http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/,I logged on to this email address to download free antivirus software and it killed my laptop, lost all my files and stopped my computer from starting up when I turn it on, have been advised it let a fatal virus into my computer.....
2007-02-25 19:17:27 · 5 answers · asked by aeb 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Grisoft.com was meant to download AVG antivirus software, thought that was legitimate and safe shareware.
2007-02-25 19:55:51 · update #1
When I try to start up the computer it keeps just keeps flashing up the manufacturer's name and there is a very nasty grinding noise from inside (and no it was not dropped). Have learned a lesson the hard way that no matter how legit something seems, if it sounds too good to be true than it probably is. Have someone coming to take a closer look at the computer later, and yea it is going to cost, big time.
Have called AVG about it, as Grisoft is their website and they have support all over the world, basically was told ' tough S**t' they take no responsibility for what you download. So much for a legitimate company.......
2007-02-25 20:22:24 · update #2
AEB ... I tried to see whether that URL you provided was in my Site Advisor's database of bad web sites. However, I didn't get any conclusive info on it.
In the future, I strongly recommend going to a legitimate web site for clean copies of downloadable software. One of my favorites is "www.cnet.com". There are many others, by the way, but as you can see, if the site you went to was really the cause, you've already seen what the results can be.
By the way ... You didn't tell us much about the error that occurs when you try to start up your laptop. I could be wrong, but I suspect that if you need your files badly enough, they may be recoverable. However, you're going to need someone with more expertise to: (1) diagnose the problem, (2) determine whether your system is recoverable, and (3) make the necessary fix. You'd be surprised ... Depending on exactly what happened to your system, it may be completely and easily recoverable, providing your problem is one of the simple ones that can easily be corrected AND you go to someone with the right expertise. It may cost you, too, but you'll need to decide whether you're willing to pay. It just depends on how much your want your data back.
Good luck, AEB. I know how you're feeling.
2007-02-25 20:04:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I told you to meet me in a back-ally in Nigeria after midnight for some 'free stuff' (and bring your laptop) would you do it ?
So why visit some unknown dirt-bags "free web" site to obtain 'free anti-virius' ? What's wrong with the real freeware/shareware anti-virus that you have to go hunting for garbage ?
Lot's of scumbags think it's really fun to direct people to install fake software on their PC's that then trashes their OS ..
NB. Good to see you are doing your bit to pass on the infection ... (I wonder how many others go visit this 'free web' to install PC trashing software ???)
2007-02-25 19:28:43 · answer #2 · answered by Steve B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm sure it is infected, but repairable, all u need to do is reset the CMOS, goto the manufactureers website and get tech support, they will tell u how to do this.
2007-02-25 19:24:39 · answer #3 · answered by stuntmaster84 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Grisoft's website is : http://www.grisoft.com. Notice the difference from that which you visited?
2007-02-25 20:20:42 · answer #4 · answered by champer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not enough details
2007-02-25 19:26:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