SavePath Deals, one of the worst malware programs that easily sneaks in your computer and disrupts your Internet browsing with pesky pop ups, ads, changing of your home page settings. Here we teach you all about it and help you get rid of the offender.

Today I am addressing one of the worst malware invasions in your computer, which act mostly when you visit the Internet. It happens with just about all  browsers but I have had complaints from friends using  IE and Google Chrome, both of  which I also use frequently. (Guess what, it also happened to me a few days ago), IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT MY COMPUTER IS SUPPER PROTECTED AGAINST INTRUDERS....

I am addressing item 1 of our post of last September 12, "Malicious malware" and I will try my best to teach you how to get rid of the problem.

One of the main culprits if not the top one is a sneaky malware program called SavePath Deals.

It gets installed in your computer surreptitiously when you open for instance a news title on Drudge Report, or on your web page, or during installation of certain free programs etc. All I can say is that it is very nasty and can disrupt your Internet browsing on a continuous and irritating way.

If you google SavePath Deals, you will find a multitude of articles teaching how to uninstall this malware program. I tried them all to no avail. WHY?

After hours of trying and checking all possible solutions suggested, I found out that the program was invisible  not only to the  Windows uninstalling program  as well as  other uninstalling programs that I have in my computer, even one of the best "REVO UNINSTALLER".

Some of the suggested ways to get rid of SavePath Deals tells you (after several steps that I am not going to elaborate here), to go into the registry and delete several associated SavePath Deals Windows registry entries, all clearly described such as the one below and many others, (about 20 entries):

 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLASID\{F66C7EC4-63CC-4452-A8C9-5A2E898F8EFF}

Well friends I spent several hours trying, but could not find one single registry entry specified !

I was about ready to quit but before I did I checked again "Program Files (x86)" In my hard drive C.

I found a program folder titled SPD. (Bingo, I said to myself), is this the intruder ?, I opened the folder and found 2 sub folders. I right clicked each of them, went to "properties" and there it was, the program was created by Save Path Deals !

I right clicked again and selected "Uninstall with Revo Uninstaller", and the process on uninstallation started immediately. (Please note that there was no entry to uninstall with Windows Uninstaller !). Revo Uninstaller can be downloaded from:

http://www.revouninstaller.com/revo_uninstaller_free_download.html

At the end of the uninstallation, Revo  shows and then removes at your command, all registry entries loaded by the SavePath Deals malware. GUESS WHAT ? none of the registry entries shown and there were tons of them, resembled any of those indicated in the uninstallation solutions suggested in any of the articles found when I googled SavPath Deals !

I have a gut feeling that the guys who run this malware have worked it out lately to make it more  stealth and also changed the program structure and all old registry entries, so that it is almost impossible for people to get rid of it.

I am sure that there are many of you who have been attacked by this pesky malware program and don't know what it is or how to get rid of it. Now you know.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, E-MAIL ME AT gfreire@att.net, leave your phone # and I'll be glad to contact and help you.

George Freire

Most common and terrifying computer problems

It's been a long Summer and to tell you the truth I have been very lazy writing posts, in spite of the fact that I have had so many friends and other people asking for help in solving their computer problems.

Here are the most common "help me George" issues I have been asked and in most cases been able to help those who called me:

Malicious malware
Slow computer
Takes forever to boot
Bad internet connection
Hard drive failure
Power supply failure
DVD drive failure, or non recognition
Lock ups or freezes
Software program stops
Strange noises and overheating
Loss of contacts list
Missing DLL files
Registry errors

Today, I am not going to discuss any of these, (have a bunch of other stuff to take care off), but I promise that within the next few days, I'll touch most of the issues above and how I helped the folks in trouble.

Please be patient, but if you have any of those problems affecting you, please email me immediately and I will get to you prompt.

George Freire

Malware Bytes Protection (Against Trojans, Viruses, Warms and various other malicious code)

Back in 2010, I posted an article concerning the software product Malware Bytes.

Today, more than ever before, attacks to your computers by all kinds by bad stuff such as trojans, viruses, worms, and other malicious code, are  carried out continuously 24/7/365.

I have installed the premium version of Malware Bytes on my three computers, (although you can also get the free version), at a cost of $24.95 renewable every year, (it can be installed in three computers)

My friends, it is well worth it, therefore here is a review of that post and my recommendation: get either the free or premium versions ASAP and you will not regret it. My computers run so clean it is hard to believe it:

"I received an email from PC World, (always good stuff), this time about a program that once you install it in your computer, you will be indeed very happy about. It offers you another level of protection against  which in this day and age, is always good to have.

