Tofer

14 hours ago, stud858 said:

Sometimes hidden, corrupted or hard to know what the partition has. No real need to know anyway.

 

Just Need to know model number. Find out which key to tap.

Tap the key on startup. Either the menu will show( factory restore possible) 

Or the menu won't show( no factory restore possible).

So the next big question. Look underside of laptop and look for model number. Or check manual.

Model number Sony Vaio - PCG-71311M. 

Thanks.

Many thanks again for all your input and advice. Although I must say I'm getting rather confused by it all at this point. I will definitely need some help and will try to find that locally.

I couldn't say whether the reboots were soft or hard according to your definitions, just that a computer expert was asked to sort my problems. He managed to do it all and retain my files. Perhaps there lies the problem if the files are infected.

I cannot download my files at present, as the Trojan / malware is trying to delete everything I try to open. Yesterday I booted up for the first time and found the computer to be ok with defender switched on and no intrusion into my files. Then my screen froze when I tried to run scans and checks so I logged off, and as soon as I logged on again it was back to the compromised scenario.

The computer model number is Sony Vaio - PCG-71311M. 

6 hours ago, chrisinth said:

the problem with a reset (and opting to keep files & settings) in this instance is that it will save not only what you want but also anything undesirable as well.

 

If either of these have been compromised, you will simply keep them without solving the issue.

 

Big word here is if..................

What if I did try to save all my documents and photos to Cloud or similar, would their protection prevent any Trojans or malware or whatever demons passing across?

22 hours ago, dotpoom said:

Am sincerely sorry to hear of your problems...but had to have a little smile to myself ..You write.. .." Please understand I am a bit of a dinosaur where technology is concerned"

   Having read your full post I thought to myself.. "What does that meke me"?...most of it went way above my head, 555.

PS...hope it all works out well for you.

You're doing better than I did when I first discovered computers.

Here's a little anecdote to have another chuckle at.

Working in a large site office in Malaysia I passed the time of day with the contractors project manager, then he asked, 'why are you still talking to me?', I asked 'why not?'. He then told me he was surprised because of the emails he'd been sending me. To which I replied 'what's an email?'. We went into the office and he opened up the emails on the office system LAN (internal network). I was then furnished with a computer and the inhouse techy taught me how to switch it on and a few other basics. Over the 2 years on that project, and with lots of help from colleagues, I gradually became somewhat competent in its use but, as you will have guessed, never actually understood what was going on behind the screen...555

I got so proficient in its use that one of the contractors managers, a really big fellow, threatened to wrap it around my head one day...555. I told him to f-off out of my office until he could conduct himself in a professional manner. Sadly he got fired for that outburst as one of his colleagues witnessed it and reported him, I did not drop him in it I hasten to add.

So I've had nothing but trouble with these infernal machines.....

8 minutes ago, Greyhat said:

OP don't install Linux, yes it's a better and more secure operating system but you're going to have to learn everything from scratch. Better stick to what you know. If you're local and are okay with the idea I'd be happy to sort out any issue for you. I'm an IT professional and would be happy to help out as a friend.

9 minutes ago, Greyhat said:

OP don't install Linux, yes it's a better and more secure operating system but you're going to have to learn everything from scratch. Better stick to what you know. If you're local and are okay with the idea I'd be happy to sort out any issue for you. I'm an IT professional and would be happy to help out as a friend.

Where are you located?

I'm in Krabi area.

17 minutes ago, pr9spk said:

It doesn't sound like you need a new machine. Where abouts are you based? I could probably sort it for you in an hour depending on how big your hard drives are, the suggestion of an upgrade to Windows 10 is a good one, they can definitely do that for you at Fortune Town if you buy the O/S there.

I'm in Koh Lanta, Krabi.

Don't know Fortune Town?

Happy to carry it around when I visit Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Bangkok, if you're anywhere near these locations.

21 minutes ago, chrisinth said:

OP, just my two pence worth on your issues. I will just keynote your issues as I see them and try not to get into it too much.

 

1. IP's. You seem concerned that access is being granted through IP addresses. Unless you are on a static IP address, most users are using dynamic IP; this IP will be changed by whichever ISP you are using everytime you switch off your computer or at the end of each 'lease' by the ISP. In short, access is not by specific IP address.

 

2. There is an extremely good chance that whichever 'service' you allowed to remotely access your computer has indeed injected a trojan, loaded up with a cocktail of scripts to <deleted> with your system. I am suggesting this as your problems don't seem to be targeting one but several programs and actions.

