I have WindowsXP (don’t know if it matters) on my computer and recently this error with the heading “msbb” pops up. It appears out of no where it seems, and I noticed that I can’t use about 1/5 of my programs ever since it’s been appearing. What the hell is going on? Please help me out
p.s. - next time it pops up i’ll be sure to write down everything it says so i can put it up here for everyone to see:smack: :smack: :smack:
It seems to be some sort of spyware from some co. called 180solutions.
from here:
http://resnet.bgsu.edu/resource/msbb.html
Also, get AdAware and check for other spy ware on your machine. Available at http://www.download.com
Thanks for your help, I only have one more thing…
What exactly is spy ware, what does it do, and where does it come from?
p.s. - will deleting those files have any negative affects on my computer?
Thanks a lot
I am D Izzy - search the Straight Dope archives, General Questions, for “spyware” - it has been discussed a lot on this board.
Spyware is just a fancy term used to describe hidden software that runs on your computer, most times without your permission, and returns some of your private data to the software’s makers, such as your online usage patterns etc. Nothing to be alarmed about, though.
It usually comes from software that you download and install. Some software comes with these spyware programs attached, such that when you install the software you downloaded, along with it and unknown to you, the spyware also gets installed. This is especially true for most file sharing software such as Kazaa etc.
Deleting these files will have no negative effects on your computer, other than the possibility that the original software that these files came with, e.g. Kazaa, may not function correctly.
Even so, it is still advisable to delete those two files, msbb.exe and msbb.log
AdAware is a software that will identify other similar hidden programs on your comp.