Windows Stability Maximiser

chrismahon

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Been unable to access the forum because I, like millions, have fallen foul to the 'Windows Stability Maximiser' which claims to protect you against intrusions like itself. It sneaks in one day and embeds itself in the startup files. Then claims that you are under all sorts of attacks and won't let you access the internet for more than a few moments until you release your bank details. All the graphics are Windows-like so at a glance it appears to be genuine. It disables your anti-virus software as well.

Fortunately we know someone who can give advice. It got through our Panda firewall and our Windows firewall and our BT firewall. It got through his as well and there are several versions, some more difficult to remove than others. In this case we are running Windows XP. On startup pressing F5 (F8 Windows 2007) gets you into the Safe Startup menu. Selection of Safe Mode allows you to access System Restore. We set a date 3 days before the problem as the 'worm' arrives before you see it. System restored and everything updated. A scan of the hard drive revealed 19 spy files as well, which have also got through the firewalls!

Next computer will be a Macintosh!
 
This is one reason I'm glad I have a Mac Chris! Although it is a pain sometimes, but this is only because I'm not used to using one. I also have a Windows XP laptop so will keep a note of what to do in case this happens to that one. Glad you managed to get it sorted out!
 

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