Cyber Attack- Iran Finds Second Virus- Stars

Iran has identified a second virus that they have named 'Stars', Yahoo reports. The head of the Iranian military unit in charge of combatting sabotage, Gholam Reza Jalali, says that their experts have not finalized the analysis of the "espionage virus" they call "Stars". Jalali did not report what facilities or equipment the malware targeted or when it was first detected.

Jalali, head of the "Passive Defense" unit dealing mainly with counter sabotage, downplayed the payload, a virus term meaning the destructive properties of the malware. Jalali did report that initially the virus would deliver minimal damage and the file may be mistaken for executable government organization files.

Jalali also reports that a second unit has been setup by Iran's Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications to disseminate the malware and fully examine the delivery and payload of the destructive virus.

Last year, Stuxnet, a powerfully destructive worm, hit the nuclear facilities in Iran that had the potential to completely shut down the centrifuges that make the uranium. Iran has said it has identified the malware/virus/worm authors as coming from two countries, the United States and Israel. Jalali reports that Stuxnet had the ability to cause a large-scale industrial accident and the potential for loss of life.

Stuxnet's payload was to play back pre-recorded data that was then monitored by machine and human while the centrifuges starting spinning faster and faster that would overload the physical machines and cause overheating and eventual failure.

PC Virus Doctors wonders if the name "Stars" for the virus was actually what they saw when they discovered the malware residing on the Iranian computers.

iPhone Tracking Data Deletion Tool

Much information has emerged over the last several days in relation to iPhones and iPads tracking user data location and logging and mapping data points over time. One new iphone app has come forth from Canadian Ryan Petrich, a programmer according to Cnet, who quickly came to the rescue for privacy rights. The application only works on jail-broken iPhones, however.

The application may be downloaded from a link in the Cnet article. The program is an unofficial Apple App that is not available through Apple's official store. The Apple app runs in a "daemon" environment that runs in the background consistantly deleting the "consolidated.db" tracking data file. The U.S. Senators and Representatives of Congress that have taken issue with Apple and Steve Jobs for storing tracking data but these type of available 'data deletion programs' should give Congress some type of "fix" if the data tracking files are deemed invasive.

iPhone and iPad users may also find positive features to the GPS data tracking:

• parents could monitor children's whereabouts
• if Apple iPhone or iPad users are victimized it could possibly help in solving crimes because of the absolute proof at "approximately" the time and location of the i-device during specified time lapses.
• if the Apple tech device is stolen and later retrieved the criminal and his known associates could be identified
• Apple users could "prove" to their employeer where they were during certain times if outside the office
• Users could log their "mileage"

We are curious why no similar option for data tracking deletion is built-in to the iOS4.

Coreflood Reminder and Fix

Users need beware and continue to lookout for botnets and to ensure our PCs are not infected by updating and running antimalware and antivirus scanners, the more the better. Several legitmate malware scanners and antivirus scanners that can run independently will significantly reduce the numbers of malware.

The U.S. Government stepped in to dismantle the malware installed on U.S. citizens which appears to be unprecedented according to an article on Wired.com. It appears that ISC.org took controls over from the originating server to mimic them and then send a "shutdown command" to all the client/individual PCs over the internet.

According to Wired.com, the infected owners of the offending computers will be notified of the infection and removal instructions.

PC Virus Doctors' Dallas Computer Repair recommends the following to get rid of the botnet worm/malware by downloading, updating and scanning with:

1. Spybot S&D
2. Malwarebytes

Users having problems with Coreflood are welcome to call PC Virus Doctors.

Dallas Computer Repair- Power Supply Replacement

PCVD's Dallas Computer Repair can help assist in times of power failure with desktops in diagnosing power supply (P/S) failure. If the power supply fails and there is no lights on the front chassis of the computer OR the motherboard then it is time for the ultimate test. The following steps call for a known-working power supply with the minimum amount of wattage, preferably 350 watts to be safe, just for testing purposes but not full-out performance.

NOTE: the old style power connectors to peripherals around the motherboard connected by cable have the 4-pin connection. The newer style power connections are "L" shaped.

