Warning! 'Windows XP Anti-virus' Virus..

[Jellykat]

I am currently using DS2s Mac, because last night my PC was hit by a killer virus.

Just thought i'd warn any MNers on still Windows XP.
It starts as pop ups, disguised as a Microsoft Alert, to tell you they have detected problems, i stupidly told them to scan my computer, then my firewall apparently 'disappeared'.
They then recommend you purchase XP Antivirus 2011.. DONT put in any credit card details.. This is not from Microsoft! It is fake security software, they just want your card details.

See www.microsoft.com/security/PC-security/antivirus-rogue.aspx

Unfortunately although i close every single notification telling me that 'Trojan has infected my Internet explorer', they have blocked me from accessing the internet.

There are forums with possible solutions that have worked for some people, but having tried a lot of them with DS1, (whose a computer wizard) it looks like my only option is to wipe my computer, and start again.

Good luck if you're on Windows XP.. oh, and any advice gratefully received..
(No i won't throw it out the window, or kick it, i know its old but i cant afford a new one ...)

I had this. I started the computer up in safe mode and did a system restore. All seems well now.

Good luck

My PILs had the same thing. It was followed up with a phonecall from 'Microsoft' asking for money to fix it - fortunately she had already asked DH to take a look at it and he told her not to do touch it. She had to have it wiped in the end. good luck

Ah Thank you

We've tried the Firefox safe mode, its one of the forum options, but it didn't work . Also tried getting rid of the programmes ending in .exe that are in the system, apparently that's the baddy, but as soon as i got rid of one, another appeared straight away.
Looks like my computer may have to sit there until DS1 can wipe it.

I am slightly concerned that my details might get stolen, i'm a computer numpty, is that possible? Can they get into my computer, or have they just given me a lurgy?..

You may have fixed this by now, but try starting your computer into Safe Mode with Networking (turn on, keep pressing F8 until the boot menu comes up that lets you choose that). This should hopefully let you on the internet. If it does, download Malwarebytes from here and install it. Then restart the PC into normal mode and run malwarebytes, letting it clean up whatever it finds. In many cases of such viruses it will fix the problem. If not report back and I can try and dig a bit deeper!

As for what they may or may not have stolen - hard to know, best case scenario they're just hoping you're stupid enough to put in your credit card details, worst case it's sent out all sorts. Once you get it clean, I'd probably change passwords to anything sensitive just to be on the safe side, and keep an eye on your bank statements so you'll catch anything dodgy.