freakin' computer hacker creeps

[stoneman 10]

I went to get on the computer yesterday afternoon, and a window was up that said Microsoft Security has found a bunch of (*%@#^) on your computer, and prompting me to continue scan, or remove the items. I think I clicked remove and the next screen was telling me that I should select a security update for I think 69.00, 49.00, or 29.00. I tried to open microsoft security, and the screen cleared and then went right backt to the purchase security screen. Tried opening spy bot, and the same thing. Got to my desk top, and could not open anything. Not internet, not my plotter program, NOTHING! It went straight back to the purchase security software screen. Now I've been running Microsoft Essentials with the firewall and automatic updates for months with no problems. I tried to open up in safe mode, and it wouldn't let me. Tried it with networking. NO. Tried to open normally. NO. I guess I should have stopped there so I could have someone ghost my hard drive. But I didn't. A friend of mine told me to put in the XP disc and start over . . . that it would wipe my hard drive and I would have to re-install everything. Without thinking, at least long enough, I did just that. After it started, that's when I realized that the one time something like this had happened before, I took it into a repair shop, they retrieved my hard drive files, then re-did everything. Too late. All my stuff is gone . . . most likely. All kinds of files for my plotter. Designs for my stone work that I have countless hours in . . . let alone job photos and everything else. This is horse crap. These people need to be found and dealt with. WITH EXTREME MEASURES! This is no different than someone breaking down your door and forcing their way into your home. (Other than you can't shoot them.)

I'm using my old Melenium computer for now, and I guess I'll spend hours tomorrow trying to get things straightened out. I don't have a clue. I hope you guys have some suggestions for security software that's worth the money. I'll do whatever it takes for this not to happen again . . . especially learn how to back up my system regularly. :)

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

Sorry to hear that; that sux. While it's still fresh in your memory you may want to pick up an external hard drive for backups. Many come with a backup program that you can schedule to run daily in the middle of the night. Also, you may want to look into the virus protection from www.kaspersky.com as they are one of the better programs out there and for $40 a year it's probably worth it. Good Luck.

Here's a backup external hard drive example.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product....0345&navAction=

P.S.

Most anti virus programs will have you create an "emergency start up disk" when installing for just such a scenario that you encountered. It's very important not to skip this step because it can usually get you out of a lot of trouble because some of the nastier viruses like to shut down the virus protection software and not allow you to install or run any virus protection and the emergency boot disk helps with that.

[fireman 1,022]

I second what Anonymous says about the external hard drive. I have my pictures and documents stored on a back-up drive just in case of such a problem. I also back up my favorites too. This way if I wipe out my main drive it's no big deal.

[rickv1957 74]

Had to take my computer in a few years ago to get cleaned up,125.00,has worked geat sinse,darn them hackers! Rick

[chazm 413]

Stoneman, I just got hit last month with the same thing

Had to take my tower to friends to clean it up,

Luckly I learned a few years ago when my hard drive crashed to get a back up system, but it still sucks !!!!

Chaz :wh:

[rmaynard 16,292]

I use AVG Free virus protection. $0 cost per year. Been using it for 3 years now. I also use Ad-Aware & SpyBot Search & Destroy anti-spyware removal software (also free). I backup my computer every day with Carbonite.com ($55.00 per year). I use Mozilla Firefox as my browser.

It's a little late now, but never respond to any window on your screen that says a problem has been found. That window itself is usually the problem.

Take your computer to a company that specializes in virus and malware removal. Most of these problems are only high-tech ads for virus removing software. For everyone of them there is usually an antidote.

Get virus protection, get malware protection, get a good off-site backup system, and STOP using Internet Explorer. Use Firefox. You will have a much more secure system.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Good luck.

Bob

[stoneman 10]

Okay . . . thanks for the tips so far guys. I have been using firefox for about 6 months. And believe me, I'll be getting a back up system and the rest. After what I did, should I have any expectation of recovering any of my files? Anyone? I know I'll find out tomorrow, but it's be nice to know sooner. I'm calming down, but whoever did this better hope I never get my hands on them! peace . . . scott :)

[formariz 12,041]

Exactly the same thing happened to me about a month ago.I never followed that warnings advice because I was suspicious of it and kind of knew that it was the real problem.Regardless of what I tried everything was locked up.Then in a final attempt mainly out of frustration I just shut the power off to the unit.When I restarted it it gave me a window of opportunity to scan the computer with my anti virus program which originally did not have any warnings.Sure enough it picked up the original warnings as an "serious malicious intrusion" and moved it to the virus chest.

