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I'm wondering if it's just me or if other people are having this problem. About every 3 or 4 pages that I click here on city-data I get an entire new window popping up with phony "virus protection" software pretending to do a "virus scan" on my computer, but of course are actually spyware/viruses themselves. One of these calls itself "MS Spyware." Is there a virus on this website or is it just my computer?
vegaspilgrim, definitely get the newest version of the Internet Explorer (or other browser) and run a scan using one of the reputable anti-spyware programs, like BrianH said. You could also get Windows Defender. Don't ignore this issue, because there is spyware out there that could even record all your keystrokes and steal all passwords. If you still encounter problems after that, let me know.
There is a rogue program out there called VirusScan2009 (or something similar) that behaves this way. Spyware programs can remove it, although it is sometimes difficult. You can ask in the Computer forum if you need more help. There are many people there willing to help.
One of these calls itself "MS Spyware." Is there a virus on this website or is it just my computer?
I've had that particular one pop-up on my computer. It happened when I disabled a pop-up blocker when looking at a familiar site. But it's never happened while I've been logged into city data. It happened only one time, so I certainly hope the problem has been solved.
I run scans every day, sometimes twice a day. I never got "warnings" from my spyware until that happened either. I'll check into Windows Defender, also.
Thanks everybody for your concern. My computer was basically attacked last night, beyond repair. It was so bad that the virus disabled Windows update and prevented me from going to the websites of any legitimate anti-virus program. I completely reformatted my hard drive and reinstalled windows and went through all the updates. Glad to know it wasn't from this forum-- I just wanted to check because this is the website I most frequent.
Wow. Are you able to tell which virus it was? Does that mean that your personal info was compromised, or were you able to keep it safe? Sorry for your troubles. I wouldn't know what to do with my computer if it happened to me~
I'm wondering if it's just me or if other people are having this problem. About every 3 or 4 pages that I click here on city-data I get an entire new window popping up with phony "virus protection" software pretending to do a "virus scan" on my computer, but of course are actually spyware/viruses themselves. One of these calls itself "MS Spyware." Is there a virus on this website or is it just my computer?
I did have that happen to me... just a few weeks ago. Convinced me I had to buy the antivirus/malware/spyware after a "scan" I would get pop up after pop up after pop up, and in the end could do nothing with my computer. Then, an icon for a porn site nestled it's way onto my desktop, and could not be deleted for anything. I ended up having to restore my computer to an earlier date twice. No problems since, except a little slow running sometimes. I am not sure if it was city-data related though....but since I spend most of my time here, I wondered.
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