New Version of SpywareBlaster - 4.4

By PC Bits on September 1, 2010 3:31 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

SpywareBlaster.JPG
There is a new version of SpywareBlaster.  Version 4.4.  You need this version to continue receiving updates.  As of 31 August 2010 they have added 37 new programs to their list.  
Do not use the automatic update link they pop-up!  Go to www.filehippo.com and download version 4.4 and install it.

It will install right over the old version just fine.

Do not allow any toolbars and do not try the automatic updates.  They will want money.

Dean

PC Bits Has Moved!

By PC Bits on August 31, 2010 4:23 PM
PC Bits has moved to our new office!  Don't panic!  I am in the same building, just a different Suite.  Suite 110.  The phone number will be the same.  

Come by and see the new place.

If you want to update my address it is:
9100 Baltimore ST NE
Suite 110
Blaine, MN 55449

Help, I have a Virus!

By PC Bits on August 30, 2010 9:19 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

What should you do if you suspect you have a virus?

First you must know your PC.  What is "Normal" behavior?  What is your web browser's "Home Page"?  What does normal Internet traffic look/sound/feel like?  How fast is the Internet?  How fast do you get/send emails?

One of the first symptoms of a virus is a "change"!   The Internet is "Slow".  The PC is acting "funny"!  There seems to be lots of activity going on over the Internet wires but "you" aren't doing anything.  Your "Home Page" changes to some other web site, either porn or a site that tries to sell you something.  You can no longer get or send emails.

The obvious symptoms are "pop-ups".  These can happen anywhere and at random times.  They pop-up inside web pages, they pop-up in the system tray (down by the time/clock), they just pop-up on top of everything and they won't go away!  These fraudulent pop-ups can be "official" looking warnings, or advertisements claiming that you are "infected".  They FALSELY claim that they have "scanned" for viruses and found a "Trojan" or some such thing.  You have Avira AntiVir Guard.  Just who is claiming to have found something?  You should only respond if the warning pop-up is from AntiVir! (Look for the Red Umbrella)

If you suspect a virus Immediately shut down the PC.  The best way to scan and kill the latest crop of viruses is in "Safe Mode".  Look for my instructions, "Run Malwarebytes in Safe Mode " and follow them.

It may take several days before each of these products learns how to completely remove your infection.  If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

If all these scans fail or you cannot run/update AntiVir, Malwarebytes, or Spybot call me immediately at 763-360-2163.

Run Malwarebytes in Safe Mode

By PC Bits on August 30, 2010 9:03 AM
Run Malwarebytes in Safe Mode.pdf

Use these improved instructions to fight back!  This one page document is an effective method to remove those nasty popups that take over the screen and claim you are infected.

Print them out now before you are infected and keep them close to the PC.

Call me if you run into difficulty 763-360-2163.
Dean

Update Wednesday September 15th

By PC Bits on August 11, 2010 6:44 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
September 14th, is Update Tuesday!  Wednesday September 15th please run "Windows Updates"

XP Users - you should download and install all "Update",  "Critical", "Security", or "Fixes an Issue" updates.  Do Not install Internet Explorer 8 or Windows Search if you use Windows XP!!!  Microsoft is still trying to sneak these in.  They may be anywhere in the list of Updates.

Vista and Windows 7 Users - Go ahead and install Internet Explorer 8. You probably already have it.  Install all Important updates.

  1. XP Users open Internet Explorer
  2. Look for the Tools Icon on the far right and click on it
  3. Choose "Windows Update"
  4. Click on the CUSTOM button
  5. Wait for it to finish thinking
  6. Look carefully for Internet Explorer 8 or Windows Search and UNCHECK it.
  7. You do not need any Optional Software or Hardware updates
  8. Install all "Update", "Critical", "Security", or "Fixes an Issue" updates
  9. Reboot your PC after all have been downloaded and installed.

ZoneAlarm Update - August 2, 2010

By PC Bits on August 2, 2010 10:08 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

NOTE:  ZoneAlarm has changed again!  From version 9.3.014 back to 9.2.057!
CheckPoint, the company that owns ZoneAlarm has changed things again!
We are back to version 057 at www.filehippo.com.

If you are reading this for the first time and have not ever updated your ZoneAlarm, you should update it with version 9.2.057.  My instructions will still work but the numbers should read 9.2.057 not 9.2.042.

My customers should update ZoneAlarm ASAP to avoid the automatic prompts that often confuse and mislead.  This 4 page document will show you the best way.  As usual, if you have questions please call.  763-360-2163.  

Do NOT agree to any Trial editions.  Do NOT install any Toolbars.

A "New Network Found" screen will open after the install.  You need to Trust your home network.

ZoneAlarm Update May 2010.pdf

Dean

ZoneAlarm Warning!

By PC Bits on July 22, 2010 8:41 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
ZoneAlarm Update.JPG
ZoneAlarm is sending many new popups.  While you need to update to Version 57, don't be alarmed by the warnings.  DON'T click Update Now.  Follow my instructions to properly install the FREE version.  

Warning!  ZoneAlarm Installed improperly will Block your Wireless Internet Access!  If you suddenly cannot connect to your wireless you must Uninstall ZoneAlarm.  Call me if you are having wireless problems.

Dean

Things You Must Do!

By PC Bits on July 10, 2010 12:49 PM
PC Bits Things you must do.pdf

10 July 2010

New updated version of my "PC Bits Things You Must Do" document.