The scary part of this is that this virus went right past through all of my many my protection devices which are always updated and it looks like a legitimate Microsoft warning.This all happen while the computer was in idle mode with no one using it.Lucky for me I was always suspicious of it and never followed its recommendations.

Last but not least it happened through Firefox.I do not use Internet Explorer.

[Brrly1 1,146]

You guessed it, same here but then they said my hard drive wouldn't test out. So it got kind of costly. Hard lesson learned for sure. I guess I shouldn't complain a whole lot the computer is ten years old. It would cost me sooner or later, but it runs like a top now. See Ya, Bye

Burly

:USA:

[DoctorHfuhruhurr 137]

Below is a link to a summary of the top anti-virus programs which were reviewed by av-comparatives.org for some light reading. Any one of the 3 star rated should meet your needs. I've cleaned up and restored many hard drives from people running freeware.

http://www.antivirusware.com/securalysis/2...omparativesorg/

Did you format your drive when you reinstalled? There are utilities that will scan and recover data even from a formatted hard drive but it's a long shot because re-installing the operating system may have over written the area(s) on disk where the files formerly resided.

[stevasaurus 23,276]

Stoneman, that really sucks...may an infested camel spit on them and their children. When I took some computer classes some years ago, I had an instructor that said, "There are 2 kinds of people that use computers...those that back up their files, and those that will." You will always have somebody that can figure out how to get past all the defenses, but backing up to a separate hard drive is the way to go. I use a back up called "Click Free". Was fairly priced and easy to use...even for me. :)

[jwilbt 0]

Ditto what rmaynard said WRT off-site b/u. I finally went to online back-up last year. There are many out there but I finally settled on Livedrive and I've had to use it. I didn't have anything get through my anti-virus s/w but I did have an unrecoverable hard drive crash. Got back up with the new drive, one-button click and I'm back in business. I've actually had an external drive go more than once. It's just a matter of who/what you want to trust and I finally felt like it was eventually gonna be online anyway. One thing I really like about Livedrive is I opted to have full access to any of my files I put in my briefcase, from any computer and my iphone, with no limit on storage. Downside is it's pricey; around $150/year but they have options in the same neighborhood as Carbonite and Mozy for less. Probably Carbonite and Mozy have these same extra options now as well; it's a rapidly developing business. Good luck!!!

[btrrg1969 11]

I hate hackers and scammers :)

[stoneman 10]

Ditto what rmaynard said WRT off-site b/u. I finally went to online back-up last year. There are many out there but I finally settled on Livedrive and I've had to use it. I didn't have anything get through my anti-virus s/w but I did have an unrecoverable hard drive crash. Got back up with the new drive, one-button click and I'm back in business. I've actually had an external drive go more than once. It's just a matter of who/what you want to trust and I finally felt like it was eventually gonna be online anyway. One thing I really like about Livedrive is I opted to have full access to any of my files I put in my briefcase, from any computer and my iphone, with no limit on storage. Downside is it's pricey; around $150/year but they have options in the same neighborhood as Carbonite and Mozy for less. Probably Carbonite and Mozy have these same extra options now as well; it's a rapidly developing business. Good luck!!!

What is WRT off-site b/u? and . . .

What of the free downloads for anti viris as opposed to the 20-30-40- dollar ones?

and oh . . . I almost forgot. The only reason I'm taking this so well is because the BROWNS are now the baddest team in all the world! THAT"S RIGHT. peace . . .scott

[perry 82]

i had the same thing happen to me about 2wks ago. i had a mico-virus pro scan pop up and start scanning my pc and said everything was infected. the trojan/virus takes over the pc and also stops all your virus scan software from opening. wont even let you hit the Ctrl-Alt-Del keys.

what i did was immediatly hit the stop scan on the virus popup window .

then i had to fake the virus out to stop it. i went and found the task manager folder and made a short cut to my desktop. i had to rename the folder to open it and was able to open task manager and stop the virus-pro scan.

then i used malware-bytes and spybot scan. both scans picked up all the trojan/virus files and deleted them. i also use crap cleaner to do a quick cleanup and to see what programs are starting and running at the time. its been 2wks and my PC seems to be working good.

so glad i didn't have to format my C: drive. i do have a extra hard drive in my PC that i store all my pics, and tractor manuals on. the rest of the crap is no biggie if i loose it, just takes time reloading everything .

all of the scanning software is free to download. here is the list i use daily/weekly.

