is there a computer virus going around?

[happyscooter]

We have McAfee and it isn't due yet. But we keep getting a 'warning! identity theft attempt detected' notice from microsoft. I can't get it off. When I click 'remove all' it wants my cc number. We have just downloaded the new turbo tax file. I haven't put in any information but if my computer crashes, am I going to be able to use that turbo tax file on another computer?

[Apple]

You might try to do a system restore to an earlier date, but some viruses are programmed to disable that. The best thing I've found to get rid of stuff has been Malware bytes--you can download it free. It's cleared up all kinds of stuff that my antivirus program has missed.

[happyscooter]

Do you know about the turbo tax file?

[DebMD (banned)]

Do you have a geek squad or other computer service near by?
Take your computer there for a super virus clean up.

BTW- is your computer a MAC??[known to be less virus prone]

[happyscooter]

no, it's a HP. Geek Squad would charge around $100. I don't have anything on here to save and I could just buy another turbo tax.

[DebMD (banned)]

If you buy a new tax turbo you still have a virus on your computer.
If you de-virus your computer you may still be able to use your current tax tubo without a problem.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

I doubt it was the turbo-tax that caused the problem. It sounds more like it probably came from some suspicious website that the msg. was hidden on that someone opened. I'd do as Apple suggested and run a System Restore first. Set it to restore to a date prior to when the message started to appear (at least 2 or more days previous to the activity - even a week).

And I'd also consider looking into getting a different anti-virus program. I'm not a big fan of Macafee - their anti-virus doesn't seem to catch as much crap as other programs. You might look into getting a different program. I've been using Trend Micro security for a couple of years now, and it automatically does a full security scan daily complete with a report of any blocked activity or cookies removed. [It also warns if certain websites are unsafe prior to opening the page]. I've had zero problems since installing it.

[rick]

And Stay off the Porn, Deb knows all about that

[MN-Investor]

It's not exactly a virus you have. It's malware. The malware is causing the message to appear. It is an attempt to get you to purchase their "anti-virus" software.

I'm almost positive malwarebytes (www.malwarebytes.org/) will remove it. At least, when I googled your message, other websites stated specifically that Malwarebytes could fix it. Malwarebytes is a great program to have, no matter what, and it's free. Try it. If it doesn't work, post back out here.

Since Malwarebytes should fix your problem, so you won't have to re-install TurboTax on a different PC.

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

And Stay off the Porn,

What? No porn? I dont understand.

[DebMD (banned)]

Rick
BTW-That was a hypothetical situation idea I got off the media for that thread ;D

[DebMD (banned)]

Thread - Who is Responsible....[for the clean up]

If someone borrows your lap top and goes to let say porn sites and your computer gets viruses on it.

On one hand it is your computer but then on the other hand they contaminated it.

[Apple]

Jan 29, 2011 9:50:48 GMT -5 MN-Investor said:

It's not exactly a virus you have. It's malware. The malware is causing the message to appear. It is an attempt to get you to purchase their "anti-virus" software.

I'm almost positive malwarebytes (www.malwarebytes.org/) will remove it. At least, when I googled your message, other websites stated specifically that Malwarebytes could fix it. Malwarebytes is a great program to have, no matter what, and it's free. Try it. If it doesn't work, post back out here.

Since Malwarebytes should fix your problem, so you won't have to re-install TurboTax on a different PC.

Seriously, this program has saved my computer several times, I love it. Thanks, MN, for posting the link, I had to hurry to get to work so I couldn't track it down at the time.
Scooter--I don't pay for the Malware bytes software, just use the freebie--it's the only one that I found that will detect and remove the malware/spyware for free. If it's bad enough, you may have to do a quick scan and then a full scan. Also, mine got so bad once I had to open the computer in "safe mode" first and then run malware bytes.

[MN-Investor]

Last weekend my DH was using my PC and downloaded a coupon thing and a rebate toolbar. The rebate toolbar included spyware. When I used my system Monday morning I noticed that my hard drive kept spinning after all the initial startup programs were loaded. That was not normal. Malwarebytes found the spyware and deleted it. Because I wasn't sure what might have been compromised, I changed my passwords to the banks, credit cards, Scottrade, etc.

I hate malware!

I also (mildly) chewed my DH out for loading software on my PC. He knows better. I'm super cautious about anything that goes on there because I use that PC for all our financial transactions and record keeping.

[verrip1]

Get off Internet Explorer and your chances of infection are overwhelmingly reduced.

[TD2K]

I was told by our computer techs if you get one of these windows, don't use the red x at the upper corner as clicking on that can be programmed to do other stuff than closing the window.

Click anywhere on the top bar, right click and then select 'close'.

[Jake 48]

DW"s computer just had one, took it to Staples to have it cleaned. The tech told her MacAfee does a mediocre job, but they have an agreement w/ them so it is put in the computers they sell, sold her Kaspersky anti-virus software. Claim it is much better

[tiredturkey]

When my computer almost died an early death from malware, my IT guy downloaded something called Hitman and it found a ton of stuff that my McAffee AND my Spyware Doctor had missed. I think the subscription for Hitman is about $20-$30 a year and I've heard there is a free version available for one-time use. I've got it set to run at boot-up and it does the job for me.

[TheOtherMe]

Malware Bytes is incredible for finding malware. I also use Ad-Aware and for my anti-virus I use the Webroot suite.

[Deleted]

Jan 29, 2011 7:52:31 GMT -5 Apple said:

You might try to do a system restore to an earlier date, but some viruses are programmed to disable that. The best thing I've found to get rid of stuff has been Malware bytes--you can download it free. It's cleared up all kinds of stuff that my antivirus program has missed.

I second this! If that doesn't work, back up all your files and recover your hard drive!

[ՏՇԾԵԵʅՏɧ_LԹՏՏʅҼ]

Creating a set of System Recovery Discs should be done immediately upon setting up any new computer. (These are not backup discs). The recovery discs will set your system back to its orginal factory settings if push comes to shove.