With thanks to Anita Grace for a great idea to note "how often" next to each heading!

All ideas for improvements to this document are welcomed.  Email me at service@pcbitsnews.com

What Version Should I have?

By PC Bits on April 26, 2010 11:32 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
Keeping your PC Bits software up to date is very important!  As clever new virus and spyware threats occur, your security software must evolve to counter them.  This often means that a new version must be installed.  This is different than a daily or monthly update.  Daily or monthly updates are either automatic (AntiVir) or manual but are usually quick and simple.  Installing a new version is a complicated process, has lots of steps, can involve uninstalling the old version and rebooting the PC.

NOTE!  In the months of Nov. 2009 - July 2010, Many of my previous customers that brought in infected PCs had not kept their Security software Versions up to date! 

Often my customers find the version update confusing and have problems after the update.  Here are a few points to keep in mind during an update:

  1. If you see an update screen/pop-up that is new to you try checking out this blog before attempting it.  I may have some help for you here that will make the process easier.
  2. Keep in mind that ALL your software from PC Bits is FREE!  Never agree to purchase anything!  Often the update will try very hard to convince you to "Upgrade" to the "trial suite", or "real time" or "automatic update" or $29.99 version.  You may have to look very closely for the small print that says, "continue using the free version".
If you have any doubts about what to do, call me. 763-360-2163.

Currently you should have:

Version 10 of AntiVir (The Red umbrella)
Version 9.3.014.000 of ZoneAlarm (Firewall)  **NEW** 
Version 1.6.2 of Spybot Search & Destroy
Version 4.3 of SpywareBlaster 
Version 1.46 of Malwarebytes 
Version 7 of Internet Explorer (XP Only)
Version 8 of Internet Explorer (Vista and Windows 7 Only)
Version 2.34.1200 of CCleaner  **NEW**

I do not use Ad-Aware any more.  You should replace it with Malwarebytes.

You can find the version number for most software under the HELP menu.  Look for ABOUT.

For AntiVir; RIGHT mouse click on the red umbrella down by the time and choose Start AntiVir.  Then look under the HELP menu for ABOUT.  There is a Version tab.
 
 
NOTE: The AntiVir pop-up that tells you to Update your Version is confusing my customers.  Don't try it!  Call me when you can sit in front of your PC for a while and I will talk you through it.  
You can download the new version from www.filehippo.com.  It will first uninstall the older version, ask if it can use the old settings (YES), ask you to reboot, then ask several questions.  It's best to call.

For ZoneAlarm; RIGHT mouse click on the blue Z down by the time and choose Restore ZoneAlarm Control Center.  Click on Overview, then Product Info.

Malwarebytes has an About tab.

Spybot always tells you the Version number at the top of the main screen

SpywareBlaster has the version number in the bottom left corner of the main screen


How to Install AntiVir Version 10

By PC Bits on March 28, 2010 3:09 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

Here is the document you need to install AntiVir Version 10.

Please read each instruction completely before doing it.  If you have difficulty following it or find errors please email me at service@pcbitsweb.com

How to Install AntiVir Version 10.pdf

Important Notice!

By PC Bits on February 23, 2010 10:45 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
To all my customers!  The Pandemic of "Fraudware" viruses continues!  This "Fraudware" seems to be able to penetrate any defense!  It is jumping off of perfectly innocent websites or e-mails. Many customers report they are on Facebook when it hits. You will know something is wrong immediately because multiple popups of every kind blanket your screen.  This virus "Permanently Kills" any program you try to start!  If you see this happen SHUT DOWN your PC immediately!  You must be prepared in advance to fight this or you have little chance of succeeding.

Please do the following two things to prevent or recover from an infection.

  1. Please read the "What Version Should I have?" entry in this blog.  Make sure you have the newest version of all my security software and they are up to date!

  2. You should take a few moments to Update Malwarebytes Anti-malware Daily!  Malwareytes can kill these viruses if it gets a chance.  However, once you have the virus it is too late to update Malwarebytes.  The viruses are Killing it and corrupting all Internet access settings.
You should print out my "Run Malwarebytes in Safe Mode" instructions below and keep it handy since after an infection you may not be able to get on the Internet!

Windows 7

By PC Bits on November 9, 2009 5:29 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks
I have installed 7 copies of Windows 7 since it came out Oct. 22nd and I must say that I am very happy with the results!  It installs very quickly and error free.  

What really impresses me is the driver support.  Windows 7 seems to find every single driver for every PC I have installed it on!  That never happened with XP or Vista.  It seems to recognize new hardware quite nicely as well.  I plugged in a 2nd monitor and it noticed it right away and configured it just the way I wanted.

Microsoft will NOT allow you to "Upgrade" to Windows 7 straight from XP.  You can however "Upgrade" from Vista to Windows 7.

Microsoft will NOT allow you to upgrade from Vista to a new "Edition".  You must buy the EXACT same version of Vista you currently have.  For example:  If you currently have Vista Home Premium, you should buy Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade.

My advice is this: if you have XP now and want Windows 7 plan on starting over fresh.  Don't try doing multiple upgrades.  You must also have a very powerful/large capacity PC to run Windows 7.  If you already have Vista, I would upgrade to Windows 7 ASAP.

Call me before changing your Operating System if you have any concerns.  763-360-2163.
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