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mjosparky

Need some computer help...

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I have FIOS and use AOL to go on line. When I try to log on to my home page I get a screen from the porn police that says I am busted and they have locked my machine until I pay a $300 fine.
Does anyone know how I can get rid of this or go around it?

Sparky
My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

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Uggh.

I'm assuming you're running a windows based PC for the following.

Step 1: Disconnect all networked devices. The only thing you want connected is your PC and your modem / router that lets you get on the internet.

Step 2: Are you running any antivirus software? If so, download the latest antivirus definitions for it (click update or something like it) then go to step 4.

Step 3: No antivirus? Ok - we need to get you one asap.
Decent free options are Microsofts own Security Essentials
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download
or Avast! free
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button

If you want a paid version, I like Kaspersky: http://usa.kaspersky.com/products-services/home-computer-security/anti-virus?domain=kaspersky.com

whenever you download antivirus software, MAKE SURE you're getting it from the developers site - not a google linked one.

Download and install, then let the automatic update run.

Step 4) Disconnect from the internet.

Step 5) Optional, but a good idea - restart your computer in Safe mode. (Press F8 during the startup sequence and select 'Safe Mode')

Step 6) Run a full antivirus scan.



If that doesn't catch anything, the good news is you probably don't have a virus, but more likely a piece of malware or simply a hijacked browser. Starting with the AV scan is the best first step though.

I'm not too upto date on current decent malware removal tools - perhaps someone else can chime in?

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If the above fails, download/install this: http://sourceforge.net/projects/hjt/

Do a system scan and save a log file ONLY, PM it to me and I'll give you a list of things you can remove. This will most likely fix the issue, but it's dangerous and getting trigger happy with it could make your computer unusable for the internet.
"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

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Now that you think it's good, get into safe mode and run a full scan proactively (i.e. don't just confirm that you got the bad guy, but see if there are other bad guys lurking around).

And do it periodically.

Wendy P.
There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

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my partner is a real master at cleaning computers. i have yet to see it take less than 6 hours to get one fully clean, and that's just from the malware. i would also recommend using something like sandboxie for anything with internet access. really cool and stops most things. although the only way to stay uninfected 100% of the time is to disconnect from the internet and all external sources of data. but that takes all the fun out of it.
_________________________________________
Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes

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sfzombie13

although the only way to stay uninfected 100% of the time is to disconnect from the internet and all external sources of data.



Clicky;)
"I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly
DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890
I'm an asshole, and I approve this message

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