My computer is infected with VX2 Malware!

[Geoff_M]

Time for the repeated plug for the Mozilla Firefox web browser... I've switched from IE and now I get ZERO spyware with no add-ins, customization, etc. There are a couple of sites that I can't use it on (due to lazy coding by the site), but other than it it works like a charm. Also no pop-ups to boot.

It won't fix your problem if your PC is currently infected, but after you clean up the problems download Firefox. It's free and easy to install. It also imports all of your security settings, favorites, cookies, etc. automatically from IE. It also co-exists just fine with IE on your PC.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Time for the repeated plug for the Mozilla Firefox web browser... I've switched from IE and now I get ZERO spyware with no add-ins, customization, etc. There are a couple of sites that I can't use it on (due to lazy coding by the site), but other than it it works like a charm. Also no pop-ups to boot.

It won't fix your problem if your PC is currently infected, but after you clean up the problems download Firefox. It's free and easy to install. It also imports all of your security settings, favorites, cookies, etc. automatically from IE. It also co-exists just fine with IE on your PC.

Or even upgrade to sp2 if you don't want to use another browser.

I really don't understand how people are gettting this mess. Just don't download junk.....

 

[chadfromdallas]

My DH has everyone beat. He's still using Windows 3.1.

 

[Geoff_M]

Or even upgrade to sp2 if you don't want to use another browser.

I upgraded to SP2 some time ago. It was very good for pop-ups, but still a number of them could get through. It also didn't solve the spyware problem fully. I'd scan the kids PC about once a month and still get 92 hits for spyware. Nothing super malicuous, but troublesome enough.

 

[Blondie]

I too will be restoring mine soon (keep procrastinating, LOL), as Norton has trashed too many things for me.

Dan, Norton has messed up a few things for us in the past too.

I have a feeling this VX2 came from one of the sites my kids visit, they are always on places like GameFaq (for PS2 cheats) and other places that have cartoons and what not.

The only places I got to is here, a collectors forum on an ezboard and Ebay.

Could it have come from an email?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Any help here, Blondie, if you still have it?

http://www.spywareguide.com/product_show.php?id=25

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....I have a feeling this VX2 came from one of the sites my kids visit, they are always on places like GameFaq (for PS2 cheats) and other places that have cartoons and what not.

The only places I got to is here, a collectors forum on an ezboard and Ebay.

Could it have come from an email?

File sharing???? http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,49960,00.html

 

[Blondie]

Dan, I'm willing to try one more thing, heck what could it hurt, but I'm waiting for DH to get home from work before attempting it on my own. It would be my luck that I'd try something that brings the whole system down!

 

[Amberle3]

Just a quick mention for folks who don't know how they're getting some of these things:

Websites you visit can install files on your computer without knowledge. I was visiting one (that I regularly visit) and the next thing I knew I had some spyware. I knew it right away because it had somehow slipped past my software and something was telling me that I needed to reboot to configure the system properly. I don't remember what it was, but I did a search on it (then) and found out that it is commonly installed by using Active X, which IE defaults to allowing.

Now somethings require Active X in order to work properly. I changed my settings to always ask if Active X things should be run - most times I say "no" unless it's something that's not going to work otherwise (like Flash sites).

Oddly enough there's something in Dan's sig that wants Active X running. I always know when he's replied to a thread because when I get to that page I'm prompted about allowing Active X.

 

[chadfromdallas]

Just a quick mention for folks who don't know how they're getting some of these things:

Websites you visit can install files on your computer without knowledge.

IF you use IE. This will not happen with Firefox.

 

[Blondie]

Everything was wiped clean and we've started fresh.

The only sites I plan on visiting tonight are the DIS (and the MSN home page.) Not even going to open one single email! Ebay can wait, so can my collectors site.

We'll see what happens when I run a spyware scan!

 

[Maleficent2]

updating to SP2 does not stop spyware. Not everyone can run Firefox.


Mal

 

[chadfromdallas]

updating to SP2 does not stop spyware. Not everyone can run Firefox.


Mal

SP2 has nothing to do with firefox, but has a built in pop up blocker that WILL NOT allow anything to be installed through the browser without letting the user know.

 

[Maleficent2]

Or even upgrade to sp2 if you don't want to use another browser.

I really don't understand how people are gettting this mess. Just don't download junk.....

I never said it did I was referring to above is all.

Blondie-I hope all is well after that scan. fingers crossed for you.


Mal

 

[Dan Murphy]

.....Oddly enough there's something in Dan's sig that wants Active X running. I always know when he's replied to a thread because when I get to that page I'm prompted about allowing Active X.

Amberle, the 'spinner clip' I have in my signature is Flash.

And so true, Mal.

Hope things are running better, Blondie.

 

[Amberle3]

Amberle, the 'spinner clip' I have in my signature is Flash.

Ah, so that's what it is! I just say "no" when it asks about Active X, so I've never actually seen the "spinner clip"! I'll have to say "yes" next time.

(After having a virus install itself through Active X, I'm very reluctant to just let it run now)