Aspen Computer Solutions

Spyware Removal

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:30:39 +0000

Today I came across the worst spyware infection I’ve seen! It really wasn’t terribly difficult to remove once I found out how it infected the computer, but I certainly did start second guessing whether or not it was spyware or a bad hard drive. ComboFix came up telling me that the computer was infected with RootKit.ZeroAccess – I’de never heard of it. Typically I’ll use Hitman Pro to remove most spyware now, combofix if that doesn’t get it all, but this one wouldn’t let TDSSKiller run, it ComboFix would lock up the computer and it was just really strange. I found that another utility called awsMBR from Avast, it kept saying that a partition was suspect of being infected with a bootkit. Well, the laptop is a dell with a default installation – these usually have 3 partitions, not 4. It was the 4th partition that was infected. So, after hours of research and promising the client I would only bill them 1.5h to remove the infection, I happened across a page telling someone to remove a partition from their drive – bingo! It clicked … The 4th partition was from the spyware and was blocking combofix from running. After removing the partition with a GParted Live ISO and marking the main partition as active, I was back in windows, I could run ComboFix, Hitman Pro, TDSSKiller and was able to fix the system. DONE. This could have been prented had the user installed a GOOD Antivirus/Antispyware program like Norton.

More freebies – Free Wireless (from Comcast!)

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:05:06 +0000

If you are a Comcast subscriber and are having issues with your wireless router, you can visit your comcast office and ask for a Wireless Gateway – its a router and modem built into one. Its not a great device compared to the robustness you can get from a modem and router setup if you need something more flexible and powerful, but it can certainly be a great way to not have to pay for a wireless router if you have standard need like most households. It’ll server the purpose of having wifi for most people for sure – and you don’t have to buy a router or pay to replace one if yours fails! Enjoy!

Most Reliable Laptops

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:58:46 +0000

SquareTrade released a list of the most reliable laptops over a 3 year period. For those of you who aren’t familiar, SquareTrade provides third party warranties for electronics products, so they certainly see which laptops fail most or least often. See more information about it on their page:

http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/laptop-reliability-1109

Free Norton Security Suite (Norton 360 – almost)!

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:08:22 +0000

If you are a subscriber to Comcast internet (aka Xfinity) you can get Norton for free! Just go to this link while on your Comcast internet: http://xfinity.comcast.net/constantguard/Products/CGPS/norton/?cid=NET_33_641

Click “no thanks” to the message that comes up about getting the “constant guard” suite, then click the red “get it now” button. You’ll then have Norton Security Suite for free, included with your subscription. You can have up to 7 computers registered on your account with it installed, as well – so share with a friend or relative when they come visit!

If you are at a friend’s house and they have Comcast internet, you can go to the link from their connection and download it through their account as well, just by doing the first step! Just be sure to check with them first …

Enjoy!
- Aspen Computer Solutions Team