As such, IMO, it is a waste of time trying to rectify your current OS as regards scanning (although it is good practice to do so in future) for virus/malware as, even if the trojan is known, the contents carried by the trojan probably isn't and the scripts won't show up.

You need to format the drive and install a clean operating system.

 

3. As others have suggested, immediately change all your passwords to all accounts that are related to this computer.

 

4. Transferring data/pictures/videos from the old system to the new operating system. I haven't seen any advice given on this which is quite surprising as it is such an important step as some compromised files may be present in these files such as infected macros for example. When transferring data, in this sort of instance, I would not recommend using any image type of software, but manually select what you want to keep and transfer this to an external thumb drive or external drive. Make sure you have a reliable anti-virus/anti-malware program running when you do the transfer. I would also include backing up any other partitions you have on this drive.

 

5. When doing a fresh install of the operating system, delete all present partitions on the drive and format the lot. Once this has been done, you can re-establish any additional partitions you need. If you intend changing your HDD for an SSD, all the better as you will appreciate the increase in performance later. 

 

6. When the fresh install has completed (and your network adapter drivers have installed correctly) install your preferred anti-virus/anti-malware programs or, if just using windows defender, make sure it is updated to the latest definitions. You can then start reinstalling your 3rd party software such as Office/Email/PDF software, etc. On completion of this, transfer across the files you saved to external.

 

And finally 7. Think a lot before you allow someone to access your computer remotely. In fact, you could go into Services and disable Remote modules if it makes you feel better. That said, software like TeamViewer and the like use different methods of access.

 

Use the above a a reference when you take your confuser to the shop or for yourself if doing it on your own. Good time to upgrade to W10 at this juncture......................

Thanks for that very detailed advice.

It will definitely have to be a tech expert that implements that lot, as most of what you wrote went over my head.

24 minutes ago, Stocky said:

If that's all you need it for, why not drop Windows and install Linux - Linux Mint works fine and you can happily view photos, Word documents and pdf files, access the Internet and do your emails. Whatever's been following you around won't work on Linux.

Thanks. 

That's is exactly all I need it for.

So you are saying the malware on my computer will not be able to function if I switch to Linux?

Will I loose my current files switching over?

20 hours ago, stud858 said:

Your computer may have a windows restore partition on it. Usually accessed by continually pressing a fn key immediately after computer has switch on button pressed after a complete shutdown not just sleep mode. What's your model? Usually printed underside. Google the model number with "how to factory reset restore windows" you can do it yourself.

 

Also I don't recommend having antivirus on computer permanently.

They end up doing more harm from my 10 years experience in repair shop. Sensible browsing is a much better protector. But the industry still pushes scare tactics so they are popular. Did you have antivirus? Did it stop this problem from occuring?

 

If you are wanting to go for an SSD I have a 250gb SSD Samsung brand for sale. PM me if you are wanting to use SSD. The guys on this forum will tell you what's a fair price for one.

It will speed up computer. For example boot up time will go from around 30 sec. To 10 seconds. Strongly recommended.

 

Good luck

 

I have a Sony Vaio which has an assist button, but it says I have no problems in the 'solution centre'. It recommended system tune up and when I tried to run that it froze up, so I shut down again.

Thank you for your offer of the SSD, but at the moment I'm more interested in getting my computer to work properly and not too concerned about it's speed right now. I will certainly consider this upgrade if / when I get this machine to someone to fix the software intrusion problems, or purchase a new machine.

20 hours ago, Bundooman said:

I don't know the manufacturer of your laptop, but there are certainly repair agencies that can clean and re-install programmes for you.

 

Over the years, I have used Samsung and HP/Compaq Service agents here in CM, (for three of the computers/laptops I've had over the years and the last one I have used is the Acer Service Centre.

 

So that's 4 different computers and 3 Service Agencies, (HP&Compaq are the same agency here) and I have been pleasantly satisfied with service and the prices quoted.

 

I'm a dinosaur also. I would advise you to at least look at them if there is an Service centre for your machine. Up to you, of course, but that is what I would do.

It's a Sony Vaio. I will try to find someone in our Krabi area.

17 hours ago, TGIR said:

I hate to repeat myself so I'll try to be concise.  I posted to Facebook a recap of my computer travails yesterday.  If you're on Facebook there was a lengthy discussion about similar subjects.

