REALLY annoying xp 'virus warnings' all the time - real or not?

[oneofsuesylvesterscheerios]

I am constantly getting pop-ups by xp security saying there's a 'critical system alert!' and that it's done a scan, I'm being attacked by a gazillion viruses and the options it gives me are 'do you want to block this attack?' followed by a box asking me to subscribe to a full protection programme (£££).

I already have a virus checker and firewall installed now - can I actually get rid of xp security completely? or are the threats real and I'm about to explode and lose all my data/passwords/ etc.?

No it's a virus - go to malwarebytes antimalware website and run the scan.

XP Security is not a real program - DO NOT click on anything on it, not even a little "x" in the corner.

Agree... sounds more like a virus.

Download and run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

More instructions and info about this virus... BleepingComputer (note: website has lots of ads, so avoid clicking on any of the ads, just scroll down to the info about how to remove the virus).

I've got Avast (free) security and so far, it's worked fine. But there's a site I visit where I now learn the banner ads often contain worms and other viruses . Apparently you don't even have to click on them. And I've had a couple of system warnings - one said my software had detected and got rid of the threat, but I think today I may have 'caught' something.

I've seen advice on the web to use the Malwarebytes downloads to protect against these specific threats from this one website - is it likely to interfere with my Avast security?

SOrry - if you hadn't already guessed, I'm not well-versed in this stuff.

No Malwarebytes is fine to use if you have other antivirus software running, because it's a standalone scanner

Also I suggest you start using firefox instead of internet explorer and download the Adblocker add-on for it, this should block those banner ads from appearing in the first place.

Ok. We do have Firefox but I click on Internet Explorer out of sheer habit.

I'm always so cautious of downloading anti-malware/spyware software now, because a few years ago I did that classic thing of clicking on some malware that said my computer was infected, click here for free download, etc, etc... But I've seen Malwarebytes recommended all over the place now.

thanks.

Take internet explorer off your desktop then

Seriously though, adblocker is fab - I am using a different browser now because for some reason Firefox crashes on my laptop and I am really missing it.

Ok, will do! Thanks for all the tips.

That's fab. I ran Malwarebytes last night (til 1am ) and it's all better now. Thanks

How long did it take to run in full, Cheerio?

It will depend how much stuff you have stored on your computer - the more stuff you have the longer it will take to scan it all. I tend to just leave it running overnight or while I do something else.

Just over an hour. I should've just left it running but I was worried it would ask me stuff half way through and not complete the scan

The Scareware in question, as its appropriately named, is being discovered on more & more popular sites so the old mantra of staying away from dubious sites and watching what dodgy email attachments you open is no longer enough to keep your Windows PC infection free unfortunately. As well as the obvious Adblock Addons for Firefox id also advice using the NoScript extension too. Better yet is to create yourself a plain old user account for anything your going to be doing online. Considering how easily many people click next/accept/install/infect even the UAC feature in more recent version of Windows is usually as much use as a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. It has been Vista & 7 i`ve been removing this junk from more often than not after all.
All the extra security software in the world just cant help some people unfortunately.

If you are running the likes of Malwarebytes then its imperative that you at least let it finish its job.