FSX Gone

[cooldad]

Hey guys,

I had a strange occurence this afternoon. I turned on the computer and decided to run an AVG scan seeing I hadn't done a scan in some time. It finished normally with nothing found.

I then went to start FSX and couldn't find it! On closer inspection the whole Microsoft Games folder had disappeared. Not only that but FS9's icon had pointed itself to an older version on another drive. Weird!

After initial panic I looked in the recyle bin but nothing found. Then I decided to look for a recent restore point. I found one that AVG had done just before the scan. Somehow this restored all my games folder back to pristine.

The only thing I had added to FSX was Mikes Christchurch demo which I was flying last night with no problems. Has anybody else seen anything odd going on?

It sort of smells of a virus but nothing has been found.

Anyway, back to flying . . .

Paul

[Ian Warren]

Paul , have you tried a Backup and Restore ? this is used once using Win7 , sure XP must have the same help

[cooldad]

Hi Ian,

Yeah, well, I um, meant to do one but never quite got around to it. But in saying that I have backed up essential files in FS to another drive, but FS would require a complete reinstall.

So far everything is running fine. What puzzles me is that many gigabytes disappeared and restored in a matter of minutes. Seems like only the index files on the disk went and the data stayed on the disk.

Anyway I'm back up and running thats the main thing,

Paul

[IslandBoy77]

QUOTE (cooldad @ Jul 24 2010, 08:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi Ian,

Yeah, well, I um, meant to do one but never quite got around to it. But in saying that I have backed up essential files in FS to another drive, but FS would require a complete reinstall.

So far everything is running fine. What puzzles me is that many gigabytes disappeared and restored in a matter of minutes. Seems like only the index files on the disk went and the data stayed on the disk.

Anyway I'm back up and running thats the main thing,

Paul

Glad to hear that. But ditch AVG - it's far from the best, and regularly misses viruses etc - plus is a memory / resource hog. I recommend the free version of Avast to all my clients, and install it on all their pc's / laptops when given the ok to (which is 99% of the time). Most AVG pc's I come across (prob 80-90%) invariably have viruses that Avast picks up. No AV is perfect, of course, and all have better and worse months. However, AVG is regularly having "worse months", so I wouldn't trust it as far as I could spit it. A thought: do you use any peer to peer progs like iMesh, Limewire, Frostwire, eMule? Or do you sync an iPod that has large numbers of pirated (un-paid for) songs? If yes to either, you will be infected, as p2p bypasses all Windows security programs / devices, and the bulk of pirated songs are infected. And since Macs can't catch PC viruses (and visa versa), if someone downloads pirate / infected music to an iPod from a Mac, and you sync that iPod with yr PC, yr infected too. Just some thoughts...

[Ian Warren]

Yonks back i used the Avast AV , sorta rotating doors here , AVG updates and fix's with my constant use have appeared to handle the trash better than the previous Avast , I think they are both the same , dont think the virus program will fix Paul,s problem yet .

[ZK-MAT]

QUOTE (IslandBoy77 @ Jul 24 2010, 08:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

... as p2p bypasses all Windows security programs / devices, and the bulk of pirated songs are infected. And since Macs can't catch PC viruses (and visa versa), if someone downloads pirate / infected music to an iPod from a Mac, and you sync that iPod with yr PC, yr infected too. Just some thoughts...

I agree with the sentiment to move on from AVG, but have to query the above.

Most virus scanning programs will monitor all files being written or read, including anything obtained p2p. In order to activate any virus you'd generally have to execute what you downloaded, so vigilance when selecting what you download, then scanning it before running it is good practice.

Secondly ... have there ever been any MP3 viruses? I'm meaning actual MP3 files, not one with another extention after the mp3 bit. My kids have literally 1000s of mp3's, mainly obtained via their mate's ipods, I have over 1000 mp3's myself. We've never been affected by anything sinister. So, just wondering if there is substance to that?

Cheers

[IslandBoy77]

QUOTE (Ian Warren @ Jul 24 2010, 09:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yonks back i used the Avast AV , sorta rotating doors here , AVG updates and fix's with my constant use have appeared to handle the trash better than the previous Avast , I think they are both the same , dont think the virus program will fix Paul,s problem yet .

Funny you should say that - being a computer tech, I keep a close eye on tech stuff, and not only do I see AVG performing poorly in the field, which I do, it's been performing v badly in av comparatives as well. Avast has slipped this last month, but that's on the back of years of being in the top 6-7 (a placing I dispute, as I've yet to see any other AV match Avast's detection and performance - and I've seen most of them: I would put them at 2nd or 3rd at worst). AVG has managed to garner good market penetration in NZ, but many people only use it because "everyone else does", and they don't do any research into AVs. Further, many people have heard of the AVG free AV, but not Avast, even though Avast now has 60 million users worldwide. As I said, Avast is not perfect, but it IS most certainly better than AVG. Further, Avast is one of only 2 AVs that can do a boot-time scan - the only sort of scan worth doing. AVGs incessant scans are useless, as most viruses will blind an AV once they're on the system, and scanning for them whilst Windows is running is all but pointless.

