Odd window on startup - virus?

earthmother

I'm used to getting various 'update ready' windows on startup - usually Adobe, Java or some such, but this morning there was a new one.

No identification of where it came from, just a couple of paragraphs headed 'Choose your browser' with a button at the bottom, marked OK, that it wanted you to click to confirm you were online, supposedly to give you access to other browser options.

I closed this window, only for a more detailed one to pop up in it's place, this time with logos for Windows, Opera and a few other browsers.

On closing that, a shortcut for 'choose browser' appeared on my desktop, which I have deleted.

I've run Malwarebytes and AVG with nothing coming up. I did a restart and it didn't come up the next time.

The only new software I've downloaded recently was a Digiguide trial which I didn't actually use and have now uninstalled. I haven't been to any other new websites recently.


If this only serves as a warning to others, then great, but has anyone come across this? Is it a virus, a phishing attempt to gain access to the PC or what? For someone new to the web/computers, it could be quite misleading and I imagine wasn't intended to be a helpful link as it makes out.

CashStrappedTeen89

earthmother wrote: »

I'm used to getting various 'update ready' windows on startup - usually Adobe, Java or some such, but this morning there was a new one.

No identification of where it came from, just a couple of paragraphs headed 'Choose your browser' with a button at the bottom, marked OK, that it wanted you to click to confirm you were online, supposedly to give you access to other browser options.

I closed this window, only for a more detailed one to pop up in it's place, this time with logos for Windows, Opera and a few other browsers.

On closing that, a shortcut for 'choose browser' appeared on my desktop, which I have deleted.

I've run Malwarebytes and AVG with nothing coming up. I did a restart and it didn't come up the next time.

The only new software I've downloaded recently was a Digiguide trial which I didn't actually use and have now uninstalled. I haven't been to any other new websites recently.


If this only serves as a warning to others, then great, but has anyone come across this? Is it a virus, a phishing attempt to gain access to the PC or what? For someone new to the web/computers, it could be quite misleading and I imagine wasn't intended to be a helpful link as it makes out.

Its nothing to worry about, its a microsoft update, ends in 6002 i beleive, they now have to give you the choice of what internet browser to use and this is there way, i just skip the update usual or if i forget and download it just delete the shortcut on desktop and system32 folder, you have nothing to worry about as you have deleted it now, it wont pop up again.

O Btw, the update isnt removable when installed but thats not a problem either i just thought i'd let you know encase you went into "remove programs" found it and it wouldnt remove.

earthmother

Thanks - it just didn't present as a MS update - there were absolutely no identifiers on the window about where it had come to - not even an icon - so it looked dodgy.

turbobob

This gives a bit more info about why this is happening - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8537763.stm

penrhyn

OP If you had viewed your update history file you would have found the info below or similar.
I'm surprised you ahve only just seen it as it was released in February.
You don't see it if you don't have !E set as your default browser.

Microsoft Browser Choice Screen Update for EEA Users of Windows 7 (KB976002)

Installation date: ‎24/‎02/‎2010 15:00

Installation status: Successful

Update type: Important

Install this update to access a Choice Screen which lets you select whether and which Web browser(s) to install in addition to Internet Explorer. After you have installed this software update it cannot be removed.

More information:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976002

Help and Support:
http://support.microsoft.com

CashStrappedTeen89

earthmother wrote: »

Thanks - it just didn't present as a MS update - there were absolutely no identifiers on the window about where it had come to - not even an icon - so it looked dodgy.

I always advise just to check what updates are being installed, sometimes like now you dont want updates installing.

earthmother

Thank you - that explains it - and it appears from the article that I'm not the only one to have thought it was viral.

I don't seem to be able to override automatic updates - I always deselect the option whenever I download something, and generally refuse software updates unless I don't get on with my existing version or it's a security issue, but every so often my system is effectively forced to accept an MS update, invariable causing problems over the following days. I've yet to find a way to permanently stop it.

And, I suppose like many who don't really undertand all the software, what is coming through isn't always instantly recognisable, and I have no idea where to find an update history file to check. As to why I have only just received this - maybe it is because I do reject all I can, otherwise I have no idea why.

penrhyn

Windows Update History File can be found by clicking Control panel, windows update then look for the history file.


This is the Vista screen.

earthmother

Thanks - I'm on XP, and there isn't a 'windows updates' option on the control panel, other than a link to the website. There is the 'automatic updates' icon (which yet again seems to have reset to automatic, so I've changed that back down again), but nothing that offers a history, that I can see.

penrhyn

I'll dig out the XP laptop.

If you look on the lefthand side of the webpage there is a review your update history button.