Some Advice Please

quandam · Apr 27, 2009, 10:16:35

This could possibly sound very obvious to most but I have a niggling doubt about a message that popped up last night when I fired up the laptop. A 'request' box from Windows asking to verify my version of their OS. The 'design' was pretty basic and had no recognisable Windows logo. Never seen this before on my PC's or other laptops.

Is it OK? Is it safe to open? Probably not a problem but I was suspicious

Rik · Apr 27, 2009, 10:31:31

You're right to be suspicious, Q. Unless you were involved with an auto-update at the time, I can see no reason why you would get a message like that, so I'd suggest a full virus and malware scan.

quandam · Apr 27, 2009, 11:49:19

Rik

Scan taking place as we type! Thanks.

Rik · Apr 27, 2009, 11:50:02

Sebby · Apr 27, 2009, 13:22:32

I don't suppose you managed to get a screenshot?

Rik · Apr 27, 2009, 13:27:47

It would be interesting to see, wouldn't it.

Sebby · Apr 27, 2009, 13:30:47

It certainly would. I just can't really picture it at the moment.

quandam · Apr 27, 2009, 13:33:00

Quote from: Sebby on Apr 27, 2009, 13:22:32
I don't suppose you managed to get a screenshot?

Sebby

Sorry, didn't think about it at the time

quandam · Apr 27, 2009, 13:37:07

Quote from: Rik on Apr 27, 2009, 13:27:47
It would be interesting to see, wouldn't it.

Rik

Completed the virus scan and Avast found three trojans all attached to downloads from Limewire. Strange, I haven't used Limewire for months now :dunno:Full malware scan being run now, will let you know result after completion.

quandam · Apr 27, 2009, 13:43:04

Chaps

Found the 'title' of the message--'Windows WgaNotify'-- if that's any help?

quandam · Apr 27, 2009, 13:45:14

Sorry, it was 'Windows XP WgaNotify' (sic)

Sebby · Apr 27, 2009, 13:48:13

It sounds like it could be genuine, then. The trojans may just be something else.

talos · Apr 27, 2009, 13:48:16

Microsoft

This may explain

quandam · Apr 27, 2009, 14:02:50

Full malware scan completed showing the usual low risk infections, nothing drastic by the look of things

If it pops up again I will grab a screenshot and post. Thanks for all your help and advice chaps.

Rik · Apr 27, 2009, 15:44:12

This may interest you, Q:

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/04/26/disable-and-remove-windows-genuine-advantage-notifications-nag-screen/

quandam · Apr 27, 2009, 16:58:21

Thanks Rik

The one I had was completely different from the one displayed in your link. It did not state that 'This Is Not A Genuine Windows...etc'

It stated that in order to update their security they need to check if my copy of XP was genuine. I still feel that it is dodgy and should be treated with care. Thanks again for your help

Rik · Apr 27, 2009, 16:59:34

Better safe than sorry, Q. Unless you're at the MS update site, I don't believe you should see such a message.

quandam · Apr 28, 2009, 16:59:24

Sorry, trying to add a screen shot re above, having problems

Any help please! It is a png file if that helps.

Rik · Apr 28, 2009, 17:03:06

You need to hit the reply button, Q, not use the quick reply box, then click on Additional Options.

quandam · Apr 28, 2009, 17:27:05

Rik

Hopefully I've cracked it?

The pop up arrived again tonight when firing up the laptop. The screen shot should now be attached.

[attachment deleted by admin]

Rik · Apr 28, 2009, 17:30:13

This would suggest to me that is not kosher, Q:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/905474

Run MS update manually. If it is an MS message that will trigger it.

Simon · Apr 28, 2009, 17:32:28

It's Microsoft's way of getting you to allow them to check that your version of Windows is legal. If you're at all uncertain about the pop up, you can get the small WGA app from Microsoft direct, and this might be a place to start:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/905474

Or what Rik said!

Rik · Apr 28, 2009, 17:34:51

Snap!

zappaDPJ · Apr 28, 2009, 17:39:37

I'd also get rid of Limewire. Every PC and laptop I've seen with it installed has been riddled with infections. My daughter recently installed it on her laptop which became unusable within hours despite it having up to date AV software installed.

Rik · Apr 28, 2009, 17:46:08

Thanks, Zappa, sound advice.