But, while it may be that AVG is not the problem, weird things like he describes are v often symptomatic of some sort of infection. Either that, or faulty RAM / HDD (and one needs TuffTest to properly test an HDD, and MemTest over at least 7 passes to check the RAM).

So, he can choose to ignore 25 years of computing experience - 7 running my own business - or not... the advice / thoughts is / are free.

[IslandBoy77]

QUOTE (ZK-MAT @ Jul 24 2010, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree with the sentiment to move on from AVG, but have to query the above.

Most virus scanning programs will monitor all files being written or read, including anything obtained p2p. In order to activate any virus you'd generally have to execute what you downloaded, so vigilance when selecting what you download, then scanning it before running it is good practice.

Secondly ... have there ever been any MP3 viruses? I'm meaning actual MP3 files, not one with another extention after the mp3 bit. My kids have literally 1000s of mp3's, mainly obtained via their mate's ipods, I have over 1000 mp3's myself. We've never been affected by anything sinister. So, just wondering if there is substance to that?

Cheers

A virus can infect anything. And if my clients would agree to it, I could give you 5 names from this year alone where kids had downloaded stolen music, shared it across iPods, and been infected tout-suite. I had a laptop here just today that had Limewire on it - plus 14 viruses: in the limewire folder, virtual mem file (pagefile.sys - a favourite spot where most people have no idea how to clean), and 2 other places. The laptop was all but inoperable.

If you've got away with it so far - and I'd love to do a scan with Avast and see what's REALLY on yr system - you're living on borrowed time. I've yet to see ANY Windows-based PC in the last 7 years with a p2p prog on it / ipod that ISN'T infected. To be sure, many infections are low-grade in terms of their CPU usage / system slowdown, but every one of them is chewing up bandwidth & contacting the various bot control centres: either spying on the person's PC, getting new instructions for propagation, or just plain attacking / infecting other people. Remember, just like real viruses, computer ones are just as "happy" to use a person's PC as a "carrier" or "host" as they are to kill it - depending on their type / payload, and how vulnerable / outofdate the various subsystems (Acrobat - never use it - flash, shockwave, silverlight, .net, AIR, QuickTime etc) are.

[Splitpin]

Paul.....Im running AVG 9 , and your right, it slows everything down (on my system anyway) and it refuses to let let some (legal) apps run......Will try Avast. Question: Should i delete AVG first, or can i install avast and then delete Avg?....i know that sometimes one Av will detect another and can cause problems.

Cheers

Marty

[ZK-MAT]

Sigh... another drift O/T, I have to respond though. Not wanting to enter a heated discussion IslandBoy, but here goes.

I am a long time Avast user, built this PC in 2006 and run P2Ps and iTunes. I've been into computers since the early 80's. The PC is old in the tooth now but runs FS9 sweet and FSX runs okayish on lower settings. Also play several games (mainly FPS and Il2) regularly on it. It's clean, well I'm happy that it is anyway and think I know a little bit about PCs.

It is one of 6 PC's, a mac, a laptop and 4 iPods, and an Xbox that we have at home that are all networked (mine, wife's and three teenage kids with two PCs used as servers here - one of those servers used to host for NZFF and Teamspeak over 3 years ago). You are welcome to call in and take a look at them but that's not the point of my question about legit mp3 files actually carring viruses.

Matt

[Splitpin]

Sorry MAT, i took that topic of course .......my reply wasn't FSX related. Paul, just pm me if want to reply, that way we keep it all tidy.

Marty

[dbcunnz]

I have been using Microsoft Security Essentials and have had no problems with it
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Another good free one that I sometimes use is AntiVir Free Version
http://www.free-av.de/en/trialpay_download..._antivirus.html

I did use AVG but had problems with it but for a good free anti-virus either of the two above they are both light on the resource the Microsoft Security Essentials possibly being the best

Doug

[ZK-MAT]

I removed AntiVir from my son's girlfrined's laptop after she downloaded it and it said nearly everything was infected - and the only way to stop it popping up with sirens and bells was to buy it. It took a bit to clear it from the system.

