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Windows Activation Virus Alert

I'm not exactly an expert at viruses but this one seems pretty new. A family member called me up yesterday (before taking action thankfully) and asked me about a Microsoft Windows activation screen on his computer and mentioned that it prompted him for a credit card number. When I went over to inspect the virus I was thrown off by how real it was.

I really like the ATM PIN NUMBER field. Beware of this one!

  • It launches on startup
  • If you select "No I will do it later", it goes away to convince you that it is real
  • It tried to run a file called dell.bat on exit (this is an HP box) but it was blocked by his virus software
  • It won't let you run Task Manager for process information (and often results in a lock-up when you try)
  • The graphics are not perfectly aligned either (a dead giveaway but only for a trained eye).

 

 
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Friday, 27 Apr 2007 04:58 by Interesting
I am getting the same error on my son's machine. However, I am unable to use the machine if I say 'No, I will do it later'. Did you have a similar issue or were you able to simply disinfect it? I am surprised there are no posts anywere else with this issue. Either this is truly a new virus, or Microsoft is now interested in my credit card pin number.

Tuesday, 1 May 2007 04:25 by I have this issue as well
I can't use task manager or do anything on my comupter. Help.

Monday, 7 May 2007 08:11 by Tough One
(original poster here) Actually I opted for a full format, erased everything and re-installed everything. Aside from seeing it with my own eyes, I haven't heard anything about this virus until this weekend when a friend noticed an online article about it @ computer world, but so far I can only assume Anti-Virus programs will get an update soon.

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