Expert: Lorry - 12/10/2009

Question
I wanted to ask if you have heard of going to a website and a scanning tool starts scanning your computer and then says you have multiple infections and to download what they offer as security. it took the form of saying it was a windows based security anti-virus product and when i tried to navigate away from the webpage it stopped me and said if I did my computer was at risk of crashing! that doesnt sound like microsoft it sounds like a scam, can you agree that sounds about right or was it a genuine microsoft automated scanning tool? ( I didnt download anything from the product offer ).

Answer
Hi Peter,

Glad you didn't download anything, smart move. To verify that there are no viruses and/or other threats on the computer, please do the following - even if you have an AV program installed:

Using Internet Explorer, go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

Click "Continue to Symantec Security Check", in the next window click No when asked if you want to close this window, that will bring you to a window where you should click Virus Detection.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

I would also suggest downloading Malwarebytes Anti-Malware  from:

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

Before running Malwarebytes, check for updates. Being a free program there are some things we have to do manually.

Regarding your AV program, keep it up to date and run a scan once a week.

Hope this helps!
Lorry