My computer just sent me a wierd message...

[salin]

I am on my old laptop (the new one just had to go to the shop for a backlight problem). This one had been getting a little funky - which is why I got a new one. Anyhow I am typing a Lounge response and a message pops up that reads:

(in the blue bar on top: Messenger Service)
Message from Local Computer to User on 4/5/2007 8:11:40 PM

"CRITICAL ERROR MESSAGE! - REGISTRY DAMAGED AND CORRUPTED.

To FIX this problem:

Open INternet Explorer and type: www.registrycleanerxp.com
Once you laod the web page, close this window

After you install the cleaner program you will not receive any more reminders or pop-ups like this.

VISIT www.registryceanerxp.com IMMEDIATELY!"


soo... is this for real or a hype to get me to buy something? I haven't closed the window yet. Is this puter in bigger trouble than I thought or am I seeing the next new marketing method?

[YDogg]

1. sounds fishy to me

[salin]

2. I still have it up...

part of me is afraid it is for real and I don't want to lose the message. Than another part of me is skeptical and is aggravated that the "fear" part of the message is sorta working.

[Maraya1969]

8. I wouldn't click on anything. Sounds like you need to run a spy ware program

and get those buggers off your computer. Lava soft is what I use and it's free.

[salin]

10. Good advice

I have a program that I loaded onto the newer laptop. Need to go find it and add it to this computer.

[Maineiac]

3. SPYWARE - BEWARE

It's a feeble attempt tro get yopu to go to a site that will ask you to install some super cool tool that will probably be a trogan or virus or browser hijack. Don't do it, my friend. If your registry was really corrupt, your laptop would not boot or crash shortly after booting.

[salin]

5. It is cleverly done

adds the XP to the name. But now that you say this were it real wouldn't it be a Microsoft product/ad?

[Omphaloskepsis]

4. This is common...

And it is bullshit.. Microsoft left this service open for some stupid reason..

Please see:
http://www.itc.virginia.edu/desktop/docs/messagepopup/#disabling
For instructions to turn it off.


But, don't pay for anything. It is a scam.

[salin]

7. In all the time I have used this computer - I have never received

on of these before. That link is very useful.

[Maineiac]

6. If it continually pops up and won't go away

look for something called a "smit fraud fix" My friend had it and the above tool was the only thing that purged it from his computer.

[salin]

9. Thanks for this.

I will close it and see if it comes back up.

If there really is a problem and the puter dies - well in a couple of weeks I will have the new one back and working. But thinkgint about it - if it were a local computer problem I would probably get a regular "error message". Indeed the last statement: " After you install the cleaner program you will not receive any more reminders or pop-ups like this..." Suggests that your friends experience, and the post above who warned of Spyware are probably both correct.

[salin]

11. Thanks All!

I was suspicious which is why I posted. I am also techno-challenged - so a part of me didn't want to ignore if it was soemthign to pay attention to. You have all reconfirmed my suspicions and given great information. Thanks for the input. :D :hi:

[mike_c]

12. ignore it....

it's a pitch to get you to click the link

[Q3JR4]

13. Sounds like

you either have spyware running in the background, or you have windows messaging enabled and should turn it off (assuming the computer's connected to the internet, if not then you need to run some scanning software).

[conscious evolution]

14. Sounds like a false flag

Many spyware and register cleaners are scams that get you to put bad stuff on your machine.
Don't hit the link!

Get Spybot S&D and Adaware.They are highly reputable spyware and adware cleaners.One of them will probable clear the pop-up you are getting.

[SKKY]

15. Pop up advertisement.

If your registry was truly damaged or corrupted, far worse things are likely to happen.