Recent Posts

5026

Announce Your Software/Service/Product / Re: Bvckup 2

« Last post by tomos on January 28, 2013, 06:27 AM »

Apologies for not replying sooner. I was pushing out the major website redesign.

-apankrat (January 28, 2013, 04:13 AM)

very nice

5027

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 27, 2013, 03:23 PM »

^ I guess it could help somebody

I'll add the disclaimer that I dont have a clue what a lot of these apps do to your system, and am not responsible for any negative effects caused by any of them ;-)

As I did each step the logfiles and finds were checked by (german language) experts from www.trojaner-board.de
My last find was with ESET Online Scanner.
Avira Anti-virus, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and OTL.exe all found multiple files

Initially the computer could not be started - I used windows recovery disk and did a system restore.
The infected account was a user account (luckily) and could not be used - so I worked from the Admin account.

Update all apps before scanning:

------------------
Full scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (http://www.malwarebytes.org/)
(select free-mode if you're just installing for this scan)
Click on 'Show results' when finished, save.

------------------
Scan with your local anti-virus

------------------
Full scan with OTL.exe from Oldtimer
tutorial (+ dl link bottom of post one) OTL Tutorial - How to use OldTimer ListIt
Run as admin with these settings:

• All users
• Output: Minimal
• Standard registry: Safelist

Output: 2 logfiles
------------------
^ you will need help with OTL, because depending on files found, a script has to be prepared to 'cleanse' them (again via OTL.exe).

------------------
Scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit (http://www.malwareby...roducts/other_tools/)
Output: 1 logfile

------------------
Run AdwCleaner softpedia link / home: http://general-chang...og-team.fr/fr/outils
When finished click [Delete]
Output: 1 logfile

------------------
'Detail scan' with Emsisoft Anti-Malware (http://www.emsisoft.com/en/)
Save results

------------------
Windows Repair Tool (AIO) (http://www.tweaking....pair_all_in_one.html)
Run Repair_Windows.exe
Click on 'Start repairs' Tab then: Start
choose these settings

• Register System Files
• Repair WMI
• Repair Windows Firewall
• Repair Winsock & DNS Cache
• Repair Proxy Settings
• Set Windows Services To Default Startup

and restart

------------------
ESET Online Scanner (http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner)
(Works in IE. Otherwise download an app. Run browser as admin)
Disable local antivirus and firewall
Tick: Remove found threads und Scan archives.
Output: 1 logfile

------------------
Either update Java RT and disable it in all browser
or
uninstall Java RT

------------------
In IE internet settings -
Security Tab
Tick: Enable protected mode
Click: Reset all zones to default level

------------------
Delete all system restore points (disable & re-enable System Restore)

------------------
CCleaner (I did this for each user account - it's possible there's an easier way)
delete all temporary internet files
Fix the registry (as said above - I never do this otherwise)
http://www.piriform....om/ccleaner/features

------------------
I also updated Adobe Reader and disabled it's browser plugins

5028

Living Room / Re: Male Comic Book Character in Female Poses

« Last post by tomos on January 27, 2013, 12:47 PM »

How to fix every Strong Female Character pose in superhero comics: replace the character with Hawkeye doing the same thing." -Gingerhaze

A blog with Clint "Hawkeye" Barton being placed in the same provocative, female poses that are featured in superhero comics.

http://thehawkeyeinitiative.com/

IMO it does not fix the issue because of the more modern metrosexual male hero being like classic gay Batman and Robin parodies but still interesting.

-Paul Keith (January 27, 2013, 11:25 AM)

I'm not sure does it fix the issue either, but it does bring attention to it - like we never noticed ;-) but still ...
and there's a couple of great laughs there, thanks

5029

General Software Discussion / Re: POSTING 101

« Last post by tomos on January 26, 2013, 03:27 PM »

good idea app - a lot of people have trouble with attaching images.
I never actually knew about the picture button 40 mentions. I always used the 'Link inline image'
(which I find very obscure use of language: I dont even know what 'inline' means here; and I'm not linking, I'm uploading )

I had started this before your post app, so I'll post it:

Wherever the anchor is will be where your picture gets displayed in your post. You can't see the picture until you actually post it to the forum because it also needs to be uploaded before the forum software can display it..

