Computer question

18 years ago

I keep getting spyware popups, something called "WinReanimator", says I have spyware, they want a fee to get rid of it. Is this a sales pitch, or for real, and how do I get rid of it, if it's just an ad?

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Comments (7)

bestlawn
18 years ago
Not sure when this pops up, Susan. Anytime when you're on the computer? Only when you're on the internet? Only when you're here at GardenWeb? When you're on another site? I'm pretty sure it is just an ad. If it pops up whenever you are on the computer, then I suspect you downloaded unknowingly when you downloaded something you wanted. Often times, offers for free something will include lots of ads that they don't tell you about. Have you or someone in your household downloaded songs, free software, or anything lately?

Start button > Run > type in msconfig
Click on the startup tab
This shows all that is running in background. There is a lot of stuff in there you won't recognize, but see if you can find the name of this popup or the company. If you don't see it, you'll have to google some of the things you don't recognize to see which one it is. When you google them, you'll find many of those are not necessary or are spyware, adware, or something else relatively useless. Keep trying to find this ad so you can disable it.

Another way and maybe faster to help you pinpoint it
Ctrl/Alt/Delete buttons all at the same time
Click on the Processes tab

Another way to maybe find it
Start button > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs
See if you can find it there and uninstall it

Hope one of these will help.
ntt_hou
18 years ago
That itself is also a spyware. Don't respond it! If you have your own virus scan, update it and let it scan from time to time.

If you only have pop ups while you're on the internet, try and block it. If you have Windows, go to Tools and see if there's Pop-Up blocker. If you do, select it and turn it on. This should minimize any pop ups.

Also do the "Google" search, as Bestlawn mentioned, for unfamiliar files before delete or uninstall them.

These malware/spyware are not always easy to get rid of but you can minimize their activities. Good Luck!
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lydia1959
18 years ago
I run a free program called Spybot Search and Destroy every couple months to get rid of any spyware. It usually finds between 10 and 20 things.

I've got those pop-up ads before and just ignore them.
User
18 years ago
We also use Ad Aware, and CCleaner... for those pesky popups. Spybot is first, then Ad Aware. Hubby uses the CCleaner, and loves it. Google all three, and they are all free.
sue_va
18 years ago
I do hope you have those programs mentioned above, plus free AVG.

Run each one to see if there are updates, then run a scan with each. Lastly, depending on what you found go to free Trend Housecall, run it and let it take care of what it finds.

No need to pay when there are good reliable programs available.

I always suggest that if you aren't using Firefox you should at least try it before discounting it. .

Sue
joyfulguy
18 years ago
Thanks folks.

nnt hou,

I used yours about "Tools" and found one that ended in "tw", which I assumed was Taiwan-based and was unfamiliar ... so deleted it.

Do the situations that you folks spoke of deal with Trojan Horses, as well?

ole joyful
sjarz
18 years ago
I use AVG and run Firefox rather than Internet Explorer. I find both excellent, occasionally I can't access something without firing up IE, but overall I have no problems and no pop-ups.
(Touch wood)
Suzan J