Here is PC World editorial review of this free software:

Supplement your regular antivirus program (the one you keep running in the background at all times) with an extra malware scanner, such as Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free.

The free version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware doesn't offer real-time protection (the $25 full version does), making it useless as your first line of defense. But scanning your hard drive with the free Anti-Malware every week or so will add another layer of protection, finding whatever your main program missed. It's like going to another doctor for a second opinion, except that you don't have to make an appointment or a co-payment.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free is extremely easy to use. You load it, check for updates at its prompting, then start the scan. To scan just one drive, file, or folder, right-click it and select Scan.

Not a complete solution by any stretch of the imagination, this version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is a free yet valuable addition to your security arsenal.

--Lincoln Spector

Here is what the creators of this software have to say about its use and qualities:

Have you ever considered what makes an anti-malware application effective? We at Malwarebytes have created an easy-to-use, simple, and effective anti-malware application. Whether you know it or not your computer is always at risk of becoming infected with viruses, worms, trojans, rootkits, dialers, spyware, and malware that are constantly evolving and becoming harder to detect and remove. Only the most sophisticated anti-malware techniques can detect and remove these malicious programs from your computer. ptagep Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is considered to be the next step in the detection and removal of malware. In our product we have compiled a number of new technologies that are designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can detect and remove malware that even the most well known anti-virus and anti-malware applications fail to detect. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware monitors every process and stops malicious processes before they even start. The Realtime Protection Module uses our advanced heuristic scanning technology which monitors your system to keep it safe and secure. In addition, we have implemented a threats center which will allow you to keep up to date with the latest malware threats.

Activating the full version unlocks realtime protection, scheduled scanning, and scheduled updating. For consumers and personal use, it is a one time fee of $24.95. For corporate and business customers, annual licenses are required, please see our Corporate Licensing program.

If you want to download and install the program in your computer, go to:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,83075/description.html?tk=nl_ddx_h_dlfeat

Click on the above address, or copy and paste on your browser.

I have installed it in my computers and I can tell you that it works really well.

George Freire

I personally think this software is about the best additional level of protection you can use in conjunction with your anti-virus program.

George Freire

DON'T TRUST THIS EMAIL FROM GOOGLE

From KIMKOMANDO,

komando-special-alerts@lyris.komando.com

we received this email concerning hacking attacks in the form of an email from GOOGLE:

There's a dangerous new threat that's trying to steal your Google password. If you fall for it, hackers will have full access to your Gmail account, YouTube account, Google+ account, Google Search History and any other Google services you use. From there, they can break try to break into other similar accounts, like Facebook, or pretend to be you to trick your friends and family into giving away important information. So, you definitely don't want to fall for this one.

The Threat

The threat arrives in the form of an email, supposedly from Google. The subject line varies, but it's some form of "Mail Notice" or "Lookout Notice." The body of the email says this:  GOOGLE MAIL NOTICE This is a reminder that your email account will be locked out in 24hours Due to not being able to increase your Email storage Quota Go to the INSTANT INCREASE to increase your Email storage automatically. INSTANT INCREASESincerely Gmail Team, Copyright ©2014 Gmail. All rights reserved.  In the real email, the words "Instant increase" are linked. If you click the link, you'll end up on a page that looks like the Google login page.
However, if you put in your username and password, they'll be sent right to the hackers behind the email. Then they have full access to your Google account. One thing that makes this message especially dangerous is the link itself. It's designed to bypass Chrome and Firefox's normal checks for phishing links, so you won't get a warning.

How you know the email is fake

As I demonstrated when I pointed out 5 things wrong with this email from Amazon, there are a few giveaways that this email isn't real. Spelling isn't really an issue this time around, but the grammar isn't up to the standards of the one of the most profitable companies in history. There's no Google logo and the From address says "Gmail," but isn't a Google domain name (i.e. there's no "google.com" in it). Finally, as always, Google will never ask you to click in a link in an email. It will tell you to go to Google.com to sign in and where to go to fix your account settings. This is true of any major company.

What to do if you get this email

Obviously, don't click on the link. Instead, just delete the email and continue on with your day. Opening the email won't hurt anything, so don't panic.

 

If you got this email and fell for it, then you need to immediately change your Google account password. You should also change the passwords of any other accounts that used the same password. Click here to learn how to create strong and unique passwords. In the future, any unsolicited email you receive that has a suspicious link or attachment, you can just delete. If you aren't sure whether or not it's real, go to the company's website to get its contact information. Then call the company, or individual, to confirm if the email is legitimate. Don't use contact information in the email itself.

Thanks KIMKOMANDO for the always good advice you provide.

George Freire

WINDOWS XP IS GOING TO "EXPIRE" COME APRIL 8 2014. WHAT CAN YOU XP LOVERS DO ??

