What is System Tool?
It is a self-propagating virus that is transferred through various means (email, social networks, web pages, file sharing) and once installed it looks and acts like an anti-virus software, prompting you to pay for full version software which once paid for and installed does nothing to protect your machine.
What Does It Do?
If you are unfortunate enough to have it transferred to your machine, the first thing you may notice is that whilst browsing the internet you seem to be randomly redirected to web sites which pop up that windows warning box that tries to trick you into thinking that your computer is infected. I think by now most people are aware enough to not click the download button, but here is where the system tool virus is different from other downloadable viruses; it downloads itself anyway! Some anti-virus and anti-spyware software will detect and try to block it, but if your software is not current or you virus databases are not regularly updated then it will most likely still install itself to your machine. Once downloaded, it writes to the registry, and very quickly takes over your computer.
How Do I Know If It Is On My Computer?
Every icon on the task bar disappears, and all that remains is a 'system tool' icon. You will not be able to access any programs except for Internet Explorer and Firefox. The virus blocks safari, task manager and many anti-virus applications whilst displaying a message in the task bar that 'this file is infected, please activate your anti-virus software'. You will also see a graphical window pop up that shows a fake virus scan in operation. It will also keep asking you if you want to carry on without protection. After some frustration and random mouse clicking to try and get out of the endless cycle of random fake messages and pop-ups the computer will crash and you will be left staring at the windows BSOD (blue screen of death) for a few seconds after which your computer may display a list of thread errors and switch itself off.
How Can I Get Rid Of It?
You have to restart your computer in safe mode, and delete the virus files that were downloaded and run a virus scan (making sure you have a high quality anti-virus software and that it is up to date). You could even restore your computer to an early state which will also help with system tool removal.
How Can I Make Sure I Don't Get Similar Problems In Future?
The answer to this is simple, get your wallet out and pay for some decent anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Free software just isn't good enough to keep your computer fully protected. If you want a hassle-free online computing experience then getting some high quality software from a company who specialise in anti-virus and anti-spyware protection is the best course of action. As they say, prevention is better than cure.
To find out more about how to protect your computer go to system tool removal or http://www.system-tool-removal.com
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