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| VISTA Internet security 2012 09/01/2012 at 09:57 #26968 | |
Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
Has anyone had experience of VISTA Internet security 2012? I ran the windows update yesterday and this morning the whole thing had ground to a halt with the IS 2012 stopping everything and reporting all sorts of viruses, trogens and the like and suggesting I might like to upgrade (at a cost). Now I'm a tad suspicious of this A because some of the alleged problems are in what I know are valid files and B I'd not expect to have to pay for what is (or was) part of the VISTA system. I'm perplexed though that if this is a bug how it got through all the various security systems I have on my laptop- including the original VISTA Internet Security, Avast, Ad Aware, Rapport (from my bank) and some program where I need to authorise any program to access the internet before it can. Anyway a quick search of the net (not from my laptop as every time I click on something this security thing fires up) indicates it is probably a rogue thing nothing to do with the update (where did it come from and how?) Unfortunately most of the sites that come up in a search seemed to be linked to some software that I need to install (and buy) in order to do so. From previous searches for specific file names it appear that doing a search for any file on my computer will result in some warning and being implored to download something or other to remove it (at a cost). On other sites there just arguments between people arowing over how to remove and criticising the methods other seem to have got to work. Started running Avast virus checker but had to dash for the train this morning- will have another go this evening- in the meantime I've disconnected the Internet. Yours confused Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 09/01/2012 at 13:52 #26983 | |
flymo
135 posts |
Looks like you may have a rouge program installed Peter. I was going to mention one site http://trojan-killer.net/vista-internet-security-2012-scam-uninstall-tips/ but it looks like this is payware so maye not what you want but it does seem to have some manual removal instructions Of course the usual disclaimers apply, at your own risk etc....... Hope this is of some use.. Last edited: 09/01/2012 at 14:13 by flymo Reason: oops! payware Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 09/01/2012 at 15:08 #26988 | |
postal
5264 posts 
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Peter There is a long article about this on the Microsoft Answers site so I presume it is kosher information and that the included link to the Bleepingcomputer site has official Microsoft authority. The bleepingcomputer site goes through full instructions on how to get rid of this nasty using free resources and downloads. It looks like quite a process, so best of luck with it. “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 09/01/2012 at 17:08 #26993 | |
sdwillsmvr
21 posts |
I would advise trying to do a backup of your documents before attempting to remove the malware. Seems like quite a long process to go through but it should work. As always with malware if you have one you most likely have others. During the removal process completely disconnect from your home network / internet (pull the cable out or disable the wireless card in windows hardware manager) so it cannot be reinstalled!
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| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 09/01/2012 at 20:50 #27004 | |
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Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
Thanks for that, am working through it. Managed to kill it on a temporary basis via the task manager- little program called 321.exe- though finding and renaming that throws up all sorts of problems so I suspect it's not actually that problem, just a catalyst. Just waiting to see what Avast throws up (chuntering for a few hours now) then I'll tackle the stuff linked. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 09/01/2012 at 23:07 #27021 | |
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Sacro
1171 posts |
I recommend a full wipe and reinstall, followed by changing all your passwords and perhaps even reissuing your banking credentials.
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| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 00:43 #27026 | |
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GoodbyeMrFish
148 posts |
first thing is to look in your registry, search for Run or Runonce etc and see if there is anything in there that shouldent be, look in your local folder too and delete anything untoward there, Do all this in safemode as the process could be locked and undeleteable its common for a trojan to copy and rename it self a few times to make sure it runs. Also be wary of anything from microsoft if you do have a virus installed, a while back there was a trojan that deleted the real security center and replaced it with a rogue one. HKEY current user /software / microsoft / current version/ run or run once is a good place to start looking. but search the other registry keys too. This will at least ensure that it doesnt boot up, also if its not a too bad infection a system restore going back to before you had the issue could fix it. like it did for me, then just delete the files manually. Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 01:12 #27029 | |
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maxand
1637 posts |
For what it's worth, I run Comodo Internet Security - a bit more of a learning curve, but excellent. Along with the usual freebie AV software. It was free at the time (may still be) - anyway I'm still getting upgrades. I usually look at Top Ten Reviews for this kind of thing: http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ However, here are a couple of others: http://www.pcmag.com/reviews/antivirus http://www.security-faqs.com/the-best-10-antivirus-programs-2012-my-reviews Good luck cleaning your system. Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 11:15 #27041 | |
BarryM
2158 posts |
Peter, were you successful in getting rid of the bug? Barry Barry, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 11:28 #27042 | |
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Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
Not quite yet. I used the trojen killer as linked above and it seems to have done the trick, save that when I paused last night and hibernated the computer it (the program) refused to revive this morning so I started again. This second time it did not pick up the 321.exe as a bug so it looks like it fixed it yesterday but there were one or two additional things it did find, one of which I'm certain is legitimate part of a legitimate program. I also need to test the legitimate VISTA virus thing to see that it still works in parallel to the other stuff I have (but it's questionable any of it works given the problem). In just over two weeks time I'm getting a new laptop anyway for my birthday (this one's gubbed mechanically) so I really just need it to limp in for a short while. Thanks Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 11:37 #27043 | |
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Sacro
1171 posts |
There is no legitimate "VISTA virus thing", it's all malware.
