Computer problems and/or advice 2012

[Paul T]

Palustris,

Have you done a hard reload of the page?  It might be picking up the old version from your cache in your computer memory.  It might appear fine to anyone else loading it, just not to you until your cache updates.  Try holding down the shift key then clicking on the refresh/reload icon in whatever browser you're using.  I think that the shift + refresh is universal for a hard reload (i.e it completely redownloads the page, not using the memory cache).  If it doesn't work, let us know which browser you're using and maybe there is a different method of forcing a complete refresh for that browser?

Good luck.

[monocotman]

Hi,
on sunday evening my new dell laptop with full mcafee protection was 'taken over' by a malware called 'windows problem stopper'. I've spent hours trying to sort this out. It has been a nightmare for someone who isn't a 'techie'.
It produces hundreds of pop ups that tell you your computer is full of trojans/viruses etc and directs you to a page where you can insert your credit card details to sort this out. There were so many pop ups that connection to the net was disrupted every few seconds.
I've finally managed to disable the virus enough to get connection through using a free Mcafee product called stinger. I jad to introduce this through a stick as the download took too long and the virus stopped it. Even now, mcafee security centre is off line and the computer is at risk.
Support from Mcafee when I got through has been very disappointing. They just want more cash to sort out the problem. Is this typical for them or the industry? Can anyone recommend a course of action? Should I replace Mcafee? I have a 'senior technician' calling me back tonight. What should I say?

many thanks,

David

[Lina Hesseling]

Hello,
The problem is very nasty indeed.
To prevent such things happening again do the following:
Remove McAfee.
Install free virus protection from AVG or Avast.
I have been using it for many years successfully.
Install also Advancend System Care also free.
Run this program now and then to remove any malware.
Only one button to push,scan goes automatically then.

Henk (Lina's husband)

[Palustris]

Thanks PaulT. that is what seems to have happened. This morning the correct photo is showing.

[Palustris]

This makes interesting reading for anyone with Windows stopper.
http://www.myantispyware.com/2012/03/19/how-to-remove-windows-problems-stopper-virus/

[ashley]

Yes I really wish computer suppliers didn't bundle McAfee on new machines, and agree that it's best replaced immediately with Avast or equivalent.

Henk, thanks for recommending Advanced System Care too.  It looks useful.

[monocotman]

Lena( and others),
Many thanks for the advice.
Since jumping up and down and sending out several e mails expressing my disappointment with McAfee,
they have come back to me and sorted the problem without charge.
My view is that this should have been their first response, not last.
It is the first time I've had a known virus attack get through the security software.
It was definitely up to date.
What are the general thoughts on other security providers?
I've heard that uninstalling McAfee can result in other problems due to incomplete removal of programmes.
I don't want to jump from the frying pan into the fire.

Thanks,

David

[johnw]

I got a new laptop at work last autumn.  Immediately AVG was virus-checking so I assumed it was included with the computer. Several weeks later it advised that it was a trial.  I deleted all AVG files and switched to Avast which I was using on my previous laptop. Everytime I turn on the laptop a huge AVG window appears asking me to sign up; there is no X to close the window although I can close it by right clicking in the upper lefthand corner of the window though there is no indication of that function.  Wonder how to get rid of this annoyance.

Hopefully Avast has this Advancend System Care function. If so I'll add it as I very much like Avast.

johnw -  everyone in summer attire and downright hot tomorrow...24c maybe / 27c inland.  Normal is +4c on the coast!

[Lina Hesseling]

Hello David,
I recommend to install advanced system care first.
Use this program to uninstall McAfee.
All references to it will be removed from the register and drives.
To do this go to the tab utilities,uninstall programs.

Henk.

[Lina Hesseling]

Hello John,
Install advanced system care.You will find the download site cnet download com usefull and a reliable source for software.
On the tab utilities you will find uninstall programs.
Use this and look for avg.
Uninstall it and use powerfull clean up as well.
All references to avg will be removed from the registry and hard drive.

Henk

[Palustris]

Have to say that we use Microsoft Security Essentials and with a bow to Hubris, have had no trouble with Viruses etc. Mind we also have AVG and Spybot and a lovely little program called WinPatrol. The latter stops anything from altering anything on your computer without your permission.

[mark smyth]

My desk top is scrolling up or down in a starnge way. It's not smooth and looks like the screen is running behind and has to catch up as I scroll up and down. I just tried catching it in print screen but it shows nothing wrong

[Maggi Young]

Mark, have you accidentally pressed down on the scroll wheel of your mouse? That activates a different kind of scroll feature that runs about with a mind of its own.  Ian uses it to browse... I don't know what its called.

[mark smyth]

Its been happening for a few days now. I shut down every night.

[TC]

As Maggie says, if you press the scroll wheel down, then the mouse movement acts in place of the scroll wheel. The screen can race up and down at the slightest movement of the mouse.
To check if you are doing this inadvertently, look for a small circle on the screen with a centre spot and two up/down arrows above and below them.  If this is the case, then press down on the scroll button, release and this should bring you back to normal scrolling using the wheel.