Viruses

[MM2004]

I hate 'em.

Malware, Spyware, Adware, Badware, Rootkits, Trojans, etc...

I hate 'em all.

But,...

They keep me employed.

And,...

A little extra moolah on the side.

:cool:

Working on one now that is pissin' me off.

Beer 2.

:D

Carry on,...

Mike.

[B.C. Bake]

I hate 'em.

Malware, Spyware, Adware, Badware, Rootkits, Trojans, etc...

I hate 'em all.

But,...

They keep me employed.

And,...

A little extra moolah on the side.

:cool:

Working on one now that is pissin' me off.

Beer 2.

:D

Carry on,...

Mike.


Same here, hate em all, I fix mine, family, and friends for free no time for the public....'Good job though'.:banana:

[MrBluGruv]

What's the symptoms? Something you've come across before or something new to the scene?

As a fellow PC tech (and virus removal guy), I'd be quite interested to know. ;)

[DOOM]

Thought this thread was about DOM! :lol:

[tbone]

I hate 'em.

Malware, Spyware, Adware, Badware, Rootkits, Trojans, etc...

I hate 'em all.

But,...

They keep me employed.

And,...

A little extra moolah on the side.

:cool:

Working on one now that is pissin' me off.

Beer 2.

:D

Carry on,...

Mike.

I have Trend Micro anti-virus. They went to a Platinum series and want $62 to renew. Kind of expensive. What do you think is the best ant-virus software?

[MM2004]

What's the symptoms? Something you've come across before or something new to the scene?

As a fellow PC tech (and virus removal guy), I'd be quite interested to know. ;)

Rootkit that 'wacked' MS updates and AV updates as well.

All my little tricks did not work, and considering the PC is 4 years old and 864 threats found in Malwarbytes alone...

F\Disk comes to mind.

I do not wipe the drives very often, but when there are that many threats found, cleaning would take longer and even if you got them all, the registry would look like swiss cheese.

Best way to remove threats is to extract the drive, attach it to another machine and send AV after it.

OS\System files are unlocked doing this, and much easier to clean.

Again, too many threats here and the data can be saved.

That's how I roll.

;)

Mike.

[Mike]

I have Trend Micro anti-virus. They went to a Platinum series and want $62 to renew. Kind of expensive. What do you think is the best ant-virus software?

I use Kaspersky and haven't experienced any virus problems :D

[MM2004]

I have Trend Micro anti-virus. They went to a Platinum series and want $62 to renew. Kind of expensive. What do you think is the best ant-virus software?

Trend-Micro is good. Very good IMO.

Honestly, I use Avast Free, and no issues to date.

I also install Sbypot. Update to the latest patterns and immunize the OS as further protection.

You can DL these FREE apps. at:

http://download.cnet.com/windows/

;)

Mike.

[MrBluGruv]

Nice.

Couple things I've found from a lot of Viruses:

-Most hook to user profiles, not the actual OS, so if you create an empty account purely for anti-virus purposes, you can get a real leg-up on removing them. (This applies MUCH more to Windows Vista and 7 machines though, XP is a different animal in good and bad ways.)

-Safe mode is still a winner in most cases.

-DNS hijacks are probably the #1 cause for failure to update the OS and anti-virus programs, if you can get in and make sure you have the right DNS server and such set up you can probably get it back to being safe.

-The program CCleaner (yes, two C's) is fantastic at taking care of the swiss-cheesed registries, as well as cleaning out useless taken-up space on the HD over time.

Honestly, an up-to-date Malwarebytes Anti-Malware paired with an up-to-date CCleaner make for an almost unstoppable duo for keeping machines clean and running efficiently (We have somewhere between 95-99% effectiveness on the campus I work for, I'd go so far to say.)

One of the ONLY viruses we've had problems with is the Palevo worm. That little bugger really doesn't like to go away, and it travels by thumb-drives and other portable devices. Our guys came up with a script that can remove it though, as well as find it by using a specific tool. How many other generic IT Helpdesks do you know of that write in-house anti-virus stuff? ;)

[MM2004]

Nice.

Couple things I've found from a lot of Viruses:

-Most hook to user profiles, not the actual OS, so if you create an empty account purely for anti-virus purposes, you can get a real leg-up on removing them. (This applies MUCH more to Windows Vista and 7 machines though, XP is a different animal in good and bad ways.)

-Safe mode is still a winner in most cases.

-DNS hijacks are probably the #1 cause for failure to update the OS and anti-virus programs, if you can get in and make sure you have the right DNS server and such set up you can probably get it back to being safe.

-The program CCleaner (yes, two C's) is fantastic at taking care of the swiss-cheesed registries, as well as cleaning out useless taken-up space on the HD over time.

Honestly, an up-to-date Malwarebytes Anti-Malware paired with an up-to-date CCleaner make for an almost unstoppable duo for keeping machines clean and running efficiently (We have somewhere between 95-99% effectiveness on the campus I work for, I'd go so far to say.)

