AV 2008, AV 2009, Ultimate AV, etc.

[jmhcs]

Why is it a lot of users get the AV 2008, AV 2009, Ultimate AV, etc. even though they use AVG Free as virus protection? I use AVG Free and have never been infected and believe me I have a lot of exposure. However, I never download music, games, or go to porn sites. Any idea as to why??

AV 2008, AV 2009, Ultimate AV, etc. seem very difficult to get rid of.

[Midknyte]

They are spyware, not viruses. If your users aren't using counterspy or another antispyware product, they are vulnerable. I'm guessing a lot of them use Internet Explorer also.

By downloading files, they are basically opening the door to infection.

[jmhcs]

You are correct, most are using Internet Explorer and most do use a re-active (Ad-Aware Free) rather than a pro-active preventer such as Counterspy.

Is there a relatively easy way to get rid of this spyware. I have found it quite difficult up to now.

[BipolarBill]

Easy? No.

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201319

All involve a full scan. That takes time, but it's not "hard" per se.

There are very few free proactive antispyware apps, but this will help a lot:

www.tallemu.com

[Midknyte]

WinAV2008, Ultimate AV, etc are some of the most difficult ones to remove. You'd need to use Smitfraudfix or Combofix in safe mode, plus the trial Counterspy/Vipre.

[BipolarBill]

Oh - Spywareblaster should also prevent this, but you gotta get these dumas users to keep it updated.

[cdroman]

My niece has picked up this spyware, even though I had her using FF. I think she probably got it opening an email. She lives an hour and a half away; so I set her up with levels of protection about 6 months ago. Very much doubt she and her noyfriend have kept anything up to date. (they are very pc illiterate) I have sent them downloads, and directions as to how to remove this, but have as yet to hear back from them. I can see this will be a pita.

[BipolarBill]

Owning a PC should require a license. The clueless need to be left curbside.



http://www.free-av.com/en/tools/12/a...ue_system.html

[cdroman]

Owning a PC should require a license. The clueless need to be left curbside.



http://www.free-av.com/en/tools/12/a...ue_system.html

That's why I help almost no one set up a pc any more. Almost always an exercise in frustration.

[rmanet]

Owning a PC should require a license. The clueless need to be left curbside.



http://www.free-av.com/en/tools/12/a...ue_system.html

then we wouldn't be very busy would we

[rmanet]

That's why I help almost no one set up a pc any more. Almost always an exercise in frustration.

"no good deed goes unpunished" is my mantra; my son and I are often cursed by our good nature and desire to help those in need - it's wasted countless hours of our otherwise productive lives

[BipolarBill]

I just wish that pre-made PCs were more expensive so that people would be more inclined to let us fix them and educate the users. It's hard to convince people to either secure or repair when they can buy a new PC (and ruin that one too) for peanuts.

I need to make money too!

[Imperion1]

Tell me about it.
My sister was always having problems with her computer. Some how, she always had virus' on it. And always claimed she doesn't know how it got there. Checked the history, temporary internet, and cookie folder. She still denied going to some of the websites I asked her about. I always ended up having to get rid of the virus' every weekend. Eventually just made an image of the laptop after a new install. After a few months, got tired of fixing the thing, especially when it started coming to me with hardware issues (driver). Finally told her I was going to start charging her. Wouldn't you know it, I haven't seen that laptop in a year. She quit having all the problems.
And now she's thinking of buying a new one.