***NOW DISCONNECT THE POWER CORD FROM THE POWER SUPPLY (P/S):

The next step is to take a preliminary assessment where the power cords connect from the power supply and connect to the peripherals surrounding the motherboard, such as:

• DVD or CD drives
• hard drive(s)
• ATX main power cord
• 4-pin port

*Users can accomplish each step by aligning the new power supply on the computer laid on its side and removing each connection one at a time and replacing each connection with the new power supply one at a time.

The physical access to the internal personal computer may be accomplished by:

1. Identifying the entry into the inside whether by screws or a "latch" located on the top, back (the power supply side) or possibly the top and bottom latches compressed simultaneously. Remove these screws on ONE side of the computer to access the interior or depress the latch(es) to remove the panel to the chassis; MOST OFTEN THE LEFT PANEL IF THE PC IS FACING FORWARD.
2. Disconnect the top power connector on the interior front panel of the desktop, regardless if its a 4-pin or SATA power connector, and label if needed (the top most powered peripheral should be the DVD or CD drive). You will most likely have one or two DVD or CD player/recorders.
3. Working from the top of the computer down, after the top drives, listed in the above step #2, then we disconnect the power from the hard drives that hold the data; once again the same type "L" connector, just pull gently but firmly.
4. Next is the ATX or similar power connector to the motherboard that is a cable with around 16 wires going into a long, rectangular connector. [A] DEPRESS the clip that secures the wire harness to the motherboard. **Note how this connector is connected. [B] there may be a second 4-pin connector that completes the power connection to the motherboard that is located directly next to the larger power harness noted in [A].
5. There is another 4-pin connector located around the CPU that needs to be disconnected also.

The power may now be plugged into the power supply and tested.

***BE SURE EVERYTHING IS PLUGGED IN SECURELY AND GROUNDED.***

Remember if there is a power issue or power supply failure, it could effect the hard drive and data recovery may be in the forecast.

Any computer problems call Computer Repair Dallas.

IE9 Not Supported for XP

IE9 is not XP compatible: PC Virus Doctors are sad to announce that IE9, Internet Explorer 9, will not be available to XP users. It is our utmost regret this has happened but according to others it is time to upgrade Microsoft operating systems and go to Windows 7. Our Dallas Computer Repair Shop always made sure all XP users had the latest Windows browser but the last version compatible for XP, IE8, will be the last available Internet Explorer version available.

PC Virus Doctors have found reasonably priced Windows 7 operating systems (OS) for sale, however, your hardware is best to be "up-to-date" in order to accommodate the OS. Windows 7 is not so compatible with hardware that is antiquated. It is time to bear all, personal computer users and home office professionals.

If your hardware, meaning, printer, plotter, external drive cases, etc,, will not be recognized in the new system or if recognized will not perform properly then you should update the hardware to avoid a painful experience of configuration. If you encounter compatibility issues with Win 7 and your system then call us.

Windows Repair- Rogue Microsoft Program

PC Virus Doctors' computer repair in Dallas recently encountered Windows Repair, a fake Microsoft product on a Hewlett-Packard laptop. The malware was particularly difficult as it was accompanied with a rootkit and what appears to be dirty code that knocked out part of the file table structure leaving blank folders although the information was there and able to be accessed through our proprietary means.

This rogue program attempts to imitate Microsoft products but after a few minutes users understand that this is bribeware that is attempting to extort money from unknowing users.

The NTFS was in such bad shape that data recovery had to be performed. Also, the recovery disk would not install so the next move is to wipe the data and attempt a reinstall.

Laptop Computer Manufacturer Information

PC Virus Doctors' Dallas PC Repair has information regarding individual computer manufacturers contact and information that can assist users and technicians.

Manufacturers are:

• Acer
• Apple
• Asus
• Compaq
• Dell
• eMachines
• Fujitsu
• Gateway
• HP Hewlett-Packard
  IBM
• Lenovo
• Sony
• Toshiba

The information should help with product ID, hardware and software identification that may expedite laptop and desktop repairs.