One of the ONLY viruses we've had problems with is the Palevo worm. That little bugger really doesn't like to go away, and it travels by thumb-drives and other portable devices. Our guys came up with a script that can remove it though, as well as find it by using a specific tool. How many other generic IT Helpdesks do you know of that write in-house anti-virus stuff? ;)

True on what you said above.

Lots of things like to hide in C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data\ etc..

I try not and run too many apps. designed for basically the same thing. Resources running, among all the Winders crap can build up over time.

Oh, another thing I hate is IE Toolbars. Pisses me off talking about them.

%temp% from the run line and nuke everything in there is a good one as well.

%winder%\temp is another one. (be careful!)

Many tricks of the trade to be learned, and I enjoy this as every PC is a little different.

As well as the challenge.

Mike.

[RacerX]

$$$ :D Me too! Bleepingcomputer.com

Part of my toolbox consists of:
combofix
malwarebytes
Emsisoft
superantispyware
Tddskiller
rkill
fakeavremover
winsockxpfix
pc-decrapifier
msicuu2 (Microsoft program remover)
MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials)
SEP (Symantec Endpoint Protection)

PS: Which on's pissing you off?

[DEFYANT]

Why the hell do people create these programs in the first place. Would seem like a real waste of time to me.

[MM2004]

$$$ :D Me too! Bleepingcomputer.com

Part of my toolbox consists of:
combofix - Well known name.
malwarebytes - Use it all the time.
Emsisoft - Not heard of it.
superantispyware _ Tried it. Uninstalled it.
Tddskiller - Not used it.
rkill - Not too bad.
fakeavremover - Nope.
winsockxpfix - uh huh
pc-decrapifier - Oh yeah!
msicuu2 (Microsoft program remover) - Try Revo Uninstaller
MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) - Not impressed.
SEP (Symantec Endpoint Protection) - Sucks.

PS: Which on's pissing you off?

See above.

;)

Mike.

[MM2004]

Why the hell do people create these programs in the first place. Would seem like a real waste of time to me.

To get their rocks off and make me a little scratch on the side.

:D

Mike.

[RacerX]

Viruses are more destructive and carry a look at what I can do or I did that factor. Now days though, it's about money. With spyware, you can log where people go on the internet, keystrokes (bank account, cc info), malware and scareware can con/scare a lot of people into buying their crap software. You would not believe how many people whip out their credit cards to stop the crap popping up on their desktops! Half of it is directly associated with people trying to find free porn and going to junk websites.

[CBT]

To get their rocks off and make me a little scratch on the side.

Oh you KNOW she said that!

[MM2004]

Viruses are more destructive and carry a look at what I can do or I did that factor. Now days though, it's about money. With spyware, you can log where people go on the internet, keystrokes (bank account, cc info), malware and scareware can con/scare a lot of people into buying their crap software. You would not believe how many people whip out their credit cards to stop the crap popping up on their desktops! Half of it is directly associated with people trying to find free porn and going to junk websites.

You are correct Sir!

I do side-work to make a little gas and beer money.

And to help and hopefully prevent people from getting screwed by "Computer Experts" that don't know a damn thing that charge enormous fees for basically nothing.

Mike.

[Rocknee]

-The program CCleaner (yes, two C's) is fantastic at taking care of the swiss-cheesed registries, as well as cleaning out useless taken-up space on the HD over time.

I used these two plus AVG. Computer Dave put them on my computer after he cleaned the hard drive good. Two are free downloads and Malwarebytes is $27 for life also can use on two other computers.

[RacerX]

Hehe! I am a computer expert. 20 years. I make more on the side than at the mom and pop place I work at. :( There are a lot of scheisters out there though, an awful lot!
Oh yeah! Here's to the beer money!:beer:

[MM2004]

-The program CCleaner (yes, two C's) is fantastic at taking care of the swiss-cheesed registries, as well as cleaning out useless taken-up space on the HD over time.

I used these two plus AVG. Computer Dave put them on my computer after he cleaned the hard drive good. Two are free downloads and Malwarebytes is $27 for life also can use on two other computers.

Careful with AVG...

In my experience, I have seen many issues with the program not updating pattern files and bugs getting thru.

Not to mention finding 'false positives'.

Just my .02

Mike.

[RacerX]

The only 100% protection is not having internet access. :D Like some of the inner computers in the CIA or DOD. I clean bugs from Macs too!

[babbage]

Hehe! I am a computer expert. 20 years. I make more on the side than at the mom and pop place I work at. :( There are a lot of scheisters out there though, an awful lot!
Oh yeah! Here's to the beer money!:beer:
winsockxpfix = Shame on you!

Can't drop to a cmd and type: netsh int ip reset c:\log.txt
:flamer::D

[RacerX]

Why dont you just go Alt F4! :) I could make it even easier and just write a script! Go ping yourself! :) You know, there's 10 types of people in this world. Those that understand binary and those who don't!

[sailsmen]

Vipre is the best I have ever used and I have used most. Recently we have seen a mimic of your control panel display on the screen. It is a virus.
Since we use Win 7 and the mimic is XP we knew it was a virus otherwise we would have gotten infected.

