Nortons!!

['Doc]

I'm in the process of cleaning up after Norton didn't catch a few Trojans. So far, I've found at least three of them. No idea how all this Trojan stuff works, but it seems half the Microsoft 'tool' programs are 'infected', can't access several programs that control things, as in the 'manager' program that shows you what's currently running, services, etc, can't remember the @#$ name of the thing. Pop up window says it has a solution (same style window as used by Windows for alerts,etc.), just click here. Takes you to a site that want's to sell you something. Yeah, right, I really believe that part, it's not even a Microsoft company! Every program in the machine seems to be 'infected', which is just a bit hard to believe considering.
I've had problems with Nortons for quite a few years (ever since 'oldman' Norton retired. I've dumped it again, and this'll be the last time.
Currently trying a 'WebRoot' security program. I'll see how that goes. Supposed to be the #1 at this time, probably just who you ask about it though. Also have two others on 'hold' just in case.
I AM HAVING SO MUCH FUN WITH THIS SH**! I'm almost tempted to try a different OS. Almost!
- 'Doc

That felt good. Now if this crap will go away... I'll even feel better!

[atfguy]

doc, the box that pops up that looks like a microsoft box, does it say anything on it like "antivirus 2009" or something

[linx]

Doc, ya gotta watch out while surfing the **Censored**, lol.

['Doc]

Linx,
Why in the world would I 'surf' **Censored** sites? I produce most of it right here in the studio. You have no idea how boring it get's after a while...
- 'Doc

['Doc]

atfguy,
Nope, different thing altogether. One disabled the 'Task Manager', one is what's called a 'rogue', a 'hijacker', 'spyware', and 'ad-ware'. Finally got two programs for internet security and an anti-virus program that actually works, unlike Norton's. Those thingys above are just what's been found in only 3% of a scan, so far. I am not a happy camper at this point. If I didn't know that Mr. Norton hasn't been associated with the company that uses his name for a number of years, I'd lump him right in there with Mr. Gates. Oh well, it could be worse. Not sure how, but it could be.
- 'Doc

['Doc]

Just for grins...

The anti-virus program just finished, took something like 5 hours to conplete (lots of disk storage). It found over 223 trojans/viruses/adware/whatever that Norton's let through. Fantastic! And absolutely ridiculous! This camper is happier.
- 'Doc

[TheCBDoctor]

Hi 'Doc

I had a problem with my task manager and my PC ran slowly. I eventually wiped the computer clean and reinstalled everything; now it is like new. I don't use Norton's either. Stay off the **Censored** sites and never open anything that is not solicited and you should not need any anti virus software. I also use gmail that has the best Spam filter on the market; I highly recommend its use.

You know this but I will state it anyway. Even the best anti software can not stop the user from opening something that says do not open. I ignore anything from Nigeria and anything like it. If I do not know you I do not open your mail. If I do know you I will not open any attachments unless it is business related and goes through my anti-virus software first.

Email is like a sexually transmitted disease. Every computer you are in contact has been in contact with every other computer out there. I will have to make it a note not to open any attachments from you since you are now one of the untouchables.

Respectfully,

[PRO151]

Anti-virus programs are like Radios, amplifiers and antennas. I have seen just as much disagreement and arguing over AV software as radio related equipment.
I personally think Norton is over rated and misses a lot of stuff. My boss swears by it and will not even entertain the idea of any other AV software.

I have found Sophos, AdAware and Malewarebytes to provide more than adequate protection for all of my machines.

['Doc]

Just an up-date for what it's worth.

I have two programs I've been playing with to see how they do. One is from 'AVG', the other is from 'PC Tools'.
After about a week or so, I'm finding that the AVG program is missing a few thingys, as in a 'hijack', and several viruses. I'm disappointed, I liked the user interface. Oh well.
So, after much 'fun' removing AVG, I had some fun installing the PC Tool's program. That last bit of fun was because I didn't exactly follow the installation instructions exactly, sort of. My fault, not theirs. Why didn't they tell me the user has to pay attention to what he's doing! Not even a good excuse, huh? Oh well.
So far so good. This thing either examines a whole lot more than other security programs do, or it's just a bit slower than others. No idea. It's finally taken a look around at things, so now I just have to give it a while to see how things go.
I'm still watching for other security programs, may not buy anything, but still looking for a 'miracle' cure.
- 'Doc

[Foxhunter]

Let me add to this thread a little. Even if you've used other AV programs, try downloading "Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware" and install it, it should only take a few minutes to do. Most will advise when doing anti-virus sweeps, to turn off your PC and to re-boot your PC back on in "safe mode" where all drivers etc are disabled, it prevents many stubborn malicious software packages from re-loading on re-boot (which they often will).