HP- Hewlett Packard Computer- Laptop Repair

PC Virus Doctors Computer Repair Dallas works on all HP laptops and desktops including but not limited to:

HP Pavilion: a6560t, a6560z, a6510t, a6500z, a6460t, a6450z, a6410t, a6400z, a6250z, a6250t, a6210z, a6205t, a6200t, a6600z, a6610t, a6660t, a6660z, a6700z, a6750f


HP Pavilion Slimline: s3600t, s3600z, s3500t, s3500z, s3400t, s3400z, s3200t, s3200z, s3700f, s3700z, s3710t, s3750t

HP Pavilion Media Center: a1600n, m8300, m8100y (Intel), m8200n (AMD)

HP Pavilion Elite: m9350f, m9300t, m9300z, m9200t, m9200z, m9000t, m9000z, d5000z ATX, d5000t ATX, d5100t ATX, m9400t, m9400z, d5200t ATX

HP Pavilion Ultimate: d4999t, d4999z.

HP Desktop and Laptop Repairs include:

• LCD Screen Replacement


• DC Jack Repair


• Hinge Replacement


• Virus Removal


• Data Recovery


• Laptop Keyboard Replacement


• Computer Tune-Up

Call 214-723-4335 for all HP desktop and laptop repairs.

Asus Laptop- Desktop Repair

PC Virus Doctors' Computer Repair in Dallas works on all Asus laptops and desktops. All Asus desktops and laptop makes and models are serviced as long as parts are available. Models include but are not limited to:

Asus A4; A52; A5E; A5EC; A5EP; A6F; A6G; A6GA; A6J; A6JA; Asus A6JC; A6JE; A6JM; A6K; A6KM; A6KT; A6L; A6M; A6NE; Asus A6R; A6RP; A6T; A6TC; A6U; A6V; A6VA; A6VM; A7; A7C; Asus A7CC; A7CD; A7DB; A7DC; A7F; A7FB; A7G; A7GB; A7GC; Asus A7J; A7JC; A7K; A7KC; A7M; A7MB; A7S; A7SN; A7SV; A7T; Asus A7TB; A7TC; A7U; A7UC; A7V; A7VB; A7VC; A8F; A8HE; Asus A8JM; A8JR; A8JS; A8SC

Asus B43; B43F; B43J; B50A; B53F; B53J; B80A

Asus C90P; C90S

Asus F3; F3E; F3F; F3JA; F3JC; F3JM; F3JP; F3JV; F3KA; F3KE; Asus F3L; F3M; F3P; F3Q; F3SA; F3SC; F3SE; F3SG; F3SR; F3SV; Asus F3T; F50; F50GX; F50Q; F50SF; F50SL; F50SV; F50Z; F52; Asus F52Q; F5C; F5GL; F5M; F5N; F5R; F5RL; F5SL; F5SR; F5V; Asus F5VL; F5Z; F6A; F6E; F6S; F6V; F6VE; F70; F70S; F70SL; Asus F7E; F7F; F7KR; F7L; F7SE; F7SR; F7Z; F80; F80L; F80Q; Asus F80S; F81; F81SE; F82Q; F83T; F8P; F8SA; F8SG; F8SN; Asus F8SP; F8SR; F8SV; F8V; F8VA; F8VR; F9; F9DC; F9E; F9F; Asus F9J; F9S; F9SG

Asus G1; G1S; G1SN; G2; G2K; G2P; G2PC; G2S; G2SG; G2SV; Asus G50; G50G; G50V; G50VT; G51; G51J; G51VX; G60J; G60JX; Asus G60VX; G70; G70G; G70S; G70SG; G71; G71G; G71GX; Asus G71V; G72GX; G73JH; G73JW

