MIA: Hopefully Not For Long

[Sparkie]

Hey guys and gals, figured I'd let everyone know that I'm going to be missing around here for a while. Why? Well, due to some problems I'm facing with my computer and some concerning messages that have popped up related to said problems, I'm having my laptop taken into a shop to be looked at, and hopefully the issues will be easy fixes. I'm doing what I can now, but better safe than sorry.

I'll be checking in on the forums as often as possible, so if you need one of my characters for something, the best way to make sure we run into each other when I get back is to send me a pm. Here's hoping everything goes quickly, and I can be back tearing things up with everyone soon enough.

I'll see everyone server-side, hopefully sooner than later.

[Sparkie]

Update:

I've done all I can, but I still haven't gotten things fixed with my computer, and with how long the shops take, I'm likely going to be offline for over a month. That being said, I still have my computer for now, it just doesn't have a firewall and may be carrying a nasty virus, so it is probably for the best that I don't go online. So, here's hoping things don't take too long.

[Hades]

This is my firewall. Download these sparky and see how it goes. If the virus/malware blocks downloading ask a friend to download the programs on a little flash drive and just install it that way. Good luck bud.

https://www.malwarebytes.org/
http://www.adlice.com/softwares/roguekiller/
http://www.superantispyware.com/

[Sparkie]

Well, for a full rundown of the issues, here's what's going on.

I turned on my computer a few days ago, to find that I couldn't actually go online, with me firing up google chrome to go on the forums, and after checking the BH forums, I had the screen start acting weird, and a couple windows flash up, one large saying I'd gotten a virus, the other giving a phone number. Given the context, I figured it'd pretty much wind up as one of the old things where you'd get calls from people trying to gain access to your computer under the guise of some company. (And god, wasn't it fun to screw with those people?). Anyways, I'd went to check my firewall and other things, and they were all turned off, and I couldn't turn the firewall back on.

Anyways, I've thought of trying to do a full mind wipe of the laptop, and see if that works to beat the problem. If anyone has any insight on this, either having dealt with it or has more knowledge on how to deal with this, I'd appreciate any opinions.

[Kitsunestume]

Depending on your system, try grabbing your anti-virus of choice (Malwarebytes + MS Security Essentials is my combination) and loading them to a flash drive or CD (Use a friend's computer if you need it).

Then restart your computer in SAFE-MODE, with NO NETWORK DRIVERS (otherwise you risk having a live internet connection and no security measures at all). Basically, when the BIOS Splash-Screen appears (usually your computer/Mobo manufacturer logo), hit F8/F9/F10/whatever key it directs for Boot-Options or Safe-Mode.
Safe-Mode will prevent any non-core programs and drivers from running at startup, thereby (usually) preventing the malware from starting up (unless it's somehow lodged in your core drivers, in which case you have a different, much larger issue).

Load the device with the tools to your computer, and install and run them while still in safe-mode. Once they are done, you should be clear to reboot your computer into normal mode and check if it worked.

Hopefully that helps. Feel free to poke me on Skype if you need further clarification or assistance.

[Sparkie]

Well, my laptop got taken in before I checked back in here. So, I'll be offline for estimated time, probably, and knowing my luck, it may take longer. Fingers crossed that I might be back sooner rather than later.

[Sparkie]

Update:

As I'd said before, my laptop got taken into a shop. Unknown to me, it got taken into one that would actually see to my laptop before I'd die of old age. So, I've got it back now, and may even be on tonight. So, yay! I'll see you guys soon!