I have a newly upgraded (from 2000) XP system. I am periodically getting a (very NT looking) dialog coming up and saying “Message from SYSTEM to USER: You may have critical system and registry errors. Go to www.ErrorFixer.com to check your system.” Or something along those lines.
So I went to the address, and I started downloading the file, but then bailed out halfway through because my bullshit detector was ringing. Should I trust this?
The url appears to be harmless to visit.
Any advice?
It sounds like a good way to find some spyware to me. All windows messages should come through windows update, AFAIK.
LisaRX :dubious:
Make sure you disable windows messenger.
It has nothing to do with the chat program…
It’s Windows Messenger spam.
Go here for instructions on disabling it.
The program at www.errorfixer.com may or may not be harmless, but you don’t need it in any case.
Thanks all. I’ve gotten three more since I posted the OP, and one of them actually said something to the effect of:
“You have spyware. Spyware can cause popups. Go to (whatever url) to run a free scan.”
Of course, the message was in a popup.
This seems to be the relavent part of the EULA:
"DURATION:
This license is valid for one year from date of purchase. After one year, Spyware Cleaner will expire and you may have the option to renew for a cost. Spyware Cleaner will show you a renewal reminder screen periodically until you renew your license or uninstall the software.
GENERAL:
Spyware Cleaner does not contain any adware or spyware. Installation of Spyware Cleaner to scan your computer is free of charge.
However, if and when Spyware Cleaner detects adware or spyware on your computer, and you wish to remove such unwanted software, you must then purchase a license for Spyware Cleaner which gives you the ability to clean your machine of the unwanted software, application, or code."
No, don’t download this thing.
You almost certainly already know this but to get rid of ad and spyware the best bet is Spybot Search and Destroy, and Ad-Aware. Run them both at once as they’ll both pick up things the other misses, keep them updated.
Just Google their names. Both should be free.
Reminds me of the one spam subject line that ever caused me to crack up laughing - “Software X prevents annoying spam e-mails like this one!”
If you are going to try anything, try out the Microsoft AntiSpyware (beta). It cleans more than the other two and it auto-updates with new defintions frequently. Per the announcement today, it is supposed to be free going forward as well.
This isn’t a hit and run posting or ad placement… I will come back to link to some metrics that verify my claims.
I just can’t get over that they where bold enough to call them selves “Error Fixer” I mean how more generic can you get? :rolleyes:
I would think that IF it was legit, it would be a little less preachy, a little less pitchy. Bottom line is, its another piece of spyware in this ‘push society’ of ours, you didn’t go after it, or ask for it (ie ‘pull it’). They obviously are bold enough to come after you. I would question their motives imediately. It is an online equivelent to taking candy from a stranger.
Tons of Spam messages come in through the Mesenger system. I personally had a lot of them a few years ago. Tons of software claims they can fix the problem for XX.99 dollars, when in fact its a free fix. The link was already given so I don’t need to repeat it.
One thing I’ve come to find on the internet; One place will always undercut another place on the price of goods. Then, Most of the things that are public domain / Open Source are always free to begin with.
Some of our network engineers have had a chance to play with this and they’re suitably agog over it. Well, for deep, hard-core geeks, “it’s really good!” is high praise.
And about a M$ product, that’s damn near to witnessing! We’ve a long history of bashing Micro$oft products, and it’s tough for us to change that pattern. I personally am very happy with XP of late. It’s the first M$ OS that I’ve been able to say that about.
-Butler
It is a good addition to your antispyware arsenal, but no one should rely on it as their only spyware scanner. I have been running MSAS first on the computers I clean, and then AdAware and Spybot. AAW and SB always find spyware that MSAS missed.
Word to the wise; if you don’t want to get caught with your pants down, use a belt *and * suspenders.
Great to hear Microsoft Antispyware is going to remain free. It is a great program.
When I am web surfing, I also get pop-up messages telling me that Windows needs to update something, or that I have to fix the registry.
The problem is, I get these messages while I’m on my Mac, which does not have a registry, nor does it run Windows. So yeah, these sort of messages are complete bullshit. As far as the Windows Messenger thing goes, when I’m on the PC I don’t trust anything it says and I hate it with the white-hot-intensity of a thousand suns.
I’m using the MS spyware app on my PC and so far I like it pretty well.