virus help

[salem]

While reading something on the PC got a screen popped up telling me to call Microsoft Tech. Support as we had been invaded by a virus. The number to call is 1 833 857 2999. I checked it on the laptop which says it's a scam. Now, I can't seem to get out of that page. Clicking on all the "X's" hasn't worked. Help please!

[1492]

If it was a browser hijack, I'd suggest running the free ADWCleaner app as a check. It was acquired by Malwarebytes, and does not require installation.

[salem]

Thanks for all the positive and helpful responses.

[T18skyguy]

If you get a ransomware that locks up the computer, boot into safe mode, connect to the internet, and download Avast or another good antivirus which will wipe the drive of the offending program. There are some real good Youtube video's on how to do it.

[bob213]

Just for the record, if you have trouble with your Yahoo account. From what we have experienced there are NO legit phone numbers for Yahoo. If you are calling one it is more than likely a scam.

[wa8yxm]

salem wrote:
I restarted it and so far it seems to be ok. I'll run a scan. Thanks.

What you saw was an advertisment. Not a genuine warning at all but a SCAM.. YOu call the number and they help you install a nasty bit of software and then charge you an arm and leg to remove it.

YOu did the right thing by NOT calling them.. The Ad has some code that basically locks up the computer so a RE-BOOT or in some cases the old 30finger bit (Ctrl-Shift-Escape) and kill the browser works.

But it is usually easier to force power off (Sit on the power button) and then re-start.

IT IS A SCAM. Micerosoft will not scan or monitor your computer (At this time)( unless you ask them to. and I'm not sure they can even then... In the near future this may change as Im told MS is changing their marketing.. but that is rumor).

[salem]

Thanks, I was curious what would have happened if I would called the number.

[MitchF150]

At least you weren't like my Dad and actually called the number! He talked to someone and then actually let the guy remote into his computer!

After a few minutes, the guy said he can remove the "virus" for $300. My Dad balked at that and didn't give him any more info, but before he could disconnect the remote connection, the guy had deleted his MS OFFICE programs...

That's all the guy ended up doing, but dang.. My Dad is a retired Mechanical Engineer from HP and did very well there, but when it comes to computers, he knows nothing... Which is ironic having worked for HP... But, he dealt with the plastic injection molding part of HP for printers...

Anyway, he got lucky in only losing Office... I restored it for him the next time I visited.. Parents... ha, ha!

Mitch

[salem]

HaHa, oh, yeah. Maybe the virus was nature's secret way of telling me I didn't need a cobbler.

[MDKMDK]

Did she get the recipe? Sounds delish.:B

[salem]

Actually, my wife had Googled a recipe for blueberry cobbler and was reading it when the thing popped up. I ran a deep scan, which took a couple of hours, and nothing showed up. So far, so good.

[MDKMDK]

Depending on the browser you're using, you need to access the Settings or Options pages. Then you would have to reset the Homepage option to something other than the redirected homepage. Set it to something like "www.google.com" or something like that.

[salem]

Gary, can you elaborate a little please? Specifically, what would I look for and change in "settings." Thanks.

[garyemunson]

Quite often that **** will insert itself as the default page to load when your browser starts up. If it does, you can fix it in your browser settings.

[MDKMDK]

😉