We have a new update on The Future of the Penny Arcade Forums.

Windows Security driving me NUTS

XenosX_XenosX_ Registered User regular
edited January 2007 in Help / Advice Forum
Every so often a little alert window pops up from my system tray, telling me I have spyware. I have checked with Adaware, Spybot, Macafee, and even Window's default, Norton. NOTHING. Even though the message says it will install something, it doesn't, even when you click on it. Process explorer tells me it is part of explorer.exe. However, it is sort of suspicious that Windows would spell "now download" wrong. That lack of space is not my mistake. Please someone enlighten me as to what this is, or what I should do. This is the full message:

===============================================
Your Computer is Infected!

Windows has detected spyware infection

It is recommend to use special antispyware tools to prevent data loss. Windows will nowdownload and install the most up-to-date antispyware for you.

Click here to protect your computer from spyware!
===============================================

XenosX_ on

Posts

  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    Yeah, you've got an infection.

    Have you tried Windows Anti-Spyware?

    Thanatos on
  • RuckusRuckus Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    Update your Spybot and Adaware, reboot to safe mode, scan again.

    Post screenshots of the alert as well.

    Ruckus on
  • redimpulseredimpulse Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    Are you running behind a firewall?

    It sounds like you're not behind a firewall.

    redimpulse on
    rbsig.jpg
  • XenosX_XenosX_ Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    By Windows Anti-Spyware I presume you mean Windows Defender. Downloaded, scanned with latest definitions, and I got nothing. According to Windows Security, I am behind a firewall. I am about to update spybot and adaware and scan again in safe mode.

    Here is pic:

    http://www.freewebs.com/xenosx/popup.jpg

    XenosX_ on
  • sarksark Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
  • redimpulseredimpulse Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    That bubble is the spyware. I hope you haven't clicked it.

    Also, windows firewall is bunk. Do you run behind a router, or are you directly connected to your broadband connection?

    redimpulse on
    rbsig.jpg
  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    I had the same thing.

    I cured it via reformatting.

    Thanatos on
  • XenosX_XenosX_ Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    Haven't clicked the bubble.

    I run behind a router.

    Change in circumstance: the little bubble has stopped popping up. However, I will continue to follow the instructions on sark's link, which hopefully will cover Ruckus's suggestion as well, and ensure that there are no more problems.

    BTW sark, does that nick come from 'dyna sark arches', or is that just wishful thinking?

    Thank you all so far for your time and prompt response.

    XenosX_ on
  • sarksark Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    Nah. Tron

    sark on
    tron4.png
  • RuckusRuckus Registered User regular
    edited January 2007
    Thanatos wrote:
    I had the same thing.

    I cured it via reformatting.

    Seconded.

    Ruckus on
Sign In or Register to comment.