Crapware

I am just ranting no one can help and it is just a comment. My Niece was downloading way`s to make plastic canvas goodies.
In her venture she picked up a Rider or two, She asked me what was the matter. She turns on laptop about 10 minutes
she will get a flashing sign that reads YOU HAVE A NASTY TROJAN and in the middle is a phone #1888-880-3156. I called just for info.
this entity wants to log on your computer to fix problem. I asked him why would you do this to people and leave a #.:) he got upset
Is that illegal???

It's called Ransomware.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransomware

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Originally Posted by xpuser357

I am just ranting no one can help.........

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This is one of the main reasons people should be encouraged to keep an up-to-date system image or two.

It's one of the few reasons I like Windows 7.

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Originally Posted by CCT

This is one of the main reasons people should be encouraged to keep an up-to-date system image or two.

It's one of the few reasons I like Windows 7.

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Do you mean a couple of harddrives already loaded just pop one in?

EaseUS Todo Backup Free can create a system image.

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Originally Posted by xpuser357

Do you mean a couple of harddrives already loaded just pop one in?

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With 7 you can use an external drive to host the image and if you have also created a System Repair Disk as they suggest all is easy-peesy.

That type of ransom ware is a million dollar business worldwide. People are duped all the time into calling and allowing those idiots to enter their computers.
After that they start the ransom exploit of getting you to put in your credit card to pay for the program which will clean the computer. There was never anything in the computer except their very clever software. CCT is right about having a backup. Windows 7, Acronis, TODO, and many others work very well.
But the ransome ware can be removed easily before all that with malwarebytes and if nessecary, Combofix.
Oh and most of these people operate from offshore jumping through a local phone number. Little if anything can be done about it as in the country they work from there are no laws against this.