But either way in safe mode or not, after installing still make sure Malwarebyte's is up to date, click "check for updates" first to be sure, then run a FULL SCAN and go do something for about an hour. The program will detect and remove nearly all forms of viruses, trojans and other malicious programs that nearly all other anti-virus programs simply cannnot. It has one of the strongest detection engines going. Even Microsoft Techs in the Microsoft Tech Forums have recommended using it for certain bad infections, when all else fails. The program has a stellar reputation with techs, it's not just my personal preference or recommendation.

The free version (which is what the download is, free) will remove most, if not all, even deep-rooted forms of malware. It doesn't "prevent" infection but will remove it. For a small annual fee you can also purchase the "protection-module" which will also provide realtime active protection. The program can be a God-send to many who were at wit's end.



Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php



The scan takes an hour, give or take a few minutes, depending on how many files you have on your PC drive. Like most people, whether any active infections are detected or not, there's always the worry that the virus etc has caused damage to your PC. Sometimes they harm and corrupt vital files, and the longer the infection is active the greater and more widespread the damage. But I'd run the program from the Malwarebytes.org organization and see if anything comes up. Hopefully it will find something and you can quarantine it or I would simply click "remove".


Foxhunter 351 NJ




By the way, my Father & I were watching a video about "Mig Welding" 2 weeks ago on the Metacafe video website (alternative to Youtube etc) and suddenly we got the fake prompt box from Antiviruslab2009 saying the PC was infected with viruses etc. Never ever touch a prompt box from an unknown program like that. If the box has 3x buttons that say "install" and "cancel" and "close" or something similar, EVERY SINGLE BUTTON really means "download", so if you go to close it or cancel it you'll end up downloading the "fake antivirus" program which is really a malicious program.

You should immediately open task manager and kill the process. Then flush all your temp files folders download directories etc with a good cleaning program. Although pornography is a great candidate for catching a virus, there are also many legitimate sites that hand them out also. In the last 6 months a local NJ RCA ribbon microphone repair shop's website gave my last PC an infection (I called the owner by telephone to tell him too) and also the CB radio website "Live.CB" also tried downloading an infection (I emailed them and they never acknowledged my email), and another website while researching "Palomar Ampilfiers" There's all sorts of ways to catch something bad.

[721HACKSAW]

I agree with what has been said here, especially those Midget **Censored** sites they will get you in trouble! LOL Some of this Malware is very nasty, it copies your password files and sends them to a remote server. If you are infected you need to get on a secure computer and change your important passwords immediatly!! They usually infect the Registry and will reappear everytime you boot up. Wiping the disc and reinstalling the OP is the only sure way to defeat some of them. They may also lie dormant for a period of time, so if you do a System Restore you need to go way back before you started to have trouble. I had one about a month ago, I could not get rid of it with Malwarebytes. I did a disc wipe and reloaded and everything is fine now. My bank contacted me to advise me that someone had been trying to access my online account with the wrong password....I think I dodged a bullit!!

[414 Machine]

Let me add to this thread a little. Even if you've used other AV programs, try downloading "Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware" and install it, it should only take a few minutes to do. Most will advise when doing anti-virus sweeps, to turn off your PC and to re-boot your PC back on in "safe mode" where all drivers etc are disabled, it prevents many stubborn malicious software packages from re-loading on re-boot (which they often will).

But either way in safe mode or not, after installing still make sure Malwarebyte's is up to date, click "check for updates" first to be sure, then run a FULL SCAN and go do something for about an hour. The program will detect and remove nearly all forms of viruses, trojans and other malicious programs that nearly all other anti-virus programs simply cannnot. It has one of the strongest detection engines going. Even Microsoft Techs in the Microsoft Tech Forums have recommended using it for certain bad infections, when all else fails. The program has a stellar reputation with techs, it's not just my personal preference or recommendation.

The free version (which is what the download is, free) will remove most, if not all, even deep-rooted forms of malware. It doesn't "prevent" infection but will remove it. For a small annual fee you can also purchase the "protection-module" which will also provide realtime active protection. The program can be a God-send to many who were at wit's end.



Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php



The scan takes an hour, give or take a few minutes, depending on how many files you have on your PC drive. Like most people, whether any active infections are detected or not, there's always the worry that the virus etc has caused damage to your PC. Sometimes they harm and corrupt vital files, and the longer the infection is active the greater and more widespread the damage. But I'd run the program from the Malwarebytes.org organization and see if anything comes up. Hopefully it will find something and you can quarantine it or I would simply click "remove".


Foxhunter 351 NJ

Well im always game for a clean machine altho thru the years if i ever had an infection i couldnt rid, i simply sweeped my pc & reformatted,lol. hard way around it or to fix it but hey, what ya gonna do when they come for you! So im runnin this malware prog. you speak of to see just how in depth or well it really is, thx for the info.

[PRO151]

One problem I have run into is that since I am now running the registered version of Malwarebytes it keeps identifying this IP as malware and will not let any images load.