DNS Changer (exploit)
Please note when the security software detected and offered to quarantine the issue, it detected eleven (11) copies of the program on this one harddrive! No dear readers and fellow digital beastie owners, this screen capture was not the result of scanning multiple systems or across a home network; this was a single computer!
A couple of things can "fix" almost any computer
1. Keep all manufacturer provided software together in one place, preferrably in a fire resistant lock box because while the computer and harddrive can be replaced, outdated (a.k.a. "Legacy") software is often no longer available or supported.
2. If no "System Restore" or "System Recovery" DVDs were provided with the computer, there may be a program on the [Start] menu that will create them. NOTE: On some systems this requires four (4) or five (5) DVDs for the Microsoft Windows Operating System (O.S.) and an additional one (1) or two (2) DVDs for the bundled third-party applications. 2nd NOTE: The creation of the Recovery "media" is sometimes limited as a "one shot deal" so after you create them, TAKE GOOD CARE OF THEM! --- These will help insure fewer headaches during the life of the computer and *may* increase its later resale value when the time comes to upgrade.
3. Backup your data to external media such as a portable harddrive that is also stored in a safe place, perhaps a slightly larger fire resistant lock box, or away from the computer. With the of "Cloud" data storage and backup services, computer users of 2012 and beyond may elect to store their backups "in the cloud".
4. Be prepared to "recover" the computer system and also allow time for it to pull down any subsequent updates and software patches released since the time it was purchased and first used. A real exercise in 'Zen and the Art of Computer Maintenance' would be to practice completely recovering the system to its original factory state on a rainy weekend or sometime when leaving home is inconvenient or unaffordable. This may seem like a waste of time, but trust me, practice makes perfect (and this will undoubtedly save you money, eventually).
5. Creating a new set of System Recovery DVDs or a complete "System Image" once a year (if possible) will save time if the system ever goes down hard later. The less time that has passed since the last system image, the fewer software patches and Service Packs (ex. Microsoft) will need to be installed again AFTER a complete reload.
It is my sincere hope this one page of instructions is useful to at least one reader, and if so, feel free to reblog it all you want.
~ Hired Gun Tech