Fix Your Sick Computer with These Easy Steps - Don't Fall for Scams!

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences related to computer issues, particularly concerning malware and virus detection. Participants share their personal encounters with computer security, offer various suggestions for addressing the problems, and express concerns about potential scams related to software downloads.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes encountering a pop-up warning about spyware after clicking on a suspicious desktop icon, leading to the purchase of TrendMicro for scanning.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience, expressing frustration over the situation.
  • Several participants suggest rolling back the system to a previous restore point as a potential solution.
  • One participant mentions that using free tools like AVG might have been a better option than purchasing TrendMicro.
  • Another participant expresses empathy for the original poster's situation, sharing their own fears about computer security.
  • Some participants discuss the importance of ensuring that backups are made before a virus infects the system.
  • One participant shares their reliance on their spouse for computer-related issues, highlighting a sense of trust in their partner's expertise.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of rolling back the system versus the necessity of removing the virus first. Some participants agree on the potential usefulness of restore points, while others express skepticism about their effectiveness in the presence of a virus.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and opinions regarding computer security and virus management, reflecting a range of technical knowledge and comfort levels with troubleshooting.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals experiencing similar computer issues or those seeking insights into personal experiences with malware and virus management.

dannyzmom
dannyzmom
Gold Member
Messages
9,271
I noticed a new icon on my desktop the last few days so today I got curious and clicked on it.
BAD MOVE
Immediately Ihad a pop up thing telling me my computer was comprimised - windows detected spyware, blah blah.
Of course my MacAfee is not up to date. So I downloaded (for $70) TrendMicro and am now scanning and trying to fix everything.
The two things SO FAR that have been found are a trojan.perfcoo thing and a hacktool.rootkit thing.
ARGH
 
dannyzmom said:
I noticed a new icon on my desktop the last few days so today I got curious and clicked on it.
BAD MOVE
Immediately Ihad a pop up thing telling me my computer was comprimised - windows detected spyware, blah blah.
Of course my MacAfee is not up to date. So I downloaded (for $70) TrendMicro and am now scanning and trying to fix everything.
The two things SO FAR that have been found are a trojan.perfcoo thing and a hacktool.rootkit thing.
ARGH
Click to expand...


Roll back your system to a restore point if you have XP - try about 2 weeks ago.
 
You should have saved the $70 and gone with AVG and other free tools.
 
Oh no! That is one of my biggest fears. I hope you can get it all cleaned-off.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
janetupnorth said:
Roll back your system to a restore point if you have XP - try about 2 weeks ago.
Click to expand...

Huh?
How do I do that?
 
dannyzmom said:
Huh?
How do I do that?
Click to expand...

START
PROGRAMS
ACCESSORIES
SYSTEM TOOLS
SYSTEM RESTORE

THEN FOLLOW THE OPTIONS.

You MAY have to reinstall Trend Micro after but it should get rid of that new crap.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
janetupnorth said:
START
PROGRAMS
ACCESSORIES
SYSTEM TOOLS
SYSTEM RESTORE

THEN FOLLOW THE OPTIONS.

You MAY have to reinstall Trend Micro after but it should get rid of that new crap.
Click to expand...

DH said this won't work because if there is a virus on the harddrive there is a virus on the harddrive and until you get rid of the virus, retoring won'r help?
I am clueless...
 
If your last backup (for the restore) was made before the virus was put on your system, then it won't be in the backup. Well, unless it's in your Documents folder, since that tends NOT to be reverted to the old version, so that you don't lose data.
 
dannyzmom said:
DH said this won't work because if there is a virus on the harddrive there is a virus on the harddrive and until you get rid of the virus, retoring won'r help?
I am clueless...
Click to expand...

What Ann said. Usually the restore point is just fine. So go back to one a few weeks ago.

You had just clicked on the icon so it just happened.
 
Good luck Carolyn. I'm so happy my DH gets all this computer stuff. My DH doesn't let me click on anything that I don't know about, just for that reason! He says if I know the site and it's trusted, I can download but if I don't, do not do anything without asking him. So I do that and he has saved my butt from a lot of thing!
All the stuff Ann and Janet are saying to you, actually makes sense to me. I would be nervous trying to do it myself. But with my DH's assistance, I've fixed the computer a lot! And what these ladies are saying sounds right!
Good luck, hun. Is you DH pretty good at computers? If not then I'd listen to these ladies, they just seem to get these things! They are in that Computer nerd.... ugh I mean genius crowd that my DH's is part of! LOL!;)
Again, Good luck!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common signs that my computer is sick?

Common signs include slow performance, frequent crashes, unexpected error messages, programs not responding, and unusual noises coming from the hardware. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to troubleshoot your computer.

What are the first steps I should take to fix my computer?

Start by restarting your computer, as this can resolve many temporary issues. Next, check for software updates and install them, as updates often fix bugs and improve performance. Additionally, run a virus scan to check for malware that could be affecting your system.

How can I tell if a computer repair service is a scam?

Be cautious of services that ask for payment upfront without providing a clear diagnosis, promise unrealistic results, or pressure you into making quick decisions. Look for reviews and testimonials, and ensure the service has a physical address and contact information.

Are there any DIY steps I can take to fix my computer?

Yes, you can try several DIY steps such as clearing temporary files, uninstalling unnecessary programs, checking for hardware connections, and running built-in troubleshooting tools. Additionally, consider resetting your computer to factory settings if the issues persist.

What should I do if I can't fix my computer myself?

If you're unable to resolve the issues on your own, consider seeking professional help from a reputable computer repair service. Make sure to research the service, read reviews, and ask for recommendations to avoid scams.

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