Computer issues, Viruses, trojans, crashes, install problems etc Options

[mirocu]

Due to my recent experience where I got a trojan that effectively blocked me from using my computer and threatening me with heavy fines or jailtime (unless I paid a smaller fine, of course ), I thought I'd start a thread where we could discuss the various computer problems we've had. Perhaps we could give each other some hints and tips on how to solve them

I solved my problem thanks to the wonderful feature built into Windows where you reset your computer to an earlier save point. To get to that program even though my computer was locked I had to fire up my computer in failsafe mode (pressing F8 during startup), choose Failsafe Mode with Command prompt, exit from that and do the Ctrl-Alt-Delete thing to bring up the activity menu from where I could search for the C:/ directory and from there find the program where you make a save point/reset to a save point.

(Apologies if my explanation is a bit clunky )

This post has been edited by mirocu: Nov 25 2017, 10:15 PM

[ThatSkyrimGuy]

I cannot stress the obvious enough. A good, reliable anti-virus program is a must to prevent these virus and trojan attacks. There are several good ones out there that are 100% free. I am currently using Avast Anti-Virus. They have two versions...one is free and one costs $$$. I am using the free one and have had no issues with trojans.

Also, be wary of what websites you visit.

[mirocu]

I use Windows Defender and two free programs to scan for nasty stuff with. They´re called Advanced SystemCare and I believe 10BIT Malware Protection. After this attack I also upped my defense in internet options.

Being careful what sites you visit is important as you said, TSG. But sometimes it just isn´t enough This attack was Java based, so that can be something to think about.

[King Coin]

Heh, Java's getting its butt kicked recently. We just had a bulletin at work about a critical update at work.

[Kiln]

I got the same virus the other day. It says that the FBI has locked your computer because you illegally downloaded a file of some sort but says that you can pay a small fine to unlock it. Close examination of the page reveals that the message itself is laden with spelling errors and even the FBI logo has a spelling error.

It locks up your PC completely and won't let you close the window. I had to restart my PC manually and open up another profile, then use system restore to revert my infected profile to an earlier version. This is why it is good to back up your files on a regular basis.

[SubRosa]

One of the big things to look out for to prevent getting viruses and spyware is to avoid any site that claims to let you view any movie for free. Or download such movies. I do not mean using torrents, but downloading directly from a site. Usually this is in the form of a .exe file. Sites like this are worse than Porn sites when it comes to malware.

[ImperialSnob]

USE AVG!

[treydog]

I am most definitely a "belt and suspenders and also a bit of twine for just in case those fail" sort when it comes to computer security.

I am now using Avast- only because AVG developed an annoying "cannot download new definitions" problem a few months ago

Also run a scan with Malwarebytes every couple of weeks

And keep CCleaner around for general emptying of temp Internet files, leftover installer pieces, and etc.

On a different note- having suffered through trying to defrag an XP machine with the "native" defrag utility- I can highly recommend AUSLogics Defrag

All of the above are freeware versions and have given good service

[McBadgere]

Having fallen prey to a virus that even the techie Brother-In-Law and his other techie chums had no clue about despite having the anti-virus, I can honestly say that regularly backing up your files is an absolute must...

This last time, I was gutted to have lost so much...Fortunately, the bro-in-law's chum managed to get a lot of them back for me eventually, but had I backed-up in the first place...

Always have a back-up plan people!...

[mirocu]

I got the same virus the other day. ...

It locks up your PC completely and won't let you close the window. I had to restart my PC manually and open up another profile, then use system restore to revert my infected profile to an earlier version. This is why it is good to back up your files on a regular basis.

So you´re saying I could just create Another profile on my computer and use that should this happen again? It doesn´t lock both profiles?

Always have a back-up plan people!...

First sensible words from McB since I joined up!

[Kiln]

I got the same virus the other day. ...

It locks up your PC completely and won't let you close the window. I had to restart my PC manually and open up another profile, then use system restore to revert my infected profile to an earlier version. This is why it is good to back up your files on a regular basis.

So you´re saying I could just create Another profile on my computer and use that should this happen again? It doesn´t lock both profiles?

Always have a back-up plan people!...

First sensible words from McB since I joined up!

That's what I did and it solved the problem. It only locked the profile I was on so I went into our administrative profile and used it to fix the other profile. There are also directions on how to find and manually delete the files but I figured it'd be easier just to restore it to a previous backup.

[Acadian]

I sprinkle protective fairy dust on Puter once a week to keep her blue lights calm and her fans happily whirling. Puter also has a pretty strong natural resistance to disease as a racial bonus. If she does get sick however, I take her to the chapel to see the healers. They have spells to clone or even resurrect her if necessary.

[mirocu]

@Acadian -

[Kiln]

I sprinkle protective fairy dust on Puter once a week to keep her blue lights calm and her fans happily whirling. Puter also has a pretty strong natural resistance to disease as a racial bonus. If she does get sick however, I take her to the chapel to see the healers. They have spells to clone or even resurrect her if necessary.

Yes but you must pay in actual gold to get those services.

[ImperialSnob]

Here's a tip.

Don't click anything you shouldn't click.

There,no viruses.

[mirocu]

Here's a tip.

Don't click anything you shouldn't click.

There,no viruses.

Apparently it´s not that easy. They find new ways to get to you all the time

[ImperialSnob]

Here's a tip.

Don't click anything you shouldn't click.

There,no viruses.

Apparently it´s not that easy. They find new ways to get to you all the time

Skyrim nexus

[Kiln]

Here's a tip.

Don't click anything you shouldn't click.

There,no viruses.

If only it were that easy.

Here's a tip to never be hit by a car.

Never go where cars exist.

There, no vehicle related injuries.

[ImperialSnob]

Here's a tip.

Don't click anything you shouldn't click.

There,no viruses.

If only it were that easy.

Here's a tip to never be hit by a car.

Never go where cars exist.

There, no vehicle related injuries.

It is that easy though!

[mALX]

*

@ Mirocu - this thread is an excellent idea! Thank you for the tips, I have written them down outside of my PC just in case.

@ Kiln - that is a great tip too. I have my secondary profile turned off, but after reading your comment I am thinking about setting it back up just in case - thank you for the tips!

@ Acadian - SPEW! ROFL!