Windows Security Essentials

[Hawnjigs]

Well, I ignored all the mediocre online reviews and paid the price. Last night noticed that my OS seemed to be stalling on shut down, so had to hit the power kill switch prematurely. Curious, booted back up and to check the SE log and was denied access. Following online instructions to delete SE Client from program files and re-install from MS website got message that the new install.exe file had a virus! So, following other online advice tried to install Consumer Reports #1 rated (free) Avast anti-virus and got the same message! This was on IE so figuring nothing to lose tried Firefox and the download worked! Well, 3 scans later 28 Java Trojans were rooted out and "moved to chest" per Avast recommendation. Finally got to bed at 4 am.

Hopefully, my system is operational now. I know most of you are more computer savvy than me but for the others let my experience serve as a warning about Windows Security Essentials and a recommend to have a backup browser. Actually, Google Chrome is bundled with Avast Free so now I've got 3 internet portals.

So, are there other actions I should be considering?

 

[Hawnjigs]

Update: well, trojans are like bullets, extracting them with Avast! Antivirus and Malwarebytes doesn't fix the damage. This computer is probably toast since the bios appears to be corrupted. Here are some failed fix attempts:
1. Unable to boot from replacement hard drives. Bios shows them as disabled with no enable option
2. Unable to format and reinstall Windows on this one.
3. Unable to download fix apps, for example, Malwarebytes rootkit cleaner gets deleted while downloading. A red shield with an X appears which I understand is a fake Windows Defender notice.
4. Avast! does note 20 or so corrupted files as being "unable to scan". The list of files is immune from any action and cannot be copied. Tried to locate one manually but Windows search came up blank.

So, if anyone has any suggestions, particularly if the bios is repairable, I'm all eyes.

 

[plateboater]

Sounds like it needs to go into the doctors office for a check-up. Similar events for my computer in early spring. Was hacked and damaged. Took computer into a local computer shop. Had it fixed same day for about $100.

 

[Hawnjigs]

Holding off on the pro servicing for now, but got a new Western Digital HDD and hope the bios will support a WIN 7 fresh install from disc.

Interesting coincidence - just got a call from a barely understandable woman with a strong Indian-Pakistani accent but an English name informing me that my computer was infected and Windows OS corrupted. Think she was trying to sell a repair service. When I mentioned I was going to re-install the OS she said that wouldn't help and when I asked why the line went dead. Scam?

 

[AtticaFish]

Yes, it is a scam - have gotten the call myself. They just want to scare you into buying their software that will most likely infect your computer with something much much worse. Don't even think they can track back an IP address to a physical address or phone number unless you give them that info.

Wish i could help..... certain viruses can do some major damage to the hardware by re-writing main operating components. Consider myself fairly knowledgeable about solving issues with computers but have and old laptop that got hit by a bug a year ago and never could get it to work the same again. After several frustrating late nights fixing it... fixing it again... and again... and still getting the blue screen of death - I punted and purchased a new laptop.

In my opinion, computer technology today is like driving around an old clunker. You buy it cheap, fix the minor problems as they come up and try to ignore the 'Service Engine' light - drive it till the wheels fall off. Just keep any important stuff backed up! Google Drive or Drop Box offer plenty of free storage.

 

[papaperch]

A warning to anyone that get " those " phone calls from someone that claims to be from " Windows ". First off NO Microsoft employee will call you and tell you they are from " Windows ". Windows is a product Microsoft is the company.

A lot of on-line " fix your computer problems " are problem causers not fixers. They put a lot of garbage in your computer that only their program can find for 39.95 or so. Their program knows right where to find it because their " free check-up " put the garbage in there.

Used to run a side-line computer business and you would be surprised how many problems are caused by the user themselves. I had one customer that kept falling for those flashing warnings that your computer may be infected scams. Every time he would click on the link and bam infected again. Same story every time he would say but it said it was to prevent it.

One last hint stay away from all porn sites and pirated software sites. Almost every last one has virsuses of all types and classes. Just waiting for some user to commit " electronic hari-kari. "