System Alert has turned up on my pc / tool bar. How can I get rid of this?

Question

Have WebrootSpy Sweeper but it doesn't pick it up in the sweep? Thanks

Answer 1

Hi there,

With the vagueness of the question, this could be one of 2 major infections.

The first could be something known as "Myzor" or "Security Center" which hijacks your browser on every launch. This also goes under the name of Spy Heal, Pest Capture, Malware Wipe, etc.

The second is when your taskbar informs you of being infected and then launched a spoof / fake antivirus page offering to remove this infection in exchange for payment. These usually go under the guise of AntiVermins, SpyDawn, VirusBurst, SpyFalcon, SpywareQuake, etc.

The best and easiest way to remove any of these is by installing the Free Trial of Prevx1. This will scan your PC and remove any infections free of charge.

Answer 2

The best page I found is the one listed below from ez computer tips. It has worked every time I have used it, even for the bad ones (like the one you got).

If you already have anti-virus software then don't download the one they recommend. Two anti-virus programs on your computer is a BAD thing.

Just follow the instructions and it will save you a trip to the computer repair shop.

The best defense against spyware is downloading and using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer.

FYI: Internet Explorer is the biggest reason people get spyware.

Answer 3

Sounds like you've been infected with VirusBurst or one of the other Smitfraud variants. Download HijackThis from www.merijn.org and run it with the "Scan and Create Logfile" option, then post the logfile to www.castlecops.com hijackthis forum, tomcoyote, etc., or else email it to me and I'll let you know what you need to do.