AVG - virus scan

malware-bytes - malicious software removal{trojans}

spybot search and destroy - spyware and adware removal program

crap cleaner - temporary internet files, cookies, registry cleaner ..ect

[Save Old Iron 1,571]

After what I did, should I have any expectation of recovering any of my files?

[jwilbt 0]

Sorry Stoneman! WRT = with regard to, B/U = backup.

IMHO, with FREE anti-virus software you get what you pay for. I'm not going to offer an opinion on paid solutions; mileage varies and debates are many. I currently use Kaspersky but I've probably used most of the top picks from the link Anonymous posted.

[SAM58 30]

Ditto what rmaynard said WRT off-site b/u. I finally went to online back-up last year. There are many out there but I finally settled on Livedrive and I've had to use it. I didn't have anything get through my anti-virus s/w but I did have an unrecoverable hard drive crash. Got back up with the new drive, one-button click and I'm back in business. I've actually had an external drive go more than once. It's just a matter of who/what you want to trust and I finally felt like it was eventually gonna be online anyway. One thing I really like about Livedrive is I opted to have full access to any of my files I put in my briefcase, from any computer and my iphone, with no limit on storage. Downside is it's pricey; around $150/year but they have options in the same neighborhood as Carbonite and Mozy for less. Probably Carbonite and Mozy have these same extra options now as well; it's a rapidly developing business. Good luck!!!

What is WRT off-site b/u? and . . .

What of the free downloads for anti viris as opposed to the 20-30-40- dollar ones?

and oh . . . I almost forgot. The only reason I'm taking this so well is because the BROWNS are now the baddest team in all the world! THAT"S RIGHT. peace . . .scott

[

What is WRT off-site b/u?

What of the free downloads for anti viris as opposed to the 20-30-40- dollar ones?

Bob is right about AVG Free, GOOD ONE. An anti virus program is only as good as the current definitions. If you keep then updated, then you are about 99% sure of being safe.

I have used AVG Free For over 5 years with no problems, but no matter what virus prog you use it has to stay updated. I have fix hundreds of computers with the only problem being lack of maintenance, expired virus prog, or a 30 day trial version that hasn't worked in 6 months.

Like never changing the oil in your Wheelhorse. sooner or later...

Never download anything from free offers (except Red Square) if it sound too good to be true, it is. Stay off the porn sites, you are guarenteed a virus there...

If you know how to go to task manager, and know what to look for you can disable most viruses and then scan you computer with your anti virus prog.

I have seen some that even stop task manager.

The virus you had is called a Hijacker type, that takes over your system and disables any other programs from running. That is why it keeps going back to the same screen. It also stays resident in memory until the system is rebooted, if you try to boot normally the virus reloads and you are back to square one with the same problem. You have to stop it before it loads into memory. They can be stopped by resetting your system and press F5 at the bios screen. Some systems it is F8, then pick the step by step loading procedure. and only load the nessesary drivers.(or SAFE MODE if it gives you the option.)

Off site storage works, High speed Internet Required.

I have a problem uploading all my data, pictures, and personal info to a site who knows where, to someone I don't know. They say it is encripted, but if they can encript, they can also decript...

The external drive is the way to go that was recommended by some above.

I have always recommended a two drive or more system. Operating system on the C drive, and store everything else on a D drive. So if Windows crashes, or a virus gets on the C drive, I can recover everything else. I have 5 terabyte drives in my system, quad core CPU overclocked @3.8 GHz, dual video cards, 40 in monitor ect...

A virus is just a program, it is not active until it is ran. when you get one it is already running and doing it's thing. you have to stop it before you can remove it.

