Hello. I recently opened a web page that linked to a false claim from the police asking for £100. Obviously, I didn't accept. My PC was locked, so I restarted it. Details of the problem can be found here:
Plus numerous others through a quick Google search. However, most of the cases I'm reading of are unable to unlock their computers at all, or had various other issues; when I restarted, mine seemed fine. I'm using it now. I did a scan with Norton and nothing showed up, though I hear from certain articles that it doesn't always appear on antivirus scans. However, there seem to be no negligible effects to my computer. Did Norton prevent the virus, or should I go about a system restore (listed as 1 of 3 ways to remove it on almost every article I've come across)?
Also, sorry if I'm really vague or seem like I'm asking something obvious here, I've not experienced any trouble like this before and I'm not at all familiar with viruses, malware, ransomware, etc. in the slightest, and I feel stupid for even asking this.
Nevermind, I just realised you can't actually remove threats unless you buy the full version of Spyhunter. System restore it is. Sorry for wasting your time, everyone, feel free to remove this thread. It may seem like I jumped to conclusions instead of trying to work it out myself, but I've been doing research for hours and only just found out the info I need.
I'd recommend using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. It is freeware and removes threats free.
By system restore I am not sure what you mean. Simply running Windows System Restore won't get rid of the virus/malware. It just restores your computer to an earlier time. If you mean re-formatting and re-installing your operating system that should wipe it out but isn't generally necessary.
Hello. I recently opened a web page that linked to a false claim from the police asking for £100. Obviously, I didn't accept. My PC was locked, so I restarted it. Details of the problem can be found here:
Plus numerous others through a quick Google search. However, most of the cases I'm reading of are unable to unlock their computers at all, or had various other issues; when I restarted, mine seemed fine. I'm using it now. I did a scan with Norton and nothing showed up, though I hear from certain articles that it doesn't always appear on antivirus scans. However, there seem to be no negligible effects to my computer. Did Norton prevent the virus, or should I go about a system restore (listed as 1 of 3 ways to remove it on almost every article I've come across)?
Also, sorry if I'm really vague or seem like I'm asking something obvious here, I've not experienced any trouble like this before and I'm not at all familiar with viruses, malware, ransomware, etc. in the slightest, and I feel stupid for even asking this.
Hi,
I'd strongly recommend that you visit one of the free sites listed and work with one of their trained volunteer staff to rid yourself of the problem. There is the possibility of making things worse with too many do it yourself attempts. These open forums are not the place to attempt the individual interaction needed to do the job correctly.
Thank you all for the help. I've tried looking at various sites for information that could help, but as the virus doesn't seem to be affecting my PC as it does in most cases it is difficult. I will try the links you posted.
Additionally, I used MalwareBytes after seeing it recommended by multiple people. I ran a quick scan, but according to Spyhunter it was still there. I then ran a full scan, and will check again to see if it is still on my system. I have had no problems with my PC since the initial "locking", though if any traces of the virus remain I would like to take care of it out of precaution. I eventually did not do a system restore as I am hoping that MalwareBytes has removed it.
Normally you run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware full system scan. If there is something on your system it should detect and remove it. It even will show PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs).
I'd also run Norton Power Eraser just to be sure. But be careful because it could detect things you deem safe just as MBAM could.
If they both show zero infections I'd say you're pretty safe.