[CBT]

.................Nerds........ .........:shake:















I saved this link to favs for future use :D

[burt ragio]

I have a HP Intel Centrino Window Vista. Maybe three years old. I know squat about PCs'. All worked fine until last month. I brought it into staples for diognostic. They said buy the virus removal protection by Easy Tech. price $167.00. Since I have talked to phone tech six times. Brought lap top to Staple tech three times all with in last six weeks & my laptop is worse than before. It may be time to use the lap top to vent & get rid of a box or two of old 20 gauge shells.

[RacerX]

Do NOT bring any computer to Staples! Ever!!! I cannot tell you how systems we've had to redo over the years from them. Hey, pm me the model number and what version of Windows the license is for. I can send you a restore disk if you want to wipe and reload yourself. I have a library of restore disks for everything.


.................Nerds........ .........:shake: I saved this link to favs for future use :D

I don't look or act like one! :D

[MM2004]

Do NOT bring any computer to Staples! Ever!!! I cannot tell you how systems we've had to redo over the years from them. Hey, pm me the model number and what version of Windows the license is for. I can send you a restore disk if you want to wipe and reload yourself. I have a library of restore disks for everything.

Burt posted it is Vista.

I have used HP restore disks before and what a PITA they can be.

That's cool you offered to send him the disks.

HP charges about $25.00 to send them to the end user.

Another reason I am not a big supporter of HP.

Not to mention all the HP crap they install on their machines.

Just did a job for someone that has a HP desktop machine.

No disks, wouldn't boot. Totally fubar'd. -Vista.

She followed my recommendation and had me upgrade it to Windows 7.

...after I booted from a XP disk and nuked the partitions.

:D

Installed XP and turned right around and installed Win 7.

I must say I was pleased to see that every driver for that box was installed after going in Device Manager and not seeing one '?' or '!' anywhere.

Diggin' the Win 7 OS.

Mike.

[RacerX]

These are clean of HP/Compaq crap. Just windows and hardware drivers. All the big companies charge for restore disks unfortunately. :( There are a lot of tricks I can't mention since we're the biggest Microsoft VAR in the state... MS is worse than the Govt.

[illwood]

For the 2nd time in 6 months I have had a family member's PC get infected with one of the face anti-virus malwares out there. From my diagnosis, they start with a bogus popup saying that they found viruses and to click to continue a scan to remove them. When the user clicks, BAM the malware is installed and almost brings the computer to a halt after every boot.

Unfortunately, I was having to do phone support with my family from 500 miles away, so the best I found was a boot disk from Avira Anit-virus.

[CBT]

It's as if you are all speaking a foreign language, but it seems like good info, i'ma save it all just in case.
Anyone use cyberdefender?

[RacerX]

Ever use a jimmy hat with a hole in it? ;)

[CBT]

Ever use a jimmy hat with a hole in it? ;)
Yeah, one end has a XXL Magnum sized hole in it. :cool: Zing, bitches.




:D

[RacerX]

Like throwing a hotdog down a hallway! :D

[CBT]

Like throwing a hotdog down a hallway! :D
......i used to like you.....

Okay I'm going to take yous pros advice and anti-everything my computers. Let's talk external backup drives, what's the best?

[RacerX]

:D They're all made in China. I replace hard drives like you replace tires on cars. My advice is to use an online backup service like Carbonite, it's worth it!
Everything's heading toward cloud computing anyhoo. You can backup important stuff locally to a USB pen drive. 32Gb+ arre cheap enough. I have 2+ Terabytes of music backed up on 3 systems...

[CBT]

:D They're all made in China. I replace hard drives like you replace tires on cars. My advice is to use an online backup service like Carbonite, it's worth it!
Hmmmm, Carbonite you say? :hmmm: I'll check it out. I almost bought an external for 70 bucks the other day.

[babbage]

:D They're all made in China. I replace hard drives like you replace tires on cars. My advice is to use an online backup service like Carbonite, it's worth it!
Everything's heading toward cloud computing anyhoo. You can backup important stuff locally to a USB pen drive. 32Gb+ arre cheap enough. I have 2+ Terabytes of music backed up on 3 systems...


HP's are loaded with bloatware. I have taken many brand-y new machines and booted them with an XP OEM disc. Trash the partitions and start fresh.

Re: Backups - Dual layer DVD's are great and have a long shelf live and no moving parts! Burn all important stuff.

SSD drives are nice - but expensive. (no moving parts to fail)

[SC Cheesehead]

A little off topic, but still kinda funny:

You have to be old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, and too old to REALLY understand computers, to fully appreciate this. For those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, please read on...

If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on 'START'..... .........

[RacerX]

That was really funny! Never seen that one! :beer:

[SC Cheesehead]

That was really funny! Never seen that one! :beer:

Yeah, somebody spent some time on that, I thought is was pretty good, can almost hear the two guys going through the routine.

[Baaad GN]

Ok here's another software, Hit Man Pro! Any idea's, bad good?