-40hz (January 25, 2013, 03:57 PM)

Does this apply to My Personal Area as well?  Should I be able to see my attachment when I click post?

-crabby3 (January 26, 2013, 09:57 AM)

Unfortunately you cant see it when you preview the post - but when you post it, you should be able to see it.
if you add this text below it will show within the post (where the text is).

[attachimg=#]

this for a thumbnail version:

[attachthumb=#]

these are not available via 'quick reply' at the bottom of the page:
if you do use that, click preview, and on the next page, click on the field with 'Link inline image' in it (to get the text shown above)



and a thumbnail (click to enlarge)

5030

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: FreeFileSync - automated backup - Mini-Review

« Last post by tomos on January 26, 2013, 03:09 PM »

I hadnt used the versioning before.

You have to designate/create a folder for older versions (see shot below).
It then recreates the folder structure (as necessary) within this folder
Very good

5031

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: FreeFileSync - automated backup - Mini-Review

« Last post by tomos on January 26, 2013, 02:46 PM »

Just installed FreeFileSync_5.11_setup.exe

I dont mind Open Candy, but this was sneaky imo:



OC was already mentioned above, but the reason I'm posting about it again is because the option here is pre-selected.
Also, it's the last step and if you're not focusing/going too quick you might just think it's the 'I accept ...' terms for FreeFileSync itself, and just click install.

Just warning in case.
As said above, probably better installing the portable version and making your own shortcuts

5032

General Software Discussion / Re: Are you going to wait for Windows 9?

« Last post by tomos on January 24, 2013, 12:49 PM »

Brilliant idea of MS - effectively stops you using System Restore before windows loads if you get an infection !!!!

-Carol Haynes (January 23, 2013, 01:07 PM)

I did that lately with a recovery disk (sooo slow) but dont know how to do it otherwise.

5033

Living Room / Re: silly humor - post 'em here! [warning some NSFW and adult content]

« Last post by tomos on January 24, 2013, 12:00 PM »

what's this, Irish hour

@ Ren,
he'd like it to be legitimate - he owns a pub in the countryside ;-)



(probably slowly going bankrupt...)

5034

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 23, 2013, 07:45 AM »

What exactly would I gain by turning off one of the remaining three (2 malware, 1 AV) real-time scanners?

-crabby3 (January 23, 2013, 07:17 AM)

Speed.

I think maywarebytes has a better reputation than SUPERAntiSpyware. Having three scanning simultaneously will slow things down and might not necessarily be of any more help than just having the real-time protection of two.

But again, it's your call


edit/ PS 10 or 11 minutes is still a very long time for startup

5035

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 23, 2013, 06:28 AM »

^ I think it's pretty clear what they do - and what they probably dont (refund)

I dont think a cleaner programme will make much difference to your system.
If you want to clear out temporary internet files a quick search will tell you where they are for each browser.

I personally normally never use cleaner-type programmes; I also never normally use anything that claims to fix my registry (note: I did do both when clearing out this virus on a friend laptop).

I would personally removing Spybot S&D (that's an easy choice as it's generally considered of not much use these days; also disabling it will make a difference to startup).
*Personally* I'd also remove one of the other Spyware programmes - or another good option would be to turn off the real-time scanning on one of them.

5036

Screenshot Captor / Re: background color degrades some fonts??

« Last post by tomos on January 23, 2013, 06:07 AM »

Can you guys try this new beta:

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:
You will need to change SOMETHING about a text box before you see any fix -- so select it and toggle the inner color on and then off, or edit the text in some way, etc.

-mouser (January 23, 2013, 05:12 AM)

I just repeat my quick test above - [edit] sorry got the font name wrong last time [/edit] text now works fine doing that.
Because of the dark background I've changed the 'Multiply' setting to 'Normal'

5037

Living Room / Re: Animal Friends thread

« Last post by tomos on January 23, 2013, 03:53 AM »

^ that's a great story. I love it when the scientists are stumped

A friend of mine moved across the city once, her cat was missing at the time. It turned up at their new home a month or two later. That could have been chance - not as dramatic as some of the stories there, but was still impressive.

