(no subject)

[deckardcanine]

I completed my comic strip for today, but I couldn't upload it because "Antivirus Vista 2010" won't let me access the Net without either "scanning" the PC or downloading more of their ware. >:(

Alas, I have to share the blame. A workplace mishap warned me that Talk About Comics was dangerous, which is why I stopped visiting there after a close call two weeks ago. So what made me confident that my home PC system was more likely to do the trick? Now I'm paying the price -- literally, since I don't know anyone who could and would help for free.

This had to happen during Lent, when I've sworn off video games. Good thing my mom just dropped off Orlando Furioso, or I don't know how I'd pass the time tomorrow.

I've been visiting forums at TAC for six years. It's always had problems. First it wouldn't let me log in with Firefox. Then there was a rash of banner ads filled with nude drawings. And to this day (or week, anyway), it's been prone to severe lags. But I came all the same, because it was the only place to discuss several of the Web comics I read, especially during the four months that The Nice was out of order. These discussions made the comics about twice as fun in my estimation.

Old Wolf, Sleepy John, Marmoe... one of you, please tell the others that I'll miss them, but I'll never return unless TAC undergoes a dramatic shift.

Comments

[nefaria.livejournal.com]

"Antivirus Vista 2010" sounds like a virus, do you have real anti-virus software installed? I was able to find a free anti-virus package on microsoft.com after Windows7 was released (OneCare doesn't run on Windows7), maybe search on microsoft.com for OneCare and see if you can find the link to install it. I can't remember the name of the package, I'll let you know it when I get home.

Ah, here it is: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx

[deckardcanine.livejournal.com]

"Antivirus Vista 2010" sounds like a virus

After "Antivirus Pro" messed up my work PC, I had no doubt.

[marmoe.livejournal.com]

Im not willing to let you escape the madhouse that easily. ;-)

A quick search shows, that Antivirus Vista 2010 is a scam program. I'll hunt down removal instructions and post them here.

I'll furthermore write a reference LJ post on how to make a TAC proof Firefox installation from scratch this weekend.

[deckardcanine.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Better do it before about 6 pm EST today (8 hours from now), because I can't read email from home now.

[marmoe.livejournal.com]

Let's deal with the malware first.
What's your system? XP,Vista,Win7?

[deckardcanine.livejournal.com]

Vista.

[marmoe.livejournal.com]

Here's a legit site with instructions (site endorsed by Microsoft). (You can disregard my question for your OS)

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivirus-vista-2010

Print out the instruction and download both files mentioned in the guide to a USB-Stick and/or burn them to a CD:

http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/malwarebytes/mbam-setup.exe
http://download.bleepingcomputer.com/reg/antivirus-vista-2010/FixExe.reg

I've read the instructions, you should be able to do this. If it fails they offer a link with further info, may be a good idea to print that one as well.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic34773.html

Good luck.

[marmoe.livejournal.com]

The guide is up:
http://marmoe.livejournal.com/54554.html

2010 spyware

[akktri.livejournal.com]

After sitting online at webcomicsnation.com for a little too long, I suddenly had my computer "updated" with a similar "security 2010", which is really a virus.