Have I got a virus?

Mis_max

I was searching in google and clicked on an image link, my laptop flashed up loads of stuff about virus warning , trojan horse etc but it was not my own anti virus software or one I recognise.

It wanted to open multiple windows so I turned computer off and back on again. All seems normal but I wanted to update my anti virus software and run a scan.

My free version of AVG won't scan and when i tried to download other anti virus products they keep coming up as binary files so I have cancelled the downloads as i never saw this type of file before.

Maybe they should be binary files but i am worried it is part of the virus and by allowing it to download i give it access to the computer.

Can anyone recommend a scan for me to run and whether it should show as a binary when i go to download it?

thanks!

5uspect

It's called scareware.

Did you kill your browser or did you click on the fake antivirus widows?
Did you just shut down your PC without clicking on anything?

Binaries are .exe files. Any program or installer will be a binary.

Microsoft Security Essentials is actually quite good.

Also what browser are you using? Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome?

Mis_max

Well it is named correctly, it is pretty scary!

I think I got the computer shut off without clicking on any of the stuff it was throwing up but there was so much of it I'm not sure.

What should I do next?

Thanks for the quick reply by the way, that was lightening fast!

partyatmygaff

It wouldn't be a bad idea to run a virus scan just to be sure.


But even so what you're describing sounds like scareware. It's just an advertisement for a scam. Next time it comes up just close the window.

Mis_max

ok, will do, thanks very much

Biggins

When we say "close the window" - DO NOT CLICK ON ANYTHING

Use ALT & F4

These scareware apps sometimes programme what looks like the close down icon, to actually be an active code function that is programmed to act as an activation button too.
An activation button which is then giving the pc permission to allow in more crap.

USE ALT and F4 to close the window.

5uspect

Careful tho, sometimes the close icon is loaded too. Best thing it to close the windows by right clicking on the taskbar and selecting close. CTRL+W also works.

Definitely run a scan.

Biggins

Do not just trust just one scanning app.
If you don't have it, get one of the best for free.

Install Malwarebytes from here and do a FULL scan.
The free version is an excellent world class back-up checker.

mike65

This happened to me, it took control of the desktop, what I did after figuring the workaround (the programme could be by-passed as it ran by hitting the pause option), I hit control/alt/delete to get back to the shut down options, rebooted hit F8 started in safe mode and then restored the PC to the last known safe point.

Mis_max

Ok, so I have the microsoft thing downloaded and scanning. If i do the malware bytes thing too, will they work against each other?

5uspect

You should uninstall AVG if you're going to use M$ Security Essentials.

MASTER...of the bra

This thread post 4.
This thread post 8.

Whatever you use as an Antivirus aint working.

Turn your computer on in Safe mode with Networking, to do this keep pressing F8 as soon as you turn it on and you will see the option for this, if the virus doesn't stop you, download, install and update these Malwarebytes, superantispyware and Microsoft security essientials (this is a real time antivirus so if your using another one delete it before you install this). These are free.

If the virus does stop you, use another computer and install on to yours with a USB stick.

Run FULL SCANS with the 3 of them while still in safe mode (will take time), that will sort it.

I copied and pasted this from another thread ^^ and the handiest way to turn off a computer in your situation is hold down the power button for 10 seconds.

Biggins

Mis_max wrote: »

Ok, so I have the microsoft thing downloaded and scanning. If i do the malware bytes thing too, will they work against each other?

Honestly, its best to do each separate for clarity besides the possibility of a rare conflict.
MSE and Malwarebytes will run together if your system is powerful enough, you have enough RAM and usually there is no problems.