Besides the fact that Microsoft never does updates that way, the odd phrasing in the "Microsoft email" should alert anyone who isn't aware of Microsoft's normal protocol that there is something odd going on here. Thanks for sharing this.

Thanks Raven ~

Thanks for posting this. On a related note, I got a virus a few year's back when I fell for one of those fake "You're computer is infected!" pop ups and clicked on the link provided. Fairly recently I got another one but was wary and backed out of it by immediately running my malware and anti-virus programs. Can you say something about these fake ads? I haven't seen any discussion on them. They really do look like they're from Microsoft. How can I know that they are fake? What's the right procedure to deal with them? Thanks.

@ marita40

How to Spot a Fake Free Virus Scan

The best way to deal with them is to first note the name of it in the top of the window, don't put your mouse on the scan window just putting the mouse over it can install the bad program. Instead right click the task manager then choose start task manger and see if you can see it running in the process tab might be difficult though to recognize. You might also check the applications tab too. If you do find it you would right click it and end task. If you can't seem to find it, the other option is to power down the computer. Then run a malware scan.

The latest ones are popping up and requesting a defrag.

Here is a link that might be useful: spot-fake-virus-scan.

marita40-
If it's not from your existing anti-virus program, it's fake. No legitimate installed program is going to tell you to buy something. Also, whenever I've had a pop-up from my actual anti-virus, and it's intercepted a real virus, the notice typically lists only one or two files, and the name of the header corresponds to the name of my installed anti-virus. All the fake pop-ups I've seen make it look like a scan is actually in progress and report multiple infections.

the most important thing for everyone to remember if you see one of these rogue antivirus program pop up on your screen do NOT CLICK ANYTHING not even the x, they are coded so that anything you click on is an install command, instead either shut down your pc or do control alt delete and end task on your browser. then run malwarebytes updated scan immediately.

This blog is great they track and keep up to date on all of the various versions of these rogue programs
S!Ri.URZ

this article is one of the best to explain how they work and the details involved.
Anatomy of a malware scam

thanks Raven.

Thanks raven. I looked at the first link you provided and I don't see anything that resembles what I had. So I still have a question. As I recall what popped up on my screen was something that looked like it came from Microsoft, said the computer was infected with a virus, and warned not to shut the computer off. It told me I should click to start the antivirus program. The first time it happened--when I fell for it--I assumed that it would run Windows Defender. My question is, then, does Microsoft ever do this? That is, if indeed I get a virus in the midst of searching the web, is there ever a legitimate Microsoft warning that pops up telling you not to shut the computer down and to click to run a scan? If not, then there's no problem with trying to find out what's legit and what is not. With whatever I got it was truly hard to tell. Thanks!

marita40-
When the window popped up, what did the header show? You say that it "looked like it came from Microsoft," but of course that is what they want you to think. And Windows Defender is not a true anti-virus program anyway. Here is how Microsoft describes it:

"Windows Defender is software that helps protect your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other unwanted software by detecting and removing known spyware from your computer."

Notice that there is no reference to true viruses, which are typically much more dangerous to you than what Windows Defender protects against. So, are you running an actual anti-virus program on your computer or not?

Here is a link that might be useful: Windows Defender comparison

Apc Defender

AV Defender

XP Defender

Windows Defender 2010, 2011

Win Pc Defender

System Defender.

These are just a few of the fake windows defender anti rogues you might encounter.

I'm running Trend Anti-virus. Unfortunately, I can't remember well what the rouge pop up looked like (the last incident was about 5 months ago). Next time it occurs I'll make sure to note it carefully.

Fake messages from Microsoft about updates have been around for years. Microsoft and most other big companies simply do not send updates via email. Likewise, your ISP, bank, credit card company, etc. will never, repeat NEVER EVER, send you a email asking for a password or to confirm account information.

If you have the slightest doubt, CALL your bank or credit card company. BUT do not use the contact information in the email (that could be fake as well). Use the phone book, a previous statement, or the phone number on the back of your credit card.

marita you need to run an updated full scan with malwarebytes right away

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Win) - Detecting and Removing Malware

most antivirus programs can not remove these rogues

also just a note on the blog site with the examples of rogues there are pages and pages of them so if you only looked at the page showing you only saw a very few, at the bottom of each page is the older post link which goes back page by page.