Microsoft is officially terminating all user support and  security updates for Windows XP on April 8, 2014. What this means is that after this date, you Windows XP users, (and you really still are in the millions), will no longer be able to receive from Microsoft any operating system fixes, no assistance against viruses attacks or many other online related problems. 

Now, if you are using your computer just for games, keeping your bank account updated and other activities, (without going into the Internet), you will be OK. If you just browse the Internet once in a while, you might be also OK.

If you are using your computer for other activities, such as email, e-banking or other activities involving the Internet, (and I'll bet that most of you likely are), THEN you are in trouble

So, what can or should you do?

 You really have two choices

I assume that your computer is probably quite a few years old, but if it still is in good shape and you belong to the first group above,(that does not rely on the Internet much), just keep doing what you are doing, stay with Windows XP. THIS IS YOUR FIRST CHOICE.

HOWEVER, if you belong to the second group that relies on the Internet for just about everything you do with your computer, THEN my friend, you'll have to say bye to windows XP, otherwise your  computer will be inoperable sooner or later due to hackers taking advantage of your defenceless  Windows XP software. You may have good anti virus software, but still... there will be too many holes in your Windows XP not anymore patched up by Microsoft, that even good anti virus software will not be able to defend. You will have to move to another Windows version, either Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. THIS IS YOUR SECOND AND ONLY CHOICE.

In my humble opinion, a move to Windows 8.1 for those who have been using Widows XP forever in a day, may be too much of a change. A change to Windows 7 makes a lot more sense because there is not much of a difference between the two and the learning process will be a breeze. (Window 8.1 will be much harder to get used to and although this version has many good improvements, a lot of users just hate it. ).

Unfortunately, if you are going to buy a new computer, most likely it will come with Windows 8.1, but you may be able to buy a PC or Laptop with Windows 7 installed, by ordering from manufacturers websites such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.

Of course if you feel you can build your own computer, (I have several posts in this Blog, that can guide you to take that step), then you can order all your components from Newegg or other suitable supplier of computer parts, plus an OEM version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 if so desired.

The problem you are faced with is how to transfer all your stuff from your old computer to the new one.

When Windows 7 was introduced by Microsoft a few years ago, (November 6, 2009), we published a post on this Blog that showed you how to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7. The title of the post is:

UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 7 FOR THOSE WHO STILL HAVE WINDOWS XP (PART II)

If you want to upgrade to Windows 8.1, all the instructions that apply for the upgrade to Windows 7 are basically the same. Here is the post:


"Last week I told you how I did the conversion, (upgrade), to Windows 7 from Windows Vista. I also told you that making the conversion from Windows XP is a completely different situation, in as much as the conversion must be a "clean install" rather then an "upgrade".

The "upgrade" is relatively easy because your settings, your applications, your data and your files all travel from Windows Vista to windows 7 and there is very little work to be done after the installation is completed.
Unfortunately you Windows XP users are not that lucky; after the "clean install", you must reset your users and network, (if applicable), reinstall all your drivers, programs, data and files from scratch. Don't let this discourage you, because if you prepare your work with a little patience, you'll end up with a computer that is much cleaner, because all the garbage that was accumulated by Windows XP during the years of use of your computer will be gone for good!

One possible problem that you'll have to face is the possible incompatibility of certain application drivers that worked with W XP but will not work with W 7 such as drivers for your display, audio system, network adapters, wireless keyboard and mouse, etc. You can check the drivers you have by going to "device manager" in your computer. (click "start", right click "my computer", select "properties", click the "hardware" tab and finally click "device manager" button. once you are there, it will display a complete list of all devices installed in your computer as well as the drivers for each one of them.

To find out if you have such problems, you'll have to run the Microsoft short program I referred to last week, Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor , by going to the following Web address:http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

(click the above or copy and paste on your browser).

As i explained last week, once you run this program in your computer, it will generate a report which will verify compatibility of your hardware, software, drivers etc. that are now installed in your computer and tell you what you have to do before trying to do the clean install of W 7.

In order to find the right drivers that will run in W 7, you must download them from Windows 7 Compatibility Center at the following Web address:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatability/windows-7/en-us/default.aspx

(click the above or copy and paste on your browser).

