Bill said:
I have a persistent pop up from Platte Services demanding money I don't
owe. It has invaded my desktop too and keeps returning after I delete the
shortcut.
Address in browser is: file:///C:/1276849409/LkgBDKxYQlhbHeKf.htm
I cannot find this file. Showing hidden files and using Vista search
reveals nothing.
How do I get rid of this little cheeky menace? Firewall is on, normal
full security, Windows Defender etc., etc.
You've definitely picked up a nasty bit of malware. There isn't much about
it pointing to definitive removal steps (Google search), so I'd start with
the standard methods:
Go through these general malware removal steps systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
Include scanning with David Lipman's Multi_AV and follow instructions to do
all scans in Safe Mode. Please see the special Notes regarding using
Multi_AV in Vista.
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Multi-AV - instructions
http://tinyurl.com/yoeru3 - download link and more instructions
When all else fails, get guided help. Choose one of the specialty forums
listed at the first link. Register and read its posting FAQ. PLEASE DO NOT
POST LOGS IN THE MS NEWSGROUPS.
Standard disclaimer: I can't see and test your computer myself, so these are
just suggestions based on many years of being a professional computer tech;
suggestions based on what you've written. You should not take my
suggestions as a definitive diagnosis. If you can't do the work yourself
(and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea), take the
machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your local equivalent
of BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). Please be aware that not all local shops
are skilled at removing malware and even if they are, your computer may be
so infested that Windows will need to be clean-installed. If possible, have
all your data backed up before you take the machine into a shop.
Malke