5038

Screenshot Captor / Re: background color degrades some fonts??

« Last post by tomos on January 23, 2013, 03:31 AM »

I'm pretty sure the font clipping was reported before, with larger font sizes and with italic - but unfortunately I couldn't actually find the report so I dont know what was concluded then, if anything.

BTW I'm not sure that the number/size for fonts in SC is points(?)



this is a png (my default save is as PNG) screenshot taken while in edit mode - but no change when saved.

Settings here are
Font: Calibri Italic DFKai-SB Italic
Size 39
Transparency 200
Blend Mode Multiply

5039

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 22, 2013, 08:07 AM »

THIRD QUOTE:
I'll try to find out today if SpeedMaxPc is a scam or not... and report back here... good or bad.    or

-crabby3 (January 22, 2013, 07:56 AM)

well, either way it's in the grey zone:

• misleading banner
• didnt help your PC
• probably did a major registry cleanup which can help things, but can easily totally screw up your pc
• very dubious sales practices

I'm sure theres more...

5040

General Software Discussion / PicPick vs FastStone Capture vs Screenshot Captor vs Jet Screenshot

« Last post by tomos on January 22, 2013, 07:59 AM »

This one deserves a bit more widespread visibility:

dottech shootout:

[Windows] Best free screenshot program — PicPick vs FastStone Capture vs Screenshot Captor vs Jet Screenshot

Screenshot Captor gets 'first honorable mention'

-tomos (January 22, 2013, 07:50 AM)

5041

Screenshot Captor / Re: Links to Reviews and Comments - Add yours!

« Last post by tomos on January 22, 2013, 07:50 AM »

dottech shootout:

[Windows] Best free screenshot program — PicPick vs FastStone Capture vs Screenshot Captor vs Jet Screenshot

Screenshot Captor gets 'first honorable mention'

5042

Site/Forum Features / Re: Testing waters for radical dc ideas - feedback wanted

« Last post by tomos on January 22, 2013, 07:24 AM »

I feel like the single biggest thing that needs to be done is obvious and should really be tried *independent of other muckings* before calling it time for more sweeping change, and that is to finally properly reorganize and CMS-ify the main site, making it a better place for software listings, updates, etc. as well as other content. Until that is done it seems silly to me to talk of totally redoing the forums, which are pretty much working fine in my opinion (and apparently other people here agree). So why not make this an opportunity for the big push finally needed to go CMS on this place?

-JavaJones (December 21, 2012, 07:41 PM)

+1
(a very belated response, which could be a bump :p)

Another thing I'd like to see is some sort of wiki area - I have no ideas how this could be tied in with the forum.*
But over the years there's been a few threads, which, if kept updated could have been a major attraction for the site (e.g. software free for business use).


* I've no idea of the complexity nor what is possible, but something like:
Forum post becomes canditate for wiki. Wiki created => gets quoted in post. 'Live link'/quote where post-quote updates when wiki updated.

5043

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 22, 2013, 06:09 AM »

I think I've found the reason for my machines sluggishness during start-up.    Avast, Malwarebytes, SuperAnti-Spyware, SpyBot S&D, PickPic and PNotes all load with Windows.

-crabby3 (January 22, 2013, 05:57 AM)

Spybot S&D is not up to much these days - what do you use/need it for?

I dunno if it's a good idea to run two seperate antispyware/antimalware apps. => Maybe someone more expert will comment <=

LAST PART:[/b]
I was in a bit-of-a-panic when SpeedMaxPc deleted stuff I wanted or needed... so I didn't sit and think about... I just picked the first System Restore Point before the SpeedMaxPc install.  (It was the only Windows System Restore Point listed ...

-crabby3 (January 22, 2013, 05:05 AM)

if you're worried about this, you could go back into system restore and check what is on offer - the first one shown should probably be the one you used. Check it's date. Was it before, during, or after the virus?

