Problems include:
A screen saver that fakes a continuous reboot and fail to reboot until a key is pressed. At which time the desktop is brought back up.
A continuously running fake program that says your computer is infected with over 900 separate viruses and the "program" is always on the toolbar
When trying to go to a URL web page, a block appears stating that a great risk of mass virus infection is immanent, but its obviously a fake because it says to continue safely you must download "Antivirus XP 08" which is obviously fake seeing as how I already have a legitimate, active and up to date antivirus/spyware program.
Does anyone know how to get rid of it? I've tried removing the program. Running it through my up to date antivirus/spyware program. Erasing all of my online saved data. And moving it to the recycle bin.
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3 responses so far ↓
1 spywaredr // Jul 17, 2008
MESSENGER SPAM
XP Home:
this set up is for Internet Explorer alone
do you get pop ups claiming that your computer is at risk?
those are called "Messenger Spam" !
to stop messenger spam:
open start page
open administrative tools
open services
these services are in alphabetical order
you need to close two:
a] Alerter
b] Messenger
NOT related to MSN messenger or any other instant messenger
right click each service
click properties
from drop down menu,select disable
another method to deal with those that get through is to copy the pop up address at the top of the pop up or pop under [ starts up AFTER you close a window ]
open internet options [ start–control panel–internet options ]
open content tab
open settings
open enable
enter address
click never
close
open Advanced tab
check to see if pop up blocker is checked
close
2 Jimmy_Buffit // Jul 17, 2008
Antivirus XP 08 is itself a virus. It goes by several other names also.
There are manual instructions here but don't try this if you aren't familiar with the registry you may do more harm than good. http://www.xp-vista.com/spyware-removal/xp-antivirus-2008-removal-instructions-xp-antivirus-2008. The removal tool "Spyware Doctor" just tells you you are infected and wants money to fix it so don't bother with that:(
Soccer Dave recommended a free fix for this in a similar question. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjP2vhGdlyBHtavO_X0ygObsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080717100004AAvzN5b&show=7#profile-info-hHnfaBHyaa
The malwarebytes application really is free.
Hope that helps.
3 jenniebright2002 // Jul 17, 2008
Yes. I got it the other day and stopped everything I was doing. It took me a couple of hours to get its hooks out of my computer. I ran msconfig to delete it out of my start up section. Ran Advanced Windows Care AND AVG. I even installed XP Repair Pro 2007. That last one seemed to wipe all traces of it away. Haven't had a problem in 3 days. I'm sure there must be a better program for it but that's the method I chose. Good luck.
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