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| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 11:54 #27045 | |
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Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
" said:There is no legitimate "VISTA virus thing", it's all malware.If that is the case then there has been something rogue on my computer since I got it 4 or 5 years ago. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 13:51 #27055 | |
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sdwillsmvr
21 posts |
Try giving some software from microsoft a go, its called malicious software removal tool ive had success with this in the past with other methords failed. http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/malware-removal.aspx Its a free tool and maybe able to help you. Must agree with Sacro here and to the best of my knowledge anything calling itself names such as vista antivirus or windows internet security etc is malware. Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 15:59 #27065 | |
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Albert
1315 posts |
Perhaps you are confusing it with Microsoft Security Essentials? That program is not malware. It's a free virus scanner from Microsoft.
AJP in games Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 16:04 #27066 | |
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sdwillsmvr
21 posts |
" said:Perhaps you are confusing it with Microsoft Security Essentials? That program is not malware. It's a free virus scanner from Microsoft.Completely forgot that even existed! Never used it as to start with it it bad reviews and detection rates, don't know if its improved since though. Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 16:12 #27067 | |
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Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
Not sure now- but you access it via control panel or something like that (not at home at the moment) and there is a "Security" option and in there is the control panel that you can set various security settings - might be firewall rather than virus and it also reports the setting status. Anyway that was all part of the problem I had with this "thing" the security settings report was all over the place. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 16:17 #27068 | |
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sdwillsmvr
21 posts |
Windows by default does include a "Security Center" which show the status of either the default windows stuff or added programs such as Avast or AVG. It just an information center really and does not control anything other than the default included windows firewall and included anti-malware.
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| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 17:49 #27073 | |
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Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
Yes I have the security centre which is showing everything normal now. I also have Windows Firewall Also Windows Defender Also HP Security Manager All came with the computer That's in addition to all the stuff I added myself. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 17:56 #27074 | |
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sdwillsmvr
21 posts |
That all sounds good and normal, software like the HP Security Manager I usually get rid of but its a personal preference thing. All i can suggest is running scans with as many different things as possible like your antivirus (Avast, Norten etc) and also spyware/malware software like Windows Defender and Spybot Search and Destroy.
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| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 18:02 #27075 | |
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Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
What don't understand is with all this stuff on my computer how did it get through! Also I presume it did not come through with theh Windows Update- that must have been coincidence. I hope!! Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 18:05 #27076 | |
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sdwillsmvr
21 posts |
Windows update is a secure process, the software thats caused problems was either on their already and the windows updates triggered it or it was downloaded after when you were browsing the web. You will never really know where it came from and the main thing it just to get rid of it whatever way possible, which sounds like you have been successful.
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| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 18:57 #27081 | |
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Sacro
1171 posts |
I assume you (or someone else on your machine) installed it, that or it came in through some unpatched software. What stuff did you add yourself? Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 19:05 #27082 | |
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Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
" said:I assume you (or someone else on your machine) installed it, that or it came in through some unpatched software.What I said right at the beginning- Avast, AdAware and something my bank recommended (Rapport or something like that) and Windows 7 Firewall Control (seems to work on VISTA). I think there is some Port protection too but I can't remeber what it is- oh and my Router apparently has some firewall but I've not explored that. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply |
| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 19:05 #27083 | |
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GoodbyeMrFish
148 posts |
9 times out of ten its through your web browser the browser is the most powerful tool for any virus or hacker. you would be suprised what you could do with a web browser, dont use IE it always has security flaws.
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| Re: VISTA Internet security 2012 10/01/2012 at 19:06 #27084 | |
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GoodbyeMrFish
148 posts |
www.securityfocus.com look at the bugtraq mailing list and see.
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