SECOND QUOTE:[/b]
Why doesn't it have anything to do with Microsoft?  I know SpeedMaxPc isn't a Microsoft product... but why would they allow SpeedMaxPc to use their Windows Help & Support header... if it wasn't at least endorsed by Microsoft?   :tellme

-crabby3 (January 22, 2013, 05:05 AM)

that's part of the scam... (it's just an image they stuck up there. MS probably doesnt have time/interest to go after these people.)

5044

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 22, 2013, 06:01 AM »

I think paint dries faster than Norton's scans

-crabby3 (January 22, 2013, 05:57 AM)

thanks for the laugh of the day


(will reply to other comments shortly)

5045

Living Room / Re: Gadget WEEKENDS

« Last post by tomos on January 22, 2013, 04:32 AM »

^ yeah, the heart is a German(ic) thing. Crescent moon American.

https://pinterest.co...jeanlogan/outhouses/

5046

Living Room / Re: Cookies, EU Regulations, and Making a Mockery of it All :D

« Last post by tomos on January 22, 2013, 04:06 AM »

@Renegade: I've seen this idea before. I think maybe it was a tip in another post of yours somewhere.(?)

-IainB (January 21, 2013, 05:25 PM)

I remember that one
http://www.youtube.c.../watch?v=3x4TvQc1wtU

Automation would be nice

5047

General Software Discussion / Re: Lastpass

« Last post by tomos on January 21, 2013, 01:05 PM »

... my tolerance for solving computer problems has sunk to an all new low.

-Daleus (January 21, 2013, 12:45 PM)

I can relate to that.

One thing you could do (if you wanted) to stay with LastPass is export your info and create a new account and import.

5048

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 21, 2013, 12:53 PM »

The pop-ups appeared today... after I had used Windows System Restore

-crabby3 (January 21, 2013, 10:50 AM)

I wonder if there is a link between the two facts.
Has perhaps Windows System Restore recalled a system that was already infected?

-Giampy (January 21, 2013, 12:47 PM)

my edit overlapped with your post:

One last point - you've probably taken this into account but I say *in case*: you gotta be very careful using system restore after having had a virus - that you dont reintroduce anything. One of the things I did was to turn it off completely and then on again - in order to delete any restore points that might have been infected.

-tomos (January 21, 2013, 12:36 PM)

5049

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 21, 2013, 12:44 PM »

Do you have a good anti-virus - as well as having Malwarebytes? I read in the last week (sorry no link) that Malwarebytes real-time protection doesnt actually have the best reputation. It is supposed to work very well though with Microsoft Security Essentials and Avira Anti-Virus (and possibly other Anti-Virus programmes too).

Might be worth looking at your browser settings & add-ons as well. In settings you can usually block popups. Re add-ons, you can get many that are very helpful (adblock plus, flashblock, and ghostery - these are all easy to use and make a huge difference to security).

5050

Living Room / Re: FBI ALERT SCAM - Malware or Virus ?

« Last post by tomos on January 21, 2013, 12:36 PM »

I missed your earlier post about SpeedMaxPc:

I've no idea who SpeedMaxPc are but I wouldnt trust them an inch!!
Even if they arent trying to scam you in any way (and they may well be trying to scam you), their methods can be dangerous for your computer.

BTW   SpeedMaxPc's Tech-support page was 'Off-Line' yesterday and also today ... so maybe it's just another scam too.  Hopefully it's just because of the USA Holiday Weekend (MLK).

-crabby3 (January 21, 2013, 10:50 AM)

maybe you were just checking but please dont try and get help from them...

I know you can't believe everything you see or read on the web ... but I thought Windows Help & Support could be trusted.     Not so!  

-crabby3 (January 20, 2013, 11:48 AM)

Note: that's got nothing to do with Microsoft !!


One last point - you've probably taken this into account but I say *in case*: you gotta be very careful using system restore after having had a virus - that you dont reintroduce anything. One of the things I did was to turn it off completely and then on again - in order to delete any restore points that might have been infected.