computer help

[Back Beach]

Just found new software installed on my computer called Malware alarm. A bunch of windows popped up on my screen as this software seems to have installed itself. Its identifying viruses and recommending certain actions. Is this software a hoax or legit and how should you repsond to the prompts?

[fishaholic18]

I found this:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Malware_Alarm

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Just found new software installed on my computer called Malware alarm. A bunch of windows popped up on my screen as this software seems to have installed itself. Its identifying viruses and recommending certain actions. Is this software a hoax or legit and how should you repsond to the prompts?

Bad Mike. What the hell did you download or what site did you access that you don't normally?

You may have not even downloaded anything as malware can install from a site without you even being aware. You can also infect other people as it will "attach" itself to your emails, in some cases..

[Adam_777]

That stuff is n/g man.You need a good spyware program along with your normal antivirus on top of a firewall or two to block it out and never have to worry about it.Don't ever download anything you didn't downoad on purpose,don't click on banner ads unless you know them,Don't open email atatchments and/or strange emails from strangers,don't install activex stuff and be careful with java as it opens the door in alot of cases.Computers aren't safe places to play anymore.You need to be armed with the stuff to protect you.

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Just found new software installed on my computer called Malware alarm. A bunch of windows popped up on my screen as this software seems to have installed itself. Its identifying viruses and recommending certain actions. Is this software a hoax or legit and how should you repsond to the prompts?

I would go into control panel/add remove programs/uninstall it .Then install some anti spyware .Look around for a trusted one with a good reputation like spysweeper which has been working for me for years.The one I use is spysweeper with antivirus .It comes with a firewall also.Costs some money and if your not looking to buy anything there are some good free programs that will work.

[HighTide]

or, go out and get yourself a good Internet Security package. I've been using PC-Cillin for the last 3 yrs and haven't had any problems.

[Back Beach]

JohnR straightened me out. I got the problem this am when I opened an email from a known source.

[Raven]

is to do your own search via start -search- for files and folders
named...

and thats where ya scroll down and specify the date they a were created

say: todays date and hit enter

then every stinking thing you look just over that pops up
and delete it

unless of course you have something in that stack of stuff
you want to save...

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Raven

is to do your own search via start -search- for files and folders
named...

and thats where ya scroll down and specify the date they a were created

say: todays date and hit enter

then every stinking thing you look just over that pops up
and delete it

unless of course you have something in that stack of stuff
you want to save...

I installed new virus software, and it identified the email w/attachment that's doing the damage. Came from a place you would least expect it.
Things are a little better now, but still woozy. Its Kind of like being kicked in the nuts. Thanks for the help.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Adam_777

....don't click on banner ads unless you know them....

Unless of course it is to support this site

Seriously, an ounce of prevention, blah blah

Frequently update your computer for security patches. If Windows, use Microsoft Update and patch your operating system AND your office sweet.

Run ONE good A/V system and ONE good Anti-Spyware system, and back these up with Microhole's Windows Defender AND a hardware firewall (cable modem router) and a SOFTWARE firewall on individual machines...

For those snickering with MACs, your day is coming. It won't be as bad as Microhole software, but it is coming...

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by JohnR

Unless of course it is to support this site

Seriously, an ounce of prevention, blah blah

Frequently update your computer for security patches. If Windows, use Microsoft Update and patch your operating system AND your office sweet.

Run ONE good A/V system and ONE good Anti-Spyware system, and back these up with Microhole's Windows Defender AND a hardware firewall (cable modem router) and a SOFTWARE firewall on individual machines...

For those snickering with MACs, your day is coming. It won't be as bad as Microhole software, but it is coming...

Thanks again John. I installed some new anti HIV software and the computer bounced back immdiately. Just like new.

[Bill L]

I have an older Dell desktop that is more screwed up than a can of worms. I dont even have to run IE, six or seven windows with adds will automatically open up, a lot of them with fake anti-spyware crap. Ad-aware and SPybot SD cant get rid othem, and SPybot now crashes on the fix. I get Commnd service, outerinfo, Deewoo, etc. showing up. Had to download Firefox just to use the internet. Guess I'll have to nuke it and start over. The people that do this should be hung by their balls and skinned alive

[JohnR]

If you know how to nuke it - go ahead, let 'em fly...

I would suggest loading Cureit & AVG from MajorGeeks.com (that way you get recent definitions) and running those in Safe Mode (hit F8 before Windows XP screen comes up - yeh, it's a timing thing)

Also run Adaware in Safe Mode. You might need to run all of these several times. Then the FIRST THING is to go and PATCH the system at Microsoft update.

Make sure the kids are not running Linewire/Frostwire/Donkey or any of the "free" file/music sharing. This is the major problem...