900 WEB ACCESS charge

[Apadana]

I recently got a bill from my phone company with an additional charge from MCI for a 900 WEB ACCESS charge. The time of this charge was right around when I was infected by a "nasty" virus. Can you give any suggestions how to protect yourself from this type of unauthorized charge on the internet?

Much appreciated,
Apadana

 

[blues]

what about a-squared Anti-Dialer if it was a dialer you had? i have not tried it. but maybe it was not a dialer you had.

 

[drragostea]

It's likely that it is a dialer. Apadana, I'm assuming you are using a dial-up connection. Spybot-SD detects dialers, so run a scan with the program. Also, run the tool suggested by blues in Post #2.

 

[Apadana]

Squared Anti-Dialer

what about a-squared Anti-Dialer if it was a dialer you had? i have not tried it. but maybe it was not a dialer you had.

Hi Blues,
Please, forgive me but I am really computer challenged. I mainly have used my computer as a word processor. What is a Anti-Dialer?

Also, maybe you can explain this to me: When I went to the Registry Key I found in Windows NT/Current Version- MCI/MCI Extensions/MCI 32. Is this MCI the phone company? If so why would it be in my registry?

Thank you for your time and help!
Apadana

 

[blues]

here is a description of dialers: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/kb/articles/tec041212/

anti-dialer means a program that detects and deletes dialers i think, but i have never used them.

some antispywares and antiviruses detects and deletes dialers.

i dont have the knowledge to say anything about the registry key you have.

 

[Apadana]

here is a description of dialers: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/kb/articles/tec041212/

anti-dialer means a program that detects and deletes dialers i think, but i have never used them.

some antispywares and antiviruses detects and deletes dialers.

i dont have the knowledge to say anything about the registry key you have.

Dear Blues,
I checked my antispyware program and it has a dialer feature. Thank you!!!

Apadana

 

[blues]

no problem

 

[tashi]

I recently got a bill from my phone company with an additional charge from MCI for a 900 WEB ACCESS charge.

900 Numbers: FTC Rule Helps Consumers

Also, maybe you can explain this to me: When I went to the Registry Key I found in Windows NT/Current Version- MCI/MCI Extensions/MCI 32. Is this MCI the phone company?

http://www.who.is/domain_information-com/mci.com/

 

[Apadana]

900 Numbers: FTC Rule Helps Consumers


http://www.who.is/domain_information-com/mci.com/

Hi Tashi,

When I got my bill from AT&T last week I went on Google to find out what a 900 WEB ACCESS (carrier MCI) was about. I found that FTC website and filed a complaint. They emailed me back and said they didn't regulate the internet and suggested filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (affiliated with FBI); I also filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

The AT&T representative encouraged me to file a complaint otherwise the proper authorities won't be alerted by the consumers.

I went on that MCI site but I couldn't find Microsoft being on their domain. Maybe MCI/MCI Extensions/MCI32 is something unrelated to MCI the phone company?

Thank you!
Apadana

 

[drragostea]

Just wanted to add that Spybot-SD's Resident Shield (TeaTimer) will terminate dialers (that is why there is a "blacklist" when you hover the mouse over the TeaTimer icon in the Taskbar). Because dialer programs are time critical TeaTimer will terminate them the second it is executed.

tashi, I just wanted to make sure... dialer programs do not affect DSL connections (high-speed; permanently connected) do they?

 

[Apadana]

900 Numbers: FTC Rule Helps Consumers


http://www.who.is/domain_information-com/mci.com/

Hi Tashi,

Oops, I goofed by saying the FTC doesn't investigate internet crimes, I meant the FCC doesn't.

I went back on my registry key and opened the folder/s for MCI and turns out they are related to audio/video stuff.

You have a wealth of knowledge and thank you for sharing some of it with me.

Apadana

 

[tashi]

Hi there,

I went on that MCI site but I couldn't find Microsoft being on their domain.

Microsoft? Sorry you have lost me.

I went back on my registry key and opened the folder/s for MCI and turns out they are related to audio/video stuff.

Yes MCI can be audio/video related also.

If you have concerns the computer may be infected.

Follow the procedure in this link: "BEFORE you POST"(READ this Procedure BEFORE Requesting Assistance)

Then start your own thread in the Malware Removal Forum where a helper will advise you as soon as available.

Cheers.

 

[Apadana]

Hi there,

Follow the procedure in this link: "BEFORE you POST"(READ this Procedure BEFORE Requesting Assistance)

Then start your own thread in the Malware Removal Forum where a helper will advise you as soon as available.

Cheers.

Dear Tashi,
The virus was a worm.. that infected my computer; it was so bad that it froze my computer. Two repair shops said get rid of it and the third said they could fix it. I have a virus protection in the computer now.

Thanks again for ALL your help!
Apadana

 

[drragostea]

Were you able to remove it? Do you still need to request assistance in the Malware Forums?

 

[Apadana]

Were you able to remove it? Do you still need to request assistance in the Malware Forums?

Hi Drragostea,

I think the virus was removed but the cost of the repair was almost as much as an expensive new modem. Like I said before I basically just used this computer as a word processor- making cards, labels, documents and etc. I found this site because it was on the repair shop's website as one of the recommended virus protections. Besides charging me a lot for the virus removal they forgot to put the included antivirus protection.

