My dad got a whopper of a virus the other day on his dinosaur Windows XP desktop called ThinkPoint. It's a false security program that blocks access to the desktop and everything else.
I tried to follow a couple of removal methods online, but the virus blocks the ability to bring up Task Manager. I managed to boot it up in Safe Mode and tried some other steps, but it's still there.
Anyone know of a sure-fire way to remove this bitch?
rkill than malwarebytes works for me. That is, unless you have super new version I havent seen yet.
ThinkPoint is weird in that you can actually close it and access your desktop by first choosing safe startup. While its running it's fake scan go to settings and choose to run unprotected. Save settings. Then after its done with its bullshit scan, click continue unprotected and you can close the window. Run roguekiller, then malwarebytes.
I tried those methods before, but the damn thing just wouldn't go away. I ended up deciding to format his computer, but I'm unable to locate the restore disc with his system (an Insignia 2300a). Is there a way to restore the computer to factory settings without using a disc?
Is that virus anything like HDDScan? my wife had a virus or malware on her computer this weekend called HDDScan (no idea where it came from since she has all the common sense in the world and knows how to avoid that sort of thing).
Anyway, it blocked the task manager and a lot of other applications. Basically wanted us to buy a "defragmenter" or something before it could claim it was "fixed" and stop bugging us.
Was able to delete it by starting up in safe mode with networking, downloading the latest version of Spybot S&D and Malware Bytes Anti-mlware (both free)
Is that virus anything like HDDScan? my wife had a virus or malware on her computer this weekend called HDDScan (no idea where it came from since she has all the common sense in the world and knows how to avoid that sort of thing).
Anyway, it blocked the task manager and a lot of other applications. Basically wanted us to buy a "defragmenter" or something before it could claim it was "fixed" and stop bugging us.
Was able to delete it by starting up in safe mode with networking, downloading the latest version of Spybot S&D and Malware Bytes Anti-mlware (both free)
Yeah, it's pretty similar. ThinkPoint's a little more vicious but it's the same sort of idea.
Some viruses infect the recovery partition, which is why I always insist on using actual install discs.
Lots of manufacturers will not provide an install disc when you purchase a laptop.
TychoCelchuuu on
0
Options
Ninja Snarl PMy helmet is my burden.Ninja Snarl: Gone, but not forgotten.Registered Userregular
edited December 2010
Pretty sure I had this exact bastard a month or so ago. I got around it with safe mode and restoring from a restoration point. If it's the same version of Thinkpoint which got me, then if it has infected the recovery partition of my system I have yet to find out.
It's worth a shot, though, especially if you've got anything imminent you need done with the system or need to pull some files off of it first.
Some viruses infect the recovery partition, which is why I always insist on using actual install discs.
Lots of manufacturers will not provide an install disc when you purchase a laptop.
You can often get the discs from them for a nominal fee, or borrow a disc from someone else who has one, as the license is bound to the code on the sticker and not to the disc itself.
Look on it for a Microsoft sticker, on there should be your license key for the version of Windows that came with it. If you find it you can use any disc you happen to find and be up and running and activated with no problems.
Posts
rkill than malwarebytes works for me. That is, unless you have super new version I havent seen yet.
ThinkPoint is weird in that you can actually close it and access your desktop by first choosing safe startup. While its running it's fake scan go to settings and choose to run unprotected. Save settings. Then after its done with its bullshit scan, click continue unprotected and you can close the window. Run roguekiller, then malwarebytes.
Blog||Tumblr|Steam|Twitter|FFXIV|Twitch|YouTube|Podcast|PSN|XBL|DarkZero
Blog||Tumblr|Steam|Twitter|FFXIV|Twitch|YouTube|Podcast|PSN|XBL|DarkZero
Anyway, it blocked the task manager and a lot of other applications. Basically wanted us to buy a "defragmenter" or something before it could claim it was "fixed" and stop bugging us.
Was able to delete it by starting up in safe mode with networking, downloading the latest version of Spybot S&D and Malware Bytes Anti-mlware (both free)
Watch my music videos
Yeah, it's pretty similar. ThinkPoint's a little more vicious but it's the same sort of idea.
Some viruses infect the recovery partition, which is why I always insist on using actual install discs.
Lots of manufacturers will not provide an install disc when you purchase a laptop.
It's worth a shot, though, especially if you've got anything imminent you need done with the system or need to pull some files off of it first.
You can often get the discs from them for a nominal fee, or borrow a disc from someone else who has one, as the license is bound to the code on the sticker and not to the disc itself.
Look on it for a Microsoft sticker, on there should be your license key for the version of Windows that came with it. If you find it you can use any disc you happen to find and be up and running and activated with no problems.
I KISS YOU!