Needless to say that now you will have to back up to an external drive all your data, files and any other information you want to transfer to the Window 7 environment. Programs will have to be reinstalled again and I assume you have the original disks for the same such as Window Works, Word etc. etc.
If you don't have the disks, the other solution will be to create an image back up of your hard drive. This is the most dependable way to transfer your old set up without having to install the programs with original disks, especially if you don't have them or don't know where you put them. Such an operation will restore all you have on your hard drive. You will need of course an external drive to copy the image to and a program that will do it.
Please read my post of September 5, 2009:

" BACK UP AND RECOVERY OF YOUR COMPUTER HARD DRIVE IS NOW EASY TO PERFORM"

This post explains how to do it using a very popular program called ACRONIS, (this program is not free, it costs $39.00, but it is well worth having because it will keep an image of your hard drive that can be updated as many times as you command it to do).
There are other free programs that will do it, but most of them are not as complete and easy to operate as ACRONIS,. A good one recommended by PC World is Macrium Reflect Free that can be downloaded at:

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp

Keep in mind that it takes several hours to copy an image of your hard drive to an external hard drive, especially if your hard drive has been accumulating all kinds of stuff along the years... a good way of doing it is starting the operation at night before you go to bed. The following morning it will be done...
Once you have done all this preparation work, you are now ready to run the clean installation. follow the steps I described last week, but when you get to the point in the wizard that asks you if you want to do an "Upgrade" or a "Custom" (clean installation), you'll have to select "Custom".
From that point on just follow the instructions, (see my post of last week), and after a couple of hours Windows 7 will be installed in your computer. After this, you will have to either transfer the hard drive image you have copied to your external hard drive, (if you decided to go this route), or to reinstall all your programs using the original disks and then copying the data files and installing new drives if required.
My friends, this may seem too complicated and scary for some of you, but really, if you have a little "hands on" experience with your computer it won't be so bad after all. In any case, this will be a good practice session for you to get really well acquainted in computer operation.
Have fun!!!
(Your comments will be very much appreciated)
George Freire "

I hope all of the above will be of help to you all Windows XP users in stress...

George Freire

HOW TO RESCUE YOUR PC FROM RAMSONWARE

Today I received an email from PCWorld, which I have to share with all my readers. With due respect here it is:

How to rescue your PC from ransomware

Jan 13, 2014 3:30 AM

With the nasty CryptoLocker malware making the rounds--encrypting its victims’ files, and then refusing to provide the unlock key unless a payment of $300 is made via Bitcoin or a prepaid cash voucher--ransomware is back in the spotlight.

You can remove many ransomware viruses without losing your files, but with some variants that isn’t the case. In the past I’ve discussed general steps for removing malware and viruses, but you need to apply some specific tips and tricks for ransomware. The process varies and depends on the type of invader. Some procedures involve a simple virus scan, while others require offline scans and advanced recovery of your files. I categorize ransomware into three varieties: scareware, lock-screen viruses, and the really nasty stuff.

 

Here is the link to the very useful article that may save your day. Just click or copy/paste to your browser: 

 

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2084002/how-to-rescue-your-pc-from-ransomware.html#tk.nl_down

Thanks for the great tips, PCWorld !

George Freire

BOT REVOLT ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER

I learned about Bot Revolt some time ago and installed the free version in my computer. It is simply amazing. (For a small monthly fee they also have a "pro" full version ), but the free version is pretty good for most non business computer users. This program is by far one of the best for Malware Protection and Cyber Security, that I have ever tested. I have it installed in all my three computers and I'm glad I did it. Bot Revolt is a type of program that lives way down deep inside the networking code on your computer - the stuff in Windows that actually makes/receives network connections for you - and inspects everything that flows past it. It monitors all inbound communication to your computer. The software scans automatically every .002 seconds looking for any suspicious or unauthorized communication. In order to keep hackers out you need a program that continuously monitors your computers communication to prevents cyber attacks from hackers or bots to your computer. Any suspicious or unauthorized communication is filtered by the software. Without a program like Bot Revolt your computer could allow hackers or bots to access your personal data which could then be transmitted back out to Internet. To catch these thieves on their way out your firewall must be capable of automatically blocking unauthorized outbound communications outbound protection. It monitors program installation, registry and file changes, keyboard and mouse code control, and other potentially dangerous behaviors. Runs quietly in the background of your computer. Most programs with outbound protection generate a lot of noise (alerts asking you for input). Bot Revolt was developed to run as efficient and quiet as possible. This powerful network-defender system constantly monitors the safety of your PC in real-time. In order to download and install Bot Revolt, click the following link, or copy and paste to your browser: http://www.botrevolt.com/ After you are taken to the web site, click the orange button for the free version or the blue button for the full version. This will take you to another page where you must enter your name and email. Once you have done that, click the "Get the free Bot Revolt" button. Another page will open asking you to check your email account to where they an email with a link for the program download. It is that simple. Enjoy it, you'll thank me for bringing this tip to you, but you will be most thankful to Bot Revolt for offering you such a great product for free ! George Freire