computer locked by metrapolitan police scam

debitcardmayhem

Laz123 wrote: »

I could be wrong but I was always under the impression that a windows restore takes the os back to a previously created restore point leaving any viruses etc); and a system restore formats (thus wiping out any nasties) and restores to factory settings.

The system restore mentioned is a windows facility which is to return the computer to a previous Windows System Restore point under windows control.
Factory restore returns the system to "out of the box" settings and usually needs either a factory installed partition and a Function key press at boot time or a "restore" DVD/CD or a combination ot the two

rbbadger

I had the same issue. I turned of internet and did a system restore which seemed to address the issue. Should I be worried? Do I need to do more? I have done a full scan which did not show any problems.

johnnyboyrebel

Laz123 wrote: »

I could be wrong but I was always under the impression that a windows restore takes the os back to a previously created restore point leaving any viruses etc); and a system restore formats (thus wiping out any nasties) and restores to factory settings.

A system restore doesn't wipe everything entirely like a full format would do, it simply restores the OS to a previous point where it was in full working order. Any files etc. added or saved since the 'good point' will still be there afterwards however any software installed since the 'good point' will be removed. If a recent program installed happened to carry some sort of virus then this is why a system restore will remove the virus.

Actually a system restore is not half as brutal as it sounds, after a system restore you would not even notice any difference with the OS (other than the recently installed programs being removed)

vale46_2

i removed this the other day if you dont have malwarebytes on your system get it
onto a dongle / disc and install it

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

run pc in safe mode usually f8 on bootup

run/insatall malwarebytes update it scan the system

reboot after that update and run your anti-virus too

AdamJK_2

Had this myself recently. As others have said a fully updated Malwarebytes will get rid of it.

Download it from another comp onto a dongle, boot up your computer into safe mode (mash F8 while booting the system or if an ASUS board like mine then F5) then install and run. If you need to update then try booting in safe mode with networking.

It'll get rid of the malware but will most likely leave a entry in your startup that will produce a error dialogue box everytime windows loads normally. Just enter into MSConfig to remove that entry and you're done. All in all about 30mins work.

renegade

banger9365 wrote: »

it will get rid off every thing,and put it back to how it came out the box ,
web sites picture ,documents, passwords, i mean every thing the lot will be gone

thanks that is great news, I can do that then sell my desk top PC with no worries then can't I?

mr_fishbulb

System Restore is not a panacea against viruses.

It works by taking a snapshot of key system files and settings at a point in time. When you restore to a system restore point, these files and settings overwrite whatever they have been changed to so you know Windows will work again. It is a tool for getting Windows operational again, not from recovering from viruses.

If a malicious file exists on your computer that is not one of the ones system restore replaces, it will still be there. This is very likely to happen as malware authors know what files are restored.