You’re on the Web and you’re browsing around when suddenly you encounter a popup that tells you your machine is infected with a gazillion viruses and Trojans – and a few hundred thousand spyware files. And if you just “click here” all your problems will be solved and your PC will be cleaner than a sterilized drill. Of course whether you click that button to “clean your PC” or if you click “Close” or try to close the popup by clicking the “x” in the top right-hand corner – your computer will be infected – and will stay infected until you ante up the $59.95 the criminals want or you hire someone to clean up your PC – or you spend hours and hours trying to clean it yourself.
There are two things to remember: :Web sites don’t know and don’t care if you’re infected. Windows does not pop dialog boxes telling you you’re infected and tell you to click here to clean your computer.
There are two more things to remember. NEVER click anywhere on a popup like that – don’t try to close it using the “X” or the close button. Press ALT + F4 to close it – and if that doesn’t work open task manager and click the process tab – then find your browser’s executable (they’re all named so you can tell what they are — iexplore.exe, firefox.exe, chrome.exe, etc.). And if all else fails shut your computer off at the switch and wait one or two minutes before you turn it back on. The popup will be gone and you’ll be safe.
This is pretty basic stuff – but it’s very important stuff. Try to remember it. When you’re faced with that situation you may not be thinking as clearly as you are right now.
Thank you for that most useful tip.I didn’t know that trying to close a popupusing the “X” or the “close button” was the wrong thing to do. Thanks again.
WOW!!!!! You guys are the greatest. I thought clicking the “X” was the way to go. I always read & rely on your advice & it has helped me out of some severe problems. Don’t know what your members would do without you.
Very good advice put this on my Facebook so hope others will read this very good information.
you guys r clever
Still great advice, I remember this was your advice 5 plus years ago. It has saved me from countless viruses that tried and failed.
These are such invaluable computer “safety” tips….these and your “Securety doesn’t begin with S” article not too long ago ..
https://thundercloud.net/infoave/new/security-does-not-begin-with-s-2/
I agree with your description of these miscreants by calling them criminals. That’s exactly what they are.
I was a dummy who clicked on the X. Now what do I do. I’m having all kinds of trouble and have tried everything I can think of. Help please.
No simple solutions. Lately, Malwarebytes stopped detecting the most common (and ubiquitous) malware – and we’re not sure why. We’ve written them to find out what’s going on, but as of 10 June 2013, we’ve heard nothing. Other malware fixes like ComboFix and Rogue Killer, can be overly reactive and list things which are not malware and the user, unless experience may cause damage to his computer or programs if not very careful. The best advice is not to get malware in the first place. If you are having serious problems, maybe it’s time to have professional look at your computer. We offer a
Malware Removal Service
which costs $25 — Best Buy Charges $99. Whatever you spend to have it done, will be well worth it. Malware tends to get worse, not better, as it tends to download more malware in the form of so-called updates — all without your knowledge or permission.