Most people have more than one computer in there house so if one get infected,

take the C drive out and get a cable that will allow you to plug into a USB port to read it as an external drive, Most drives today have SATA connections on them.

IF yours is older, it will be IDE. The virus is not active if you don't boot from that drive. Then you can first run a virus scan on the drive, clean it up and copy the files you need to save to a Temp folder.

Once you get your files, put the drive back in and reinstall or restore back to factory settings. Surely you keeped the disks that came with you computer, the ones everyone says they will never need. Ha!

Or if this doesn't interest you, take it to your local Computer repair guy and pay out the nose for not backing up your stuff.

Most places do not want to take the time to recover your data, just restore.

Everyone that owns a computer should know how it is done.

Sorry for your problems, if I were closer, It can be fixed.

[stoneman 10]

Can anyone suggest a free security download for Windows Me.? I haven't used this computer since 2007. I ran "updates", and I'm not surprised that there were none. But I really don't want to take any more chances while I'm waiting for the other one to be fixed. Thanks . . . peace . . . scott :)

[Brrly1 1,146]

Stoneman, I just started using Microsoft Security Essentails, that is what the shop downloaded for me. At that point I got rid of the avg that was on the other computer and downloaded it on that one. I am using it now with out any problems(knock on wood) Good Luck. See Ya, Bye

Burly

:USA:

[smokin joe 31]

Same exact thing happened to me last thursday morning...I got fed up with the computer stores price to fix it and went out bought a new lap top and new antivirus.

Now i just need to figure out how to use it!!!

[Redbird 1]

I have MacAfee as my main and AVG as the back up. So far, I haven't had any problems. BUT_______ I do peridocally back up the whole system on a flash drive---just in case, and put my files on disks. In 10 yrs, I've only had a virus twice. And, that's because my subscription ran out and I didn't have the $$$$$ right away to renew it, and AVG alone didn't catch everything. AVG has changed since then, and I haven't had any problems if I don't renew MacAFee right away

Birdie :)

[truckin88 104]

Currently the best and most widely accepted anti spyware program in the IT industry is MalwareBytes, it is awesome. Ad-aware has not stayed on top like it once was same for spysweeper and spybot. AVG Free is a very good solution, the only thing is after a certain point updates no long take and you need to reinstall to the latest version, but for free AV it is great. If the data really needs to be recovered, it is still there until it has been overwritten with new data (not formatted). You can use a free recovery program like Recuva or a very good pay for program like Ontrack. The main thing is to save recovered files to another drive, USB or another HDD, so they do not overwrite the files you are trying to recover.

Good luck

[Docwheelhorse 2,740]

Hi--feel free to give me a call if you don't understand what I am about to tell you to do... I am a Computer Tech Analyst by day and deal with this all the time. There is a very good chance you can "save" yourself and your system by starting it up and doing a system restore to a date around a week ago. If you are running windows XP it routinely "saves" markers on the hard drive that you can restore the system too---it was originally designed to repair systems that had bad system drivers installed that mucked up the works---but it works great when combating these hacker issues too. You can get to it by following this route---> start--->programs--->accesories--->system tools--->system restore--->restore my computer to an earlier time--->then select a highlighted date from the prvious week and pull the trigger. Good Luck!! Tony (I sent you an email with my phone number)

[truckin88 104]

Hi--feel free to give me a call if you don't understand what I am about to tell you to do... I am a Computer Tech Analyst by day and deal with this all the time. There is a very good chance you can "save" yourself and your system by starting it up and doing a system restore to a date around a week ago. If you are running windows XP it routinely "saves" markers on the hard drive that you can restore the system too---it was originally designed to repair systems that had bad system drivers installed that mucked up the works---but it works great when combating these hacker issues too. You can get to it by following this route---> start--->programs--->accesories--->system tools--->system restore--->restore my computer to an earlier time--->then select a highlighted date from the prvious week and pull the trigger. Good Luck!! Tony (I sent you an email with my phone number)

This is true, but first, he has to hope sys restore is active, second you need to go back far enough to before the infection occured. Also after you do it, you need to dump all sys restore files, as their will be more current ones that hold whatever exploit infected your system resident.