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A Windows security alert and it directed me to have a scan of my computer which alerted me to numerous Trojan and viruses and worms—is it a scam?
March 3rd, 2010 - Posted by Kent
The following is an actual reader submitted question:
Q:I received a Windows security alert and it directed me to have a scan of my computer which alerted me to numerous Trojan and viruses and worms. Now I am not able to open any of my computer files or access my virus protection. Is this site legitimate or is it a scam?
A: It depends on where that warning came from. If it came from reputable Internet security software that you installed on your computer, it's probably legitimate. If it came from a website that you came across, it's probably a scam. Either way, it sounds like you probably have a virus, or some other piece of malware on your computer. A good antivirus product would have removed any viruses or advised you on further action.
A good first step is to try running a free scan from a reputable company, such as the one from Norton. This should give you an indication of what's going wrong. Depending on the quality and age of your antivirus product, you may want to consider upgrading to a more robust Internet security software product.
5 Responses to “A Windows security alert and it directed me to have a scan of my computer which alerted me to numerous Trojan and viruses and worms—is it a scam?”
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April 15th, 2010 at 8:05 am
If you are currently using a legitimate antivirus product, get into Windows Safe Mode (hit F8 repeatedly during bootup until you enter it). Then do a scan with your AV product. This may help. If it doesn't, visit the Malwarebytes site and download the free version of their Malwarebytes Antimalware and do a scan with it. If it works, keep it on your machine and do a daily scan with it.
If nothing has worked so far, get one of the Linux boot rescue CDs (I like F-Secure or Bitdefender). Download their rescue file and burn it to CD as an ISO file. Then boot into the rescue CD and do a scan. They use the Linux OS with their AV, so Windows viruses can't hide from them.
Regards,
June 20th, 2011 at 1:37 am
Amlwarebytes antimalware works like a charm to remove the fake security alerts.
June 20th, 2011 at 1:38 am
Amlwarebytes antimalware works like a charm to remove the fake security alerts. Sorry for the wrong link above
October 12th, 2011 at 6:11 am
iphone 4s or galaxys 2? this is my dilemma? anyone?
October 12th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Very, very interesting and clear. I found it useful. Nice work! Love your site.