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Calling all Computer Geeks - a Request for Assistance
Mar 17, 2014 00:03:36 #
From reading all the posts here on the Hog, I realize that most of you know much more about computers than I do. So I am soliciting assistance from anyone with expertise with this matter. You may reply here or via PM if you prefer.
My Dad has a Dell PC using Windows Vista, Norton 360 installed. It has apparently fallen prey to ROOTKIT.BOOT.HARBINGER.A.
Have any of you experienced this and succeeded in removing it?
Thank you in advance for any and all asssistance.
My Dad has a Dell PC using Windows Vista, Norton 360 installed. It has apparently fallen prey to ROOTKIT.BOOT.HARBINGER.A.
Have any of you experienced this and succeeded in removing it?
Thank you in advance for any and all asssistance.
Mar 17, 2014 00:14:17 #
https://www.zonealarm.com/forums/showthread.php/79529-Solved-can-not-remove-Rootkit-boot-harbinger-gt-cured-with-the-TDSSKiller
TDSSKiller apparently works... the moderator of the forum recommends it. don't know if it's free or not.
...hope this helps :)
TDSSKiller apparently works... the moderator of the forum recommends it. don't know if it's free or not.
...hope this helps :)
Mar 17, 2014 00:18:20 #
if the Norton is current you might have your dad call them for assistance in the removal since their software was supposed to prevent this.
Mar 17, 2014 00:19:17 #
Mar 17, 2014 00:19:31 #
papayanirvana wrote:
https://www.zonealarm.com/forums/showthread.php/79529-Solved-can-not-remove-Rootkit-boot-harbinger-gt-cured-with-the-TDSSKiller
TDSSKiller apparently works... the moderator of the forum recommends it. don't know if it's free or not.
...hope this helps :)
TDSSKiller apparently works... the moderator of the forum recommends it. don't know if it's free or not.
...hope this helps :)
Thank you for your lightning quick response. I will look into this.
Mar 17, 2014 00:31:03 #
SHUTERED wrote:
if the Norton is current you might have your dad call them for assistance in the removal since their software was supposed to prevent this.
I called Norton support and they were very helpful in trying to separate us from our money. They wanted $89.95 to perform a complete maintenance routine followed by removal of the virus, and $19.95 per month afterward for continual service. Or we could could pay just $99.95 for a one time routine. They sidestep responsibility by stating that the virus came in on software that we installed, therefore giving permission for the site to download the virus. 'Nathan" sounded much more like a salesman than a tech support agent, even to the scripted pitch. My confidence in their product has taken a huge drop.
Mar 17, 2014 00:33:38 #
traveler90712 wrote:
Thank you Traveler, you are one of several who have given the same advice.
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Mar 17, 2014 00:41:44 #
Madman wrote:
I called Norton support and they were very helpful... (show quote)
sorry to hear that and noted- t/y
Mar 17, 2014 03:01:55 #
Norton is right in saying that you installed it. But they should have the codes to detect it and block it. Norton and I have had problems with each other going way back. There no longer allowed on any of my machines.
Any virus has to reconfigure you machine to take it over. I does this by asking you permission. It's not going to tell you its a virus. It's going to tell you that one of drivers is out of date or this software needs to be updated. Then it will ask for you password, and in most cases, since passwords are a pain and to hard to remember or take to much time to type in. It will just ask you for permission. Once granted, you now have the virus. Passwords are Like condoms there for your protection. Certificates are badges, you want to see a certificate before any down load.
Any virus has to reconfigure you machine to take it over. I does this by asking you permission. It's not going to tell you its a virus. It's going to tell you that one of drivers is out of date or this software needs to be updated. Then it will ask for you password, and in most cases, since passwords are a pain and to hard to remember or take to much time to type in. It will just ask you for permission. Once granted, you now have the virus. Passwords are Like condoms there for your protection. Certificates are badges, you want to see a certificate before any down load.
Mar 17, 2014 13:32:58 #
Bill Houghton wrote:
Norton is right in saying that you installed it. ... (show quote)
While it makes sense that the virus had to come from outside the computer, if their service was as good as they say it is and they block or identify malicious sites, this wouldn't happen. At any rate, thank you for your response.
Mar 17, 2014 14:04:21 #
Madman wrote:
While it makes sense that the virus had to come from outside the computer, if their service was as good as they say it is and they block or identify malicious sites, this wouldn't happen. At any rate, thank you for your response.
I'm in total agreement with you. There out for the dollar not customers.
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Mar 17, 2014 14:12:39 #
Bill Houghton wrote:
I'm in total agreement with you. There out for the dollar not customers.
They are added to my "Never Again" list, along with Hewlitt Packard and Verizon. I commented previously, that the rep sounded more like a salesman than a support technician, right down to the scripted spiel.
If this Kaspersky software that has been recommended does it job, they may get my business next time.
Mar 18, 2014 07:48:09 #
Madman wrote:
While it makes sense that the virus had to come from outside the computer, if their service was as good as they say it is and they block or identify malicious sites, this wouldn't happen. At any rate, thank you for your response.
:thumbup:
Mar 18, 2014 09:37:06 #
I'm not capable of doing the evaluation,but Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, both free, have been recommended to me by IT professionals.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Mar 18, 2014 09:59:28 #
Madman wrote:
My Dad has a Dell PC using Windows Vista, Norton 360 installed. It has apparently fallen prey to ROOTKIT.BOOT.HARBINGER.A.
After following the good advice here and the machine is clean, upgrade to Windows 7. Get rid of Norton. It is a virus unto itself. I use a couple of manual scanning programs that have been mentioned here and I have never had a virus. The number 1 rule is to ALWAYS know where the software you are loading came from. If it comes from an email, don't load it. If it is a game on the internet, don't download and install. If the grandkids want to load up their favorite game from the internet, don't let them. Lock it down with a password that only Dad knows.
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