Attention Everyone! Read This Now!

[rocklobster]

On Saturday, my computer got infected by a spyware program called Antivirus 2009. It disguises itself as an antivirus program similar to Norton or McAffee. Do not be fooled. It is actually malware. It infected my computer and what's worse, we have been unable to rid ourselves of it. I am posting this so others on this site will not, hopefully, fall into the same trap. The link I have provided will give you removal instructions if you've already been infected. We would do it ourselves, but my mom is unsure of the legitimacy of the removal software. Is this information legit? Please say yes!:comp:

[Tsukuyomi]

Thanks for letting us know, Rock ^ ^

I really hate those sites >_> They make it impossible to exit out of too >_> I mean, you would think you can close the pop-up window, but nyuuuuuuuuuuu.. not without getting auto scanned >_>;

I would say "said" program is safe ^ ^ Some programs are distributed freely on the net. Like, Spy Bot.. Or, AVG (the free one) ^_^ Then again.. that's just what I think <__>

[mechana2015]

This is why I tend to stick to well known and reviewed programs for this sort of thing. If its well known, I suggest possibly attempting to use a well known free software such as AVG, Adaware or Spybot Search and Destroy first, and if these don't catch it then consider other options.

[termyt]

Tjose program will not be able to remove Antivirus 2009. Been there, done that. It lodges itself in the OS so those programs can not get at it.

I can not open the link you provided, but I'm guessing they include booting into safe mode and running a program designed to scrub the registry? That's your only hope past formating the hard drive and starting over.

[Saj]

give this a try to get rid of it


http://www.freewaregeeks.com/SmitFraudFix.html

[mechana2015]

My landlords computer somehow contracted this now. My current suspect is Limewire.

[ST. Attidude]

I'll definitely keep that in mind, rock-man.

What's bad about that is that it even sounds official. *tsk tsk*

It makes sense why my Dad only trusts the security programs on CD-ROM.

[mechana2015]

Apparently one of the easiest ways to catch this bug is by downloading video codecs from unapproved sources, or clicking the pop-up 'you have a virus' ads that show up in some browsers (*cough IE cough*).

Best protection is to not download from anything that isn't fully reputable (shared sites such as Limewire are highly dangerous), use a strong antivirus and possibly an antivirus equipped browser (such as firefox+AVG) and block popups with all your might.

Getting RID of the bug takes digging in the registry among other measures, so an ounce of prevention is worth it to avoid the metric TON of cure needed to get a computer right side up again.

[termyt]

And if you get one of those pop-ups - use a Windows method of closing it (such as the standard little X to the left of the title bar or through Task Manager). Do not click anything inside the window even if it says no or close or whatever. The application controls what those buttons do and they may still download junk.

[rocklobster]

Good news everyone! As of today, our Dell computer is now completely virus-free! Thanks to my second cousin Larry for fixing it!