Re: Pop Up Error Messages
- From: "Laura G" <laura@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx(donotspam)>
- Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2005 09:48:04 -0800
Thank you sooooo much for your help! Do you know where i can download a free
firewall? The pop ups did stop but now when i am in Internet Explorer
checking my emails, i can not open up my attachments. I can get as far as
clicking on DOWNLOAD FILE. Then i am asked if i want to open or save or
cancel. I click on open. Then i get the following error message:
Internet Explore can not dowload from 64.4.61.250
Int. Ex. was not able to open this internet site. The requested site is
either unavailable or can not be found. Please try again later.
Thanks again.
--
Laura G.
"Bruce Chambers" wrote:
> Laura G wrote:
> > I keep getting different error messages. I get about four per minute. I also
> > get an error message that a spyware infection has been detected in
> > C:\Windows\ but when i scan my computer no virus or infection is detected.
> >
> > The pop up messages are the most annoying thing because it doesn't matter
> > what you're in on the computer, they pop up anytime (even if i am not
> > online). They are different but the following is the main one:
> >
> > Messanger Service
> >
> > Message FROM to TO on 11/28/2005 7:19:19 PM
> > STOP! Windows Requires Immediate Attention
> > Windows has found 55 Critical System Errors
> > To fix the errors please do the following:
> >
> > 1. Download Repair Registry Pro from Desktopfix.com
> > 2. Install Repair Registry Pro
> > 3. Run Repair Registry Pro
> > 4. Reboot your computer
> >
> > Failure to act now may lead to system failure! (end)
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> >
>
>
> It's a scam, plain and simple. It's from a very unscrupulous
> "business." They're trying to sell you patches that Microsoft provides
> free-of-charge, and using a very intrusive means of advertising. It's
> also demonstrating that your PC is very unsecure.
>
> This type of spam has become quite common over the past couple of
> years, and unintentionally serves as a valid security "alert." It
> demonstrates that you haven't been taking sufficient precautions while
> connected to the Internet. Your data probably hasn't been compromised
> by these specific advertisements, but if you're open to this exploit,
> you most definitely open to other threats, such as the Blaster,
> Welchia, and Sasser Worms that still haunt the Internet. Install and
> use a decent, properly configured firewall. (Merely disabling the
> messenger service, as some people recommend, only hides the symptom,
> and does little or nothing to truly secure your machine.) And
> ignoring or just "putting up with" the security gap represented by
> these messages is particularly foolish.
>
> Messenger Service of Windows
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;168893
>
> Messenger Service Window That Contains an Internet Advertisement
> Appears
> http://support.microsoft.com/?id=330904
>
> Stopping Advertisements with Messenger Service Titles
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
>
> Blocking Ads, Parasites, and Hijackers with a Hosts File
> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
>
> Whichever firewall you decide upon, be sure to ensure UDP ports 135,
> 137, and 138 and TCP ports 135, 139, and 445 are all blocked. You
> may also disable Inbound NetBIOS over TCP/IP). You'll have
> to follow the instructions from firewall's manufacturer for the
> specific steps.
>
> You can test your firewall at:
>
> Symantec Security Check
> http://security.symantec.com/ssc/vr_main.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=GPVHGBYNCJEIMXQKCDT
>
> Security Scan - Sygate Online Services
> http://www.sygatetech.com/
>
> Oh, and be especially wary of people who advise you to do nothing
> more than disable the messenger service. Disabling the messenger
> service, by itself, is a "head in the sand" approach to computer
> security. The real problem is not the messenger service pop-ups;
> they're actually providing a useful, if annoying, service by acting as
> a security alert. The true problem is the unsecured computer, and
> you've been advised to merely turn off the warnings. How is this
> helpful?
>
> Additionally, manual removal instructions for the most common
> varieties of scumware are available here:
>
> PC Hell Spyware and Adware Removal Help
> http://www.pchell.com/support/spyware.shtml
>
> More information and assistance is available at these sites:
>
> Blocking Ads, Parasites, and Hijackers with a Hosts File
> http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
>
> The Parasite Fight
> http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>
> Neither adware nor spyware, collectively known as scumware,
> magically install themselves on anyone's computer. They are almost
> always deliberately installed by the computer's user, as part of some
> allegedly "free" service or product.
>
> While there are some unscrupulous malware distributors out there,
> who do attempt to install and exploit malware without consent, the
> majority of them simply rely upon the intellectual laziness and
> gullibility of the average consumer, counting on them to quickly click
> past the EULA in his/her haste to get the latest in "free" cutesy
> cursors, screensavers, "utilities," and/or wallpapers.
>
> If you were to read the EULAs that accompany, and to which the
> computer user must agree before the download/installation of the
> "screensaver" continues, most adware and spyware, you'll find that
> they _do_ have the consumer's permission to do exactly what they're
> doing. In the overwhelming majority of cases, computer users have no
> one to blame but themselves.
>
> There are several essential components to computer security: a
> knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
> reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
> patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.
>
> The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
> user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected
> to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many people
> have bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing
> claims of easy computing. They believe that their computer should be
> no harder to use than a toaster oven; they have neither the
> inclination or desire to learn how to safely use their computer. All
> too few people keep their antivirus software current, install patches
> in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link
> they're about to click.
>
> Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
> and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
> but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
> user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and
> every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.
>
>
> To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:
>
> Protect Your PC
> http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp
>
> Home Computer Security
> http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/
>
> List of Antivirus Software Vendors
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500
>
> Home PC Firewall Guide
> http://www.firewallguide.com/
>
> Scumware.com
> http://www.scumware.com/
>
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
> http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
> both at once. - RAH
>
.
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- Re: Pop Up Error Messages
- From: Bruce Chambers
- Re: Pop Up Error Messages
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