The Whine thread.

[Nemo Blank]

I have an EVIL computer virus/malware.

What is wrong with the psychotic, human-hating heartless *&!@?# that make these things??? And can we increase their prison terms???

(Got this one at fanfiction.net, too. Another step down for that site...)

What it is, you see, is "Windows Antivirus Pro" has taken over my computer. I knew it wasn't legit. Now since most programs are 'infected' I can't open them. Like, say, a new security program that's supposed to deal with this. And my AVG Free can't remove or heal them... something about not on a local drive, whatever that means, even though my C drive is local, I'd say. Plus I can't manually delete because the computer spazzes about important programs.

And the one I was able to delete came right back because my computer is under the control of this probably demonic thing, which wants me to pay for the 'full' Windows Antivirus Pro. Maybe it's like some kind of mafia extortion scheme. "Protection fee? I don't need protection." *semi-automatic rifles come out and fire into the ceiling* "Oh, ah, yes. I can see where protection could be useful..."

So tomorrow on my day off I get to figure out if it's cheaper to drive up to the university and back so they can fix it, or find somewhere local.

Can't you just go to Start Menu, Control Panel, Programs and uninstall Windows Antivirus Pro from the remove programs list? Trust me, it's easy. Just Google 'how to uninstall a program in {your OS}' and I'm sure you'll find step by step illustrated instructions.
'

[WarpGirl]

Tell me about it. I swear the thing has been screwed up since we hooked everything up! I swear I came this close to a total meltdown yesterday.

Your router is probably getting hot. Make sure it is clear of obstruction and air can circulate around it. Often these things sit on carpet, or have papers and other equipment piled on them that blocks the cooling. If you have a small clip on fan, running it on the router could solve your problem. But when it locks up, just unplug the power or turn it off, wait about thirty seconds and turn it back on. That will often cure it until it overheats again. If you go through a router and then a wireless lan, turn them both off.

The meltdown was my own! Not any machinery. I have the thing under a window, it should be cool. Thanks though.

JadziaKathryn YIKES!!!!!!!!!! Well that's why I'll never DL a virus software program again only buy from the store.

[Alelou]

JK, that may be a version of the conficker virus. Similar messages presaged the death of my son's hard drive (although my attempts to remove the useless McAfee that didn't stop it may have had some effect too). You might want to take it into the geek squad or whatever, or follow Aquarius's recommendation, since trying to just delete the program had no effect for us. I may have to do the same with my son's brand-new computer since my husband accidentally downloaded it with something almost immediately after we got it. (@#$&!)
(How'd you get it from fanfiction.net?)

[JadziaKathryn]

Can't you just go to Start Menu, Control Panel, Programs and uninstall Windows Antivirus Pro from the remove programs list? Trust me, it's easy. Just Google 'how to uninstall a program in {your OS}' and I'm sure you'll find step by step illustrated instructions.

No can do. This stupid thing is blocking me from getting to Add or Remove Programs. Also I think it's in a bunch of files as a virus.

I say from fanfiction.net because that's the site I was on, anyway, when this thing came upon me. I can have it taken care of for free at school, but it's a little over 2 hours each way to drive. I don't even know how to do what Aquarius suggested (that's what the computer center on campus is for!).

[WarpGirl]

I had that one. I had to wipe my ENTIRE system twice! Icky. OK I just got some news that DOES NOT make me happy! I was supposed to be leaving today to see my Grammy whom I haven't seen in A LONG TIME. But mom just hours before we leave calls just now and says "Sorry but I'm taking a bus driving class, we'll go thursday" I hate it when people blindside me like this. I'm going back to bed.

[Alelou]

Well, definitely back up your most valuable files NOW. But save your pre-infection back-ups since they may be preferable.

[CX]

Boot up in safe mode and try to uninstall it then. Also try to look for a program called FraudSmith something-or-other. It worked really well the last time I got internet herpes.

[Aquarius]

Tell me about it. I swear the thing has been screwed up since we hooked everything up! I swear I came this close to a total meltdown yesterday.

Your router is probably getting hot. Make sure it is clear of obstruction and air can circulate around it. Often these things sit on carpet, or have papers and other equipment piled on them that blocks the cooling. If you have a small clip on fan, running it on the router could solve your problem. But when it locks up, just unplug the power or turn it off, wait about thirty seconds and turn it back on. That will often cure it until it overheats again. If you go through a router and then a wireless lan, turn them both off.

The meltdown was my own! Not any machinery. I have the thing under a window, it should be cool. Thanks though.

JadziaKathryn YIKES!!!!!!!!!! Well that's why I'll never DL a virus software program again only buy from the store.

NB's suggestion of an overheat is valid, even though you were the one melting down. When computer equipment gets too hot, it'll lock up. A window may not be enough to cool it. It gets very hot inside those casings. There's a reason why delicate computer equipment is kept in rooms that are so air-conditioned, you need a sweater to go into them, even in August.

[WarpGirl]

I don't even know if I'm using a router or cheating off my neighbors.

[Alelou]

Is your computer a laptop?

[Aquarius]

I don't even know if I'm using a router or cheating off my neighbors.

Well, usually when you have a wireless connection to internet access you're paying for, there's a router involved. The connection comes into the house (in our case, from the cable company) and plugs into a router, which then can transmit its signal wirelessly to your computer, which is how one gains internet access without being physically connected. So chances are, you do have a router. It's easy enough to check to see if you're connected to your own router, or your neighbor's.

And if you are connected to your neighbor's, shame on them for not having it secured.

[Kevin Thomas Riley]

Crap, I have to shell out as much for car repairs as my trip to Prague next week costs. I know I should've done this a while ago and not the days before I'm to drive down to rendez-vous with my parents, but the cost would be there anyway.

And I have to get up way early tomorrow to take it to the car shop.

Luckily I have the money saved up, and then some. But still, I would've wanted to spend it on something else besides my 14 year old Citroën.

[WarpGirl]

Oh have fun on your vacation. Enjoy visiting with your folks. Always wanted to see europe, but my chances are slim.

[Kevin Thomas Riley]

Thanks, and Europe won't go away. You're young and chances are bound to come up.

And the weather has improved a lot this week. I hope it holds out over next week too, especially in Central Europe.

[WarpGirl]

It's not may age it's the money and the fact I have to have yet another operation and it took me two years to recover from the last one. I still hope. How warm is it in Sweden in the summer? I can't take cold.