PC into safe mode, and ran the SmitFraudFix program three seperate times, and nothing has changed.
I would like to get get Littlelebowskis link to work.
Littlelebowski, can you fix the links you have posted? The second link that you most recently posted (Google Cached Instructions) also does not work. Your links are not working.
I have tried just about everything that has been posted in this thread, MULTIPLE times.
Would like to get that link fixed, so I can see if your solution works...
Thanks.
Littlelebowski
09-14-08, 12:46
Nothing's wrong with the link. Either Internet Explorer doesn't understand it (try Firefox) or your adware (the ANtivirus 2008 is blocking it)
Manual Antivirus 2008 Removal Instructions:
Unregister Antivirus 2008 DLL Files:
1.From Start –> Run, type “cmd” then click on Open.
2.Type “regsvr32 /u filename.dll” where “filename” is the name of the file that you like to unregister.
Unregister the below:
shlwapi.dll
wininet.dll
Stop Antivirus 2008 Processes:
Righ click on your bottom task bar, click Task Manager, click on the below processes and click End Process
Antivirus 2008.lnk
Uninstall Antivirus.lnk
Antvrs.exe
AntiVirus2008.exe
Find and Delete these Antivirus 2008:
1.From Start –> Search, then click on “For Files and Folders…“
2.From “What do you want to search for?” list on the left, click on “All files and folders”
3.Type the filenames on the search box, and choose the “Local Hard Drives” (normally, it’s C: drive)
4.Click on “Search“.
AntiVirus2008.exe
shlwapi.dll
wininet.dll
Antivirus 2008.lnk
Uninstall Antivirus 2008.lnk
Remove Antivirus 2008 Registry Values:
1.In Windows XP, from Start, and then click on Run.
2.Type “regedit“, then click on OK.
3.Now it opens the Registry Editor.
You can easily navigate through the subkey if you know what you are looking for. Or, you can press “Ctrl + F” to locate the subkey that contains the value you want to edit. (F3 to Find Next)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Antivirus
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Antivirus
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\”Antivirus” = “%ProgramFiles%\Antivirus 2008\Antvrs.exe”
Paul, I'm no computer engineer or techie, but I'd listen to Littlelebowski.
Just last week I got that Antivirus 2008 fake virus notification. I Googled the virus, found, installed and ran Malwarebytes' Anit-Malware software and it cleaned up the system nicely. Maybe it's not the most popular one (third only after Ad-Aware and Spybot IIRC), but it worked.
I was able to find and remove the virus .exe files from the Program folder myself but that may have had no bearing on removing the virus. I'd like to think it did some good but what Lebowski's telling you will do what needs to be done.
I also use the CCleaner, Trend Micro and Webroot but the Malwarebytes' Anit-Malware software did the trick.
Good luck 'cause it's no fun. I should've listened to my wife and got a Mac. :rolleyes:
-B
monkeywrench
09-14-08, 20:00
Why not just install and use Linux?
Littlelebowski
09-19-08, 09:23
So what happened here, Paul?
K.L. Davis
09-19-08, 09:31
Apologies in advance for sounding like a cult follower ...
Buy an Apple
Get Linux (http://www.distrowatch.org) :eek:
Or try Hijack This (http://www.download.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html)
Razorhunter
09-19-08, 09:35
Littlelebowski,
So glad you asked. I was reluctant to PM you, because I didn't want to burden you further with this problem. I know how much of a PIA it has been for me, and I wouldnt' want to drag anyone else down into this hell!
Anyhow, I was finally able to view your links above, and to put it simply, I have NO earthly idea on how to perform all those steps. I'm an old schooler, and the only things I know how to do on a PC are:
1. Surf the Net
-and-
2. Run some simple spyware
I've got no idea on how to perform those steps.
I do have a feeling that YOUR solution is the ONLY solution to fix my PC, but I certainly am not the one to do it. I don't really know what to do.
I was going to send you a PM asking you if it is a BAD idea for me to pay my bills, and make purchases online while this Spyware is infecting my PC???
Since I have been infected, I have been scared to make ANY purchases online, OR to pay any bills.
This sucks too because I basically depended on paying my bills online.
Is there ANY RISK AT ALL, IF I were to view my bank account/pay bills online/make purchases online???
Can this Spyware steal any of my info IF I were to make purchases online, or pay bills???
OR, is that not even a possibility????
As you see, I'm a PC novice....
Bolt_Overide
09-20-08, 02:16
I work in IT, I see a lot of this crap. With whats available to you, without cost, I recommend the following.
Adaware personal
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2008/3000-8022_4-10045910.html
Spybot search and destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
AVG anti spyware (got bought by avg, new version isnt free, old version still damn good)
http://www.toggle.com/lv/group/view/kl35062/Ewido_Anti-Spyware.htm
AVG 8 Free ( I do recommend paying for a good antivirus service, but if you wanna get by on the cheap, this is pretty damn good for free)
http://free.avg.com/ww.download?prd=afe
This is the "basic" sweep I usually run, if this doesnt get it all or atleast enough to make ya happy, we will have to get more creative, PM me, and ill give you a more expeditious way to contact me.
Download all of these, install them, update them, then restart your pc in safe mode. If you arent sure how to get in safe mode, all you need to do is tap the f8 key as its booting, this will bring up a menu, select safe mode with networking from the list. You need networking active because some of this crud doesnt rear its head if it doesnt detect an active network.
Run all of these in safe mode, have them do a full or thorough scan, whatever is the case. Anything it finds, tell it to kill it. After all 4 are done, reboot, do it all over in normal mode.
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