Link: Remove AntiVir

But, looking at the AntiVir home page it looks pretty convincing here

The reason is there are imposters out there so be careful what "AntiVir" you get

I have found Malwarebytes free scanner pretty good to find nasties

[Ian Warren]

When using Avast , my FS9 did the ole funky chicken and the chicken feet went out the door ... AV and AVG are both the same type off program . they are suppose to do the same thing , head scratching .... we are wanting to monitor Flight Sim , play it and get it running and not a background ops that plays tiddlywinks .

In using FS the whole package can be so unstable as soon as you install your first update .

[Bazza]

QUOTE (dbcunnz @ Jul 24 2010, 10:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have been using Microsoft Security Essentials and have had no problems with it

Me too...came highly recommended from a "technical guru" forum, where most had changed to it from Avast....which I had used for years.

Can recommend this one - works for me.

[Adamski]

QUOTE (ZK-MAT @ Jul 24 2010, 09:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Secondly ... have there ever been any MP3 viruses?

Sadly, yes. I thought not, at first. I gave a friend of mine with teenage kids an old Linux (Ubuntu) machine for MP3 P2P - with some Linux A/V on it (thinking it may be less succeptible). However - that machine trapped a few virused MP3s almost immediately. As that machine was on a home network with other (critical) machines, the kids were banned from using P2P stuff.

QUOTE (cooldad @ Jul 24 2010, 07:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

After initial panic I looked in the recycle bin but nothing found. Then I decided to look for a recent restore point. I found one that AVG had done just before the scan. Somehow this restored all my games folder back to pristine.

It might be a bit late now, but did AVG put anything in the Virus Vault?

You've got me worried now, as I've just bought Mike's sceneries too and am running AVG!

[Adamski]

QUOTE (ZK-MAT @ Jul 24 2010, 10:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have found Malwarebytes free scanner pretty good to find nasties

Yep - I paid for the upgrade for this one. I have a problem when scanning directories (or large numbers of files) with it - I often get a BSOD. A little better on the latest version of MWB but it appears to be a common problem, looking at their forum.

I turn off link (website) monitoring on this one (as well as on AVG).

BTW - a particularly obvious word of advice - the *very last* thing you want to do is use a hacked/cracked "full" version of any AV or firewall software.

[Adamski]

QUOTE (IslandBoy77 @ Jul 24 2010, 09:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So, he can choose to ignore 25 years of computing experience - 7 running my own business - or not... the advice / thoughts is / are free.

Thanks for all your advice! Genuine question: I have AVG free (but with link scanner disabled, so it's not slowing my PC *too* much). Is it worth me removing it in and use Avast?

[IslandBoy77]

QUOTE (Splitpin @ Jul 24 2010, 09:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Paul.....Im running AVG 9 , and your right, it slows everything down (on my system anyway) and it refuses to let let some (legal) apps run......Will try Avast. Question: Should i delete AVG first, or can i install avast and then delete Avg?....i know that sometimes one Av will detect another and can cause problems.

Cheers

Marty

Hi Marty

I would never run 2 AVs at the same time - uninstall AVG first. I use Revo Uninstaller for these sorts of uninstalls, as AVG leaves quite a number of files / folders behind once it's uninstalled (I like to be thorough & tidy). Further, 2 AVs on at the same time will eat up a lot of yr CPU - 1 is plenty. The antispyware progs I use / recommend (in no particular order) are: Spybot (but you have to be careful with your install settings - pm me if you want these), MalwareBytes Antispyware, Advanced Windows Care (ditto as with SB) & Super Antispyware (ditto again as with SB). I have yet to find a product that is capable of finding ALL viruses / spyware - not even Avast - so do my defense in-depth. I generally only install MalwareBytes & Super as needed, but keep SB & AWC on a system full-time. Again, if you want specific help, PM me

[IslandBoy77]

QUOTE (Adamski @ Jul 25 2010, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for all your advice! Genuine question: I have AVG free (but with link scanner disabled, so it's not slowing my PC *too* much). Is it worth me removing it in and use Avast?

I would say definitely "yes". It is fair to say that all techs end up with their "pet software", and I'm not exception to that. I believe that I have arrived at an excellent solution for viruses / spyware through long, hard-won experience, and real-world results. As new products are released and are appropriate - and I don't believe in cloud-based product like Microsoft's even though it currently is getting rave reviews, that's a whole 'nother story - I evaluate them and use them or not. I used to use Spyware Blaster and AdAware - but haven't done so for over 1 year. Ditto with my other tools. On the flip side, I also don't see benefit in the methodology of some who are constantly switching the "the latest thing" - there is definitely a place for "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Gradual, proven change is far better than continual "upheaval" and "tinkering"... as those who've tried to make a whole stack of improvements in FSX simultaneously will know FileHippo is the place I source most of my stuff - but don't go nuts on that site - there's plenty of software they host that is not suitable or duplicates others, and one needs to approach a new download site with curious caution, not reckless abandon...