It was recommended that I reinstall my Microsoft Program and that has caused all kinds of problems. Can't reinstall my Word Program nor my Epson Printer. I haven't purchased a new computer because I am learning more about the computer by searching and asking questions on this forum. Always been intimated by the computer and reluctant to learn more about it. I would have never gone into my Registry Key before but now it is like what do I have to lose...

I see more positive out of this because it forced me learn more about the computer and not to be so complacent about it. Also it led me to this forum where the members have been so helpful and patient!

Thank you for your concern,
Apadana

 

[drragostea]

Wow. It must have been a expensive repair :sad:. I remember one time when my brother (older) took my old Windows 98 (Sony VAIO) to a computer repair shop in New York to "wipe" the drive... and it was costly. In that time, it was in the 2000's.

As for a new computer, I would suggest you hold on to the current one until it "wears" out. My suggestions are:
-Use a surge protector.
-Use a anti-virus program, firewall, and at least one anti-spyware program.
- Safe hex.
-Save up the money for some other technical devices. Maybe purchasing new RAM or a new replacement cable of some sort. The choice is yours.

Why can't you install MS Word? Was there an error?
I'm assuming you're using Windows XP OS. Do you know the capacity of the hard drive that is on your computer (C:\)?

Have you defragmented lately?

These questions may seem overwhelming to you, but don't worry. Take it step by step.

 

[Apadana]

Wow. It must have been a expensive repair :sad:. I remember one time when my brother (older) took my old Windows 98 (Sony VAIO) to a computer repair shop in New York to "wipe" the drive... and it was costly. In that time, it was in the 2000's.

As for a new computer, I would suggest you hold on to the current one until it "wears" out. My suggestions are:
-Use a surge protector.
-Use a anti-virus program, firewall, and at least one anti-spyware program.
- Safe hex.
-Save up the money for some other technical devices. Maybe purchasing new RAM or a new replacement cable of some sort. The choice is yours.

Why can't you install MS Word? Was there an error?
I'm assuming you're using Windows XP OS. Do you know the capacity of the hard drive that is on your computer (C:\)?

Have you defragmented lately?

These questions may seem overwhelming to you, but don't worry. Take it step by step.

Dear drragostea,

After the virus was removed it was recommended that I reinstall Microsoft Professional 2000. This computer was given to me and it was rebuilt. Well, these are the things I lost:
1. Internet Explorer 6 lost and back to Internet Explorer 5
2. Only can reinstall Word Program but it is distorted
3. Can't reinstall Epson Printer

What is so strange is that many of things that were in Programs are in (C in files. When I try to install Internet Explorer 6 back it won't allow me because I don't have enough space.

Someone from another forum suggested this: http://www.windows2000.windowsreinstall.com/installoldhdd/index.htm
But I have tried many times and nothing happens...

I am using this computer as a learning tool and if I can't get my Word Program and printer back by November, need to go shopping for a new one. Christmas I like to make cards and labels.

Thanks for your help and concern!!!
Apadana

 

[drragostea]

Since you reinstalled Windows 2000 Professional and it was rebuilt, have you attempted to use Windows Update?
http://update.microsoft.com
--

Can't reinstall my Word Program nor my Epson Printer.

Is there a error message when you could not install MS Word?

I found a link to the Epson drivers site:
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/SupportIndex.jsp
--
Windows Update should have provided you with IE6.

Apadana, if you wish to download Internet Explorer 6, here is the link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.mspx

However, remember that this is a large file (MB's.) If you cannot download it with a dial-up connection the workaround is to download it with a DSL (high-speed) connection, let that be a friend or acquaintance.

 

[129260]

nope!

tashi, I just wanted to make sure... dialer programs do not affect DSL connections (high-speed; permanently connected) do they?

No they do not. Only dial up connections 56k and below. Not dsl or any type of high speed internet.

 

[Apadana]

Since you reinstalled Windows 2000 Professional and it was rebuilt, have you attempted to use Windows Update?
http://update.microsoft.com
--

Is there a error message when you could not install MS Word?

I found a link to the Epson drivers site:
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/support/SupportIndex.jsp
--
Windows Update should have provided you with IE6.

Apadana, if you wish to download Internet Explorer 6, here is the link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.mspx

However, remember that this is a large file (MB's.) If you cannot download it with a dial-up connection the workaround is to download it with a DSL (high-speed) connection, let that be a friend or acquaintance.

Hi drragostea,
Have no clue what you meant by dial connection vs. DSL?

The Microsoft site is the same one I have downloaded many times Internet
Explorer 6, now but it won't down load completely.

Microsoft Works Suite gives me a message to Exit but strange it allows me to install just the Word Program but distorted.

I have already checked Epson's site. The error message is lengthy numbers saying memory can't be read.

I have already reinstalled the upgrade from the CD but it doesn't seem to help nor repair anything.

Like I said it is so strange that if anything does get installed it seems to go to (C:/) instead of programs. The only thing I have in Programs is Mozilla and a dysfunctional Word program.

I wonder why when I completely reinstall the Microsoft Professional 2000 program it gets so mixed up?

Thanks again,
Apadana