Need IT help please...

[glockgirl]

Somehow the adware/malware/whatever programme OptOn was downloaded onto my computer (PC, Windows 8). I thought that I had purchased a year's worth of Microsoft technical support last November when I paid MS $120 to remove a similar adware/malware/whatever programme but MS is claiming that no, I only bought 30 days worth of technical support and they need another $100 to remove this OptOn mess.

On the advice of a friend, I downloaded malwarebytes.org's premium programme ($25) but that hasn't killed this OptOn thing. I really need someone to either call me and walk me through removing this thing or come over or something--although I'm working today at 1230.

Please help.

[MadPick]

Jen, have you gone through the steps on this page?
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/opton-virus-removal/

I just did a Google search . . . I don't know anything more than that, sorry.

[glockgirl]

Jen, have you gone through the steps on this page?
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/opton-virus-removal/

I just did a Google search . . . I don't know anything more than that, sorry.

Tried to but honestly I am so computer-impaired I couldn't get through it. Seriously, besides EMRs and EPIC at work, I don't know a thing about computers or computer programmes--I'm just happy when I press the little button and the computer turns on.

[rayjax82]

download rkill, run it. Post the report in thread. Then run malware bytes. Do both in safe mode.

[cmica]

download rkill, run it. Post the report in thread. Then run malware bytes. Do both in safe mode.

I do this about 3 times to make sure

[cityslicker]

Super antispyware and spyware blaster are free programs too.
You should download HiJackThis and and post a report.

[jayd1981]

This kind of adware usually comes from installing freeware and they package all sorts of other stuff in it that you have to opt out of or it installs by default. Much like if you install Java it defaults to having a check box checked saying to install the AVG toolbar. Following the guide madpick linked to is your best bet. Also paying for malwarebytes premium is a waste. Their free program works just fine without the real-time monitoring. Unless you want to run that as your antivirus, you wasted $35. Also do not run multiple antivirus software, they will interfere with each other and there are plenty of good free options if your work does not offer free antivirus (most do these days).

[H2obouget]

First...I'm doing this by memory, on my smartphone, so... Experienced guys will be able to target the details if you have questions.

http://www.filehippo.com is your friend.
At file hippo get Avast anti virus.
You can also get malware bytes there. (But you already got it)

Depending on your operating system...find the control panel...in the upper right change the icons to small...it makes life much easier to find things.
Find programs and see if your offending program is listed. If it is right click on it and uninstall. Then reboot.
You should check the programs list for anything you don't recognize... Post those here...we'll let you know if you can uninstall.

When Malwarebytes runs, it usually shows you the results.
At the bottom of those results are options do something with the results...if you don't use the buttons at the bottom it will look like things were fixed...but nothing really gets fixed. Gotta use the buttons

Get avast installed and run it at a boot level scan, then let it reboot the machine.
Avast is good, however it has a lot of misleading popups to buy their other services (that are becoming more and more frequent)....those can be turned off.
Another option would be for another member to suggest some antivirus options.

Don't use Norton or macafy(sp?) As antivirus
Both are SERIOUS memory hogs and will slow your machine down.

I'm not an IT professional, but I'm forced to play one on Monday thru Friday for a small business, that won't spend money on jack all.

[kf7mjf]

Unless there are very specific Windows programs you need, have you considered running Linux?

[Ops]

Well i could but i work till monday and have errands tursday.

Ive never had a issue with malwarebytes. You have to do custom scan

And also talking someone through the registry who doesnt know computets is bad

[H2obouget]

Well i could but i work till monday and have errands tursday.

Ive never had a issue with malwarebytes. You have to do custom scan

And also talking someone through the registry who doesnt know computets is bad

Umm...
1 it doesn't need a custom scan. The default scan is for known drives.
2 who said anything about the registry?

@KF7
You've got to be kidding!
Person says...I'm not good with computers and you input is "install Linux"
What's your suggestion for a new gun ower? 500 SW?

[kf7mjf]

Yup.

Get a good, clean Linux install done, and that shit takes care of itself afterwards. Put a nice desktop on there, get everything tidied up, good to go. I've done Linux builds for several people who just need a computer that works.

[Ops]

ps stop searching porn sites for your online erotica