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Question

Virus

Aug 24, 2012 1:01AM PDT

A program keeps popping up on my computer asking me to purchase a file recover program because my hard drive has failed. It attempts to scan my hard drive for errors and returns a result of 7 issues that need to be fixed to recover the files. All of my icons are gone and none of my files are there. I became suspicious because the progam did not have a company name or contact information but wanted me to purchase the key for $64.95 and $74.95. Do I have a trojan virus and if so, how do I remove it. I did notice that right before it happened, my Mcafee antivirus popped up with a message that a trojan was found and deleted. Now Mcafee returns error messages that my antivirus program has expired when it has not. I am using Windows XP

Discussion is locked

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Answer
How to Remove .. File Recovery .. "scareware"
Aug 24, 2012 1:31AM PDT

lgmitch..

The below removal guide should rid you of the rogue and also "unhide" the icons and files which ARE there. As noted in the guide, it is important you do not delete any files from your Temp folder or use any temp file cleaners. You will first be instructed to read "Unhide.exe - A introduction as to what this program does".

File Recovery Removal Guide

Scroll down to where you see, "Automated Removal Instructions for File Recovery using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware" and follow ALL the steps "to the letter". (Do not click on any ads, you might see)

Let us know if you run into any problems along the way..

Best of luck..
Carol

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Virus
Aug 24, 2012 1:45AM PDT

Thank you Carol. I am at work right now but will try this when I get home and let you know the results. Thanks again.

Len

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Re: Virus
Aug 24, 2012 2:20AM PDT

What a way to start your weekend!

Len, you might want to read Step #3 while you're at work, so you can plan accordingly IF it turns out to be the case. It may not be. Consider it only .. food for thought. Happy

It states:

'It is possible that the infection you are trying to remove will not allow you to download files on the infected computer. If this is the case, then you will need to download the files requested in this guide on another computer and then transfer them to the infected computer. You can transfer the files via a CD/DVD, external drive, or USB flash drive.'

Carol

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Virus
Aug 24, 2012 4:13AM PDT

Carol-

I downloaded the files on a CD and now I am ready to tackle this "demon" when I get home. Thanks again for the info. I will post the results. Have a great weekend!

Len

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Virus
Aug 24, 2012 10:53AM PDT

Carol-

Thanks to you I will have a wonderful weekend. I followed your instructions and everything seems to have worked...I can now see all of my files and programs. The only problem I had was with the Secunia Personal Software Inspector; it kept locking up and not responding. Any thoughts on that please let me know. My next step is to backup my computer and files as I should have done before this happened. I highly recommend and will definitely purchase the Malwarebytes program. Thanks again for your help and many thanks to Cnet.

Lenora