Typical Help Line
From a column called “Help Line” in the Houston Chronicle:
Q: I somehow ended up with an annoying downloaded file/program/pop-up, Aurora. I tried to delete it using Add/Remove programs on Control Panel. It takes me to the Web site www.mypctuneup.com and says that I have to download the uninstall program from them to get rid of it. It looks like they want you to take down your firewall and anti-virus first, so I’m naturally concerned. Is this safe to do?
A: The makers of spyware and adware are making it more and more difficult and involved to remove their parasitic malware.
I have seen required steps that involve having to fill out questionnaires and/or enter specific key codes all the way to what you are seeing, a need to download and execute a third-party uninstall application.I don’t like this at all. I have used it, as it seems to be the most effective way to remove this particular piece of spyware.
I would not disable any firewalls or deactivate your anti-virus right off the bat. Try using it with those tools still enabled and see how it goes.
Lets see. We have an unauthorized, malicious piece of software on the PC. The maker of said software wants you to disable your firewall and anti-virus to remove it. Yeah, right! Do they think you are some kind of schmuck like Jay Lee of the Chronicle’s Help Line?
I would definitely classify that as some bad advice.