 

Here's what I found out directly from Microsoft and Facebook while I was in the process of replacing my old laptop over the past three weeks......I bought a used one.......wouldn't charge the battery, junked it and bought a new one....had Windows 10 on it and I spent an entire day trying to set the GDmmmed thing up.  Finally went to Advice in Cha Am where I bought it and ordered a PC WITHOUT Win 10......Got a new one with Windows 8.1......only have a problem about every half hour or so when I get a BIG notice from Microsoft that my brand new computer has a chip that isn't supported by them anymore.......so I should buy a new one with Windows 10 and my problems will be solved.....thanks but no thanks......I could give a rats behind If I won't be getting their updates which F the whole computer up anyway.

 

O.K.  sorry, got carried away. Here's the deal, verified in writing on my new computer(s)..... Windows has all the info on your computer whether they need it or not.  They can arbitrarily update your computer whenever they want to.......if you're a Win 10 user.  Other users with Win 7 or 8 can try to stop them by making sure they are notified of updates and by instructing their computer not to install any updates without permission.  Google, you will find out if you are installing Google on a new machine, already tracks anything and everything you do on your Google enhanced computer.....they will even ask you what you want to track, or not track......although my secret super brain thinks they are going to keep doing it whether you want them to do it or not.....they'll just tell you they're not doing it and assume you, like the other 98% of us dumb asses will believe them.

 

In closing, I hope this made you feel better......personally, I have to go take a shower......yuk!  Just do some reading up on Win 10 before you go any further.......you CAN choose to use Win 7 or 8 which may be supported for a couple more years but personally I'll choose not to be supported at all, and buy a new computer when the one I have takes a dump I can't fix........I'd try Unix but at my age I'd rather have a daily rectal exam.......

My sympathies go out to you.

You sound as frustrated as I am.

20 hours ago, DaveBKK said:

Considering your computer skills.... just ditch your computer. Get an iPad w/Keyboard or get a Chromebook. 

 

Seriously many of you folks on here probably don’t need a traditional laptop anymore. Especially with the complexity of scams, virus and hacks out there. You’ll be much better served with an iPad or a Chromebook. 

I have an iPad and a, so called, smart phone, but they don't have SD slots, DVD or USB ports to connect anything. 

I have a lot of files on my laptop both documents and photos, and I wouldn't have the first idea about how to save them across to an iPad. You will probably suggest Microsoft cloud or something similar, BUT..., can I trust those remote facilities as much as my own hardware? Will my compromised machine pass on the same problems I have now via that facility?

You can probably surmise that I'm nervous as hell about trusting any technology now.

21 hours ago, neeray said:

I fully understand your "technical dinosaur" comment. Like me, and like somebody suggested, you need a local, hands-on tech.

I most certainly do. 

How to find one that you can trust?

20 hours ago, KittenKong said:

Once remote-access software is installed it can be made to report back to a central server and to provide the current IP address. Commercial remote access software works like that, so it isnt limited to malware or hacker tools. In this way it can be easy for someone to log into your machine even if they dont know where you are, once the machine is set up to allow it.

Thank you for that clear explanation KK. 

So even if I manage to change my email password, it will have no effect on their ability to access my computer and do whatever they like, including log my new email / passwords etc. through my keystrokes.

By the way, I just tried to change my email password and the process was unbearably frustrating. Microsoft have blocked emails to the security info alternative email I used as all the verification codes they sent were rejected. As a consequence I've had to change my security info to another method and that will now be 30 days wait to be able to use it to attempt to change my password again. Isn't this super intelligent technology wonderful!!

So if my machine's software is set up to allow access wherever I go, then it would seem logical to bin this machine and start a fresh with a new one. 

What confuses me though is how they manage to re-establish their control of my machine after I have had the computer completely wiped clean and rebooted by a professional computer technician in the UK, twice, reset to an earlier date 3 times by me, all to no avail.

I really appreciate all your advice.

But as I mentioned in the OP I am a technical dinosaur, and much of what is being stated is like a foreign language.

I will try again resetting to an earlier date and changing my email password, and all others, which is about the limit of my capabilities. But the problems tend to re-occur soon after.

How exactly are they getting into my computer is the real dilemma?

If anyone can recommend a technician who can fix everything I would happily revert to them for assistance.

7 minutes ago, Greyhat said:

It's when you need to enter a password to start your computer. A password the scammer has created and will blackmail you into paying to get. For more information there's a million videos on "tech support scammers"

 

I had that in the past from them. Then I got my local, trusted, computer technician to clean the machine up and remove my log in password, but they kept getting back in.

I presumed it was via my UK IP address which I had foolishly given them. But this is what puzzles me, as I'm now on a completely different IPaddress and country, but they are still messing with my computer.

How do they get into it?

On 2/2/2019 at 7:16 PM, JamJar said:

Use the opportunity to fit an inexpensive solid state drive to your PC and then clean install the operating system to it. This way you will not have to waste any time having to back up important data. Your PC will fly with the new SSD.

