Windows Security Center

[wwartin]

I have been getting pop-ups from "Windows Security Center" advising that my
computer has 45 Spyware breaches and advises that I need to download an
update. I know that this is not from the Microsoft Windows Security Center
and that it is a ploy to download a program. My question is how do I prevent
these types of pop-ups from happening? I have run my Microsoft Defender and
One Care screens for viruses and spyware, but both come back normal with
neither infections. But I continue to get these annoying pop-ups. What can I
do or what settings can I change to prevent these? Thanx in advance for any
assistance.
Bill A.

 

[Malke]

I have been getting pop-ups from "Windows Security Center" advising that my
computer has 45 Spyware breaches and advises that I need to download an
update. I know that this is not from the Microsoft Windows Security Center
and that it is a ploy to download a program. My question is how do I prevent
these types of pop-ups from happening? I have run my Microsoft Defender and
One Care screens for viruses and spyware, but both come back normal with
neither infections. But I continue to get these annoying pop-ups. What can I
do or what settings can I change to prevent these? Thanx in advance for any
assistance.
Bill A.

As you have surmised, your computer is infected with malware. The
cleaning method depends on the exact name of the rogue antispyware to
which you are directed. First check on the BleepingComputer tutorials
page to see if you can make a match and if yes, follow the removal
instructions:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum55.html

If you don't find a match, then go through these general malware removal
steps:

http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, run HijackThis and post your log in one of the
specialty forums listed at the first link above (not here, please).

Standard caveat: Not all tools used will work in Vista and you will need
to run them elevated. If you are unable to remove the infection by
following the general steps, register at one of the HijackThis forums as
suggested.

Standard caveat: If the procedures look too complex - and there is no
shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a
professional computer repair shop (not your local version of
BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). Please be aware that not all local shops
are skilled at removing malware and even if they are, your computer may
be so infested that Windows will need to be clean-installed. Have all
your data backed up before you take the machine into a shop.


Malke