computer lingo and crohns

We all know how even in a rush we try to find a clean commode, a safe place to sit. Just had trouble with my computer and something called malware (spl) . It seems that these guys can put a message on your computer saying you have a virus and they will clear it,,for a fee. Trouble is they are the virus and you cant get rid of the message. Wife did finally get rid of the extortionists by putting the computer in safe mode and deleting them. Just like crohns. Now when I have to go in a rush and I'm in a public toilet I will look for a,, safe mode. After all, I dont need a virus . I wish I could flush the peep that make malware. They fall in the same company as what I usually flush .

I had a phone call yesyerday from someone or other telling me that my computer was slow and it could be infected virus' in it etc and if I would like to start up my computer they will take me through the process(apparently)give me some commands to enter and clear all the problems-yeah right :) With these type of calls I simply used to hang up but now I tend to listen and grunt at what they are saying and then walk away leaving them on the other end of the phone :D They soon switch on to that now so have come up with a plan that next time I am going to act dumb, play along as if I am doing exactly what they say and see how much of their time I can waste, lol. Now the plan is formulated I am quite looking forward to the next call :D. No doubt they will want me to take down the firewall etc, it is sooo funny with what we have come up with to say.

Well sniper, it's not so much the fault of those programs you get.  It's the fault of the rectal orifice people that create this crap.  They are trying to be steps ahead of the anti virus people just so they can put crap like this on your computer.  It would be devestatingly worse if you did not have the protection.  I actually have helped several people with similar issues lately and the reason I could help them is.....you guessed it, I had to deal with it at one point myself.

Your wife did the most correct thing you could do at this point.  Then you need to get the MOST current update from your anti virus people and run the scan again.  I could recommend more if you are up to it.  I would need to know what version of windoze you are running and what AV.

Sniper,

Others have posted some good stuff, but you are indeed correct. A great majority of the time those pop-ups showing your computer is infected aren't from your computer, they're from whatever virus is already there from the same people who will sell you the product to 'fix' it which actually won't. If you're seeing the pop-up warnings, the damage is probably already done.

As mentioned above, spybot and adaware work well in combination with each other and are free. The best thing to have on hand is malwarebytes and make sure it's set to update regularly. Many of these viruses will kill the ability to update, but that's a solid program to kill them if they do get through. Unfortunately, many of these setup in the registry and even if you get them blocked out, they'll be right back after you restart. If you know enough to fumble around, google the virus and you can usually find instructions on how to remove them manually...always the best way. There are some registry cleaners out there too, but I haven't seen any free ones that really work well. And as a side note, if you have a later version of windows (vista, 7 etc), just make sure the firewall is on. The stock firewall is pretty darn good.

These are nothing more than scams. Think of a crooked exterminator who would plant bugs then come by selling you his services. That's all these things usually are.

i agree, i think the protectors make viruses, so they can sell the latest and greatest fix..