Five pointed star appeared in toolbar!

lynnemcf

Have borrowed work laptop cos I've had loads of problems with my (very old) computer over the last couple of days. Was told my hard disk was about to die, then was told it was spyware slowing everything down. Word would not open, and could not connect to the Internet.

Been surfing all day and just now a five pointed star has appeared on the toolbar, and a bubble says I may be a victim of software counterfeiting. Is this a hoax? Have a somehow downloaded something to this laptop?

HELP!

phill79

I'm not sure, but it reminds me of the M$ Genuine tool which detects pirate copies.

lynnemcf

OMG, but this laptop belongs to work!

sra

Windows Genuine Advantage:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Genuine_Advantage

Previous thread on the subject

needaspirin

Seeing as how its a company laptop I doubt very much that there is any illegal software there. I think you've been conned by a company trying to sell you software. Download Microsoft Windows Defender (anti spyware). Its free and genuine Microsoft. Get it here: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Internet/Popup-Ad-Spyware-Blockers/Windows-AntiSpyware.shtml