Then you can connect the old hard drive via USB and transfer any importnat data over to the new install.

 

If you need help we can guide you through the process.

Are you a service organisation? If so, where are you located?

when you say 'fit an SSD, is that an internal hardware amendment or an external cable fed accessory?

All your comments are noted and very much appreciated.

6 minutes ago, watcharacters said:

 

Especially FREE virus scams.

But how do you know which ones you can trust?

I get very nervous when my computer pops up with the message 'do not switch off as updates are loading'.

1 minute ago, Greyhat said:

Indian tech scammers strike again. Try to do a "system restore" and revert your system back to a date before it happened, change any important passwords and never let anyone remotely access your computer unless you're absolutely certain you can trust them. You're lucky they didn't syskey you.

What is syskey?

On 2/3/2019 at 8:10 AM, KittenKong said:

The problem with just running virus scans is that much remote access software is entirely legitimate and so may not show up as being virus-like.

 

If you dont know the names of all such software, and if you dont know where to look, it may not be easy to spot them.

 

Hence the suggestion to reinstall everything afresh.

Correct, I don't believe it's a virus as they are into my settings and making adjustments / standing instructions, such as 'switch off Windows defender on each log in and the 'delete files' automatically. 

When I reset Windows defender and run a search, it comes up with 'no infected files / programmes'.

On 2/3/2019 at 2:36 AM, katana said:

Who was the expert who connected to your computer via remote assistance?

Did they just contact you at random telling you there was something wrong with your computer?

Yes they did. I can't remember and have no record, otherwise I would definitely report them.

I was struggling to do something and they popped up with the offer of assistance out of the blue. I watched them perform the task on my keypad / computer, then they asked for £158 for 2 minutes effort. Hence the problem, cos I was certainly not paying that. I'm guessing they had some link with Microsoft.

I've had issues with my computer for some time since I stupidly allowed a so called expert helpline access to assist with a problem. What confuses me is that access was facilitated via an IP in UK but since I've been in Thailand I am still having problems obviously on a completely different IP address and password.

Recently when I log onto my laptop there is a start up screen asking me to choose an operating system, Windows 7 or other. I try to escape this process but cannot move on until I make the selection.

Then when I try to open up documents / files the message 'delete this file' pops up and I cannot easily get rid of it. Sometimes persistently hitting the NO icon gets rid of it and the file opens, but then wherever the cursor is sitting the text starts deleting automatically.

Also when I log onto my email and try to open a message I get the same problem and the message gets deleted, if I  try to open the deleted message it gets permanently deleted.

I've checked the control panel and find that every time I log on Windows defender has been switched off. I've tried resetting the computer to an earlier date which took a lot of effort, but did help for a short while. Now it's back. To the screwed up version.

Someone has messed about with the settings and I've no idea how to fix it, also I'm very concerned that if someone can mess with my computer settings they may also be able to log my key strokes and learn of my passwords etc.

I'm just about at my wits end with it and on the verge of buying a new computer and changing my email address to try to thwart the culprits.

Please understand I am a bit of a dinosaur where technology is concerned and any assistance/ instructions will need to be simple, and would be much appreciated.

Many thanks in anticipation.

On 1/22/2019 at 7:24 AM, BobbyL said:

Bangkok has a good % of attractive women. I don't mean ones you'll find on Cowboy or Nana, just everyday women going to work etc.

 

I wouldn't say Thai women are the most beautiful I have ever seen, but they do exude a real femininity and sex appeal. I guess the weather and lifestyle here definitely helps.

 

I would say 90% or more of the Thai women (normal ones, not P4P) I have had in Bangkok before I was married have all been pretty damn good when it mattered, and their hygiene and cleanliness is far superior to most of the women I had previously in England. 

 

Being a young single guy in Bangkok with something about you makes it an absolute goldmine. I miss being single here ????

I miss being young ????....

On 1/21/2019 at 2:51 PM, oruaM said:

mate, my place of reference is Bangkok,  the less said about Pattaya the better. I prefer not to set foot in rural Thailand but I doubt that those country pumpkins in flip flops are better looking than the average bangkok office girl. cheers

 

That's if you can make them out behind their breathing masks!!

On 11/8/2018 at 9:33 AM, sandyf said:

Quite, I changed from marriage to retirement and see little reason now not to go back.

Purely out of curiosity, and tell me to mind my own business if you like, but why did you change from Marriage to Retirement?

Anybody had any updates on the latest scenarios since the beginning of the new year?