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need some help with dads computer

Posted on 8/10/14 at 4:10 pm
Posted by dallastiger55
Jennings, LA
Member since Jan 2010
27720 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 4:10 pm
ok guys, long story short my dad has always had issues with his desktop and once a month or so it seems like im removing some spyware or a damn virus.

its a 5 year old HP and he called me today saying last week an Indian guy called him saying he was from Microsoft and he needed his computers serial number to make sure his computer doesn't crash. funny thing is my dad was having issues at that point with his computer. he keeps getting messages saying hes out of memory, videos are always playing in the background, etc.

he didn't give the guy anything and he called back the next day. my dad hung up on him. he kept saying "sir I don't want your computer to crash so you must let me help you"

what the hell is this? I know its a scam but why would he ask for the serial number?

also my dad got a note from his bank saying his account was compromised for the 3rd time this year and he has to get new credit cards.

I don't know what to tell him. where would you start if you were him?

Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28708 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 4:14 pm to
Sounds like you need some help with your dad.

Honestly you should probably install Linux for him.
Posted by dallastiger55
Jennings, LA
Member since Jan 2010
27720 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 4:18 pm to
ok whats that? I know lots about computers but not back end stuff like security, etc.

any help is appreciated. hes older so patience is appreciated
Posted by Layabout
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2011
11082 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 4:53 pm to
Lock it down. Set yourself up as an administrator and just give him guest privileges. Buy a decent security suite (you can get a Trend Micro 5-pc license on e-bay for fifteen bucks). Don't give him the administrator password.
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
28708 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 4:59 pm to
quote:

ok whats that? I know lots about computers but not back end stuff like security, etc.
Linux is an entirely different operating system. In other words, Windows will be gone. It's much more difficult to accidentally screw it up in typical daily use.

But if you don't already know what it is, you probably shouldn't worry about it. I don't really have any other advice aside from giving your dad lessons on computer and credit card safety.
Posted by ILikeLSUToo
Central, LA
Member since Jan 2008
18018 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 5:15 pm to
quote:

Lock it down. Set yourself up as an administrator and just give him guest privileges.


Best advice here. Protect him from himself.
Posted by Casty McBoozer
your mom's fat arse
Member since Sep 2005
35495 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 7:42 pm to
quote:

I don't know what to tell him. where would you start if you were him?

I would wipe his computer, install linux, and let him surf away. The next time they call let him play along all day, they won't be able to do shite.
Posted by drizztiger
Deal With it!
Member since Mar 2007
37069 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 8:32 pm to
quote:

what the hell is this? I know its a scam but why would he ask for the serial number?
To make it sound legit.

You can at this point consider everything he's done on the PC as compromised - meaning flush everything on the PC and every username/password at every site once you reinstall an OS for him.

People here are saying Linux, that's great. But whatever OS you install, he needs to change every password on every site after the PC is running again.
Posted by ATL-TIGER-732
ATL
Member since Jun 2013
2291 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 10:04 pm to
Here is what I do for my older relatives who can not spell "PC" by themselves. Some of them do not live near me so it is important to get something that works to minimize trips to see them.

I install Norton Internet Security and Norton Utilities. Utilities is a lifetime subscription. Internet Security is an annual renewal.

I install and run the free version of Malwarebytes. As per it's name, it gets rid of a lot of malware. Do NOT accept their trial version of the paid software if you use any other internet security software.

I also install CCleaner. It is similar to Norton Utilities but different enough to be useful. Details upon request.

Schedule the Norton Utilities to run at bootup.

I have relatives who turn off the computer with the power button and do not get an orderly Windows shutdown. Norton Utilities helps to repair this damage.

I get Norton Internet Security from Fry's Electronics. On sale for $40 for 3 PCs and it includes Norton Utilities. Sometimes the rebates make it free!

No more 100 mile round trips for computer issues.

For old people, their email is their contact with the outer world!

For relatives out of state, I use Teamviewer. My computer controls their computer as if I were sitting at their keyboard using their mouse. No more 1,000 mile round trips to fix their computers.

Although I have not had to use it, I really like the prior suggestion of setting up multiple login accounts. Give the master account admin permissions which you need to install programs and updates. Do not give your father's account admin permissions. He should then not be able to install the malware programs that are currently popping up on his screen.

The hardest thing for me to teach my older relatives was this: When you install legitimate software updates (Adobe, Realplayer, etc), you have to check every item on every screen. They offer to install other software for free and they have the permission box prechecked. You MUST uncheck these boxes or your computer gets junked up.

Others will disagree with this, but you sound limited in your knowledge of operating systems and you probably want something that is easy to implement and easy to understand.

Try the items I have used for years that work for me. If you still have problems, then try setting up different login accounts with and without admin permissions.

Your father does not need to be learning a new operating system! He has enough problems with the one he has been using for 5 years.
Posted by ATL-TIGER-732
ATL
Member since Jun 2013
2291 posts
Posted on 8/10/14 at 10:05 pm to
P.S. Have your father tell the telephone scammer that he no longer has admin authority on his computer. That should stop the calls.
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