Asus K40; K40AB; K40AC; K40AD; K40AE; K40AF; K40C; K40ID; Asus K40IE; K40IJ; K40IL; K40IN; K40IP; K42; K42F; K42JB; Asus K42JC; K42JE; K42JR; K42JV; K50; K50AB; K50AD; K50AF; Asus K50C; K50ID; K50IE; K50IJ; K50IL; K50IN; K50IP; K51AC; Asus K51AE; K52; K52DE; K52DR; K52DR; K52F; K52JB; K52JC; Asus K52JE; K52JK; K52JR; K52N; K60IJ; K60IL; K60IN; K61; Asus K61IC; K70; K70AB; K70AC; K70AD; K70AE; K70AF; Asus Asus K70IC; K70ID; K70IJ; K70IO; K72DR; K72F; K72JK; K72JR

Asus L50; L50VN

Asus M2C; M2N; M2NE; M3N; M3NP; M50; M50SA; M50SR; Asus M50SV; M50VC; M50VM; M50VN; M51A; M51E; M51KR; Asus M51SN; M51SR; M51TA; M51TR; M51VA; M51VR; M5A; Asus M5AE; M5NP; M60; M60J; M60VP; M70; M70SA; M70SR; Asus M70TL; M70VM; M70VN; M70VR

Asus N10E; N10J; N10JB; N10JC; N10JH; N20A; N20H; N50A; Asus N50TP; N50VC; N50VN; N51A; N51TE; N51TP; N51VF; Asus N51VG; N51VN; N53JN; N60DP; N61; N61DA; N61JA; Asus N61JQ; N61JV; N61VG; N61VN; N70SV; N71JA; N71JQ; Asus N71JV; N71VG; N71VN; N80; N80VB; N80VC; N80VM; Asus N80VN; N80VR; N81VG; N81VP; N82JQ; N90; N90SC; Asus N90SV; NX90JQ
Asus P30A; P42F; P50IJ; P52F; P52JC; P80A; P80Q; P80VC; P81IJ

Asus R1E; R1F; R2E; R2H; R2HV; R50A
Asus S1; S121; S121E; S1N; S37E; S5; S5A; S5N; S5NE; S5NP; Asus S6F; S6FM
Asus U1E; U1F; U20A; U2E; U33JC; U35F; U35JC; U3S; U3SG; Asus U43F; U43JC; U45JC; U50; U50A; U50F; U52F; U53F; Asus U53JC; U5A; U5F; U6E; U6EP; U6S; U6SG; U6V; U6VC; Asus U80A; U80V; U81A; UL20A; UL30A; UL30JC; UL30JT; Asus UL30VT; UL50A; UL50AG; UL50AT; UL50VF; UL50VG; Asus UL50VS; UL50VT; UL80A; UL80AG; UL80JT; UL80V; Asus UL80VS; UL80VT; UX30; UX50V
Asus V1J; V1JE; V1JP; V1S; V1SN; V1V; V2J; V2JE; V2S; V6; V6J; Asus V7E; V7F; VX1; VX2; VX2S; VX2SE; VX3; VX5
Asus W1N; W2JB; W2JC; W2PB; W2PC; W2V; W3; W5A; W5AE; Asus W5F; W5FM; W7; W7E; W7F; W7J; W7S; W7SG; W90; Asus W90V; W90VN; W90VP
Asus X52; X55SR; X55SV; X56VR; X58LE; X5BVN; X64V; X71; Asus X71SL; X71SR; X71VN; X83VB; X83VM
Asus Z35A; Z35F; Z37A; Z37E; Z37EP; Z37S; Z37SP; Z37V; Z61; Asus Z61A; Z61AE; Z62F; Z65R; Z83V; Z91; Z96; Z96F; Z96J; Asus Z96JS; Z97V; Z98

Asus Services Include:

1. Asus LCD Screen Replacement
2. Asus Keyboard Replacement
3. Virus Removal
4. Computer TuneUp
5. Laptop Top and Bottom Cover Replaced
6. Hard Drive Replacement
7. Power Panel Replacement
8. Laptop DC Jack Repair
9. RAM Upgrade

For ALL Asus Computer Repairs Call PC Virus Doctors.

Dallas Computer Repair- Update Java

PC Virus Doctors' Dallas PC Repair has encountered another Dell laptop that appears to have been infiltrated by Java exploits since the computer was never allowed to update Java.

Its is important to make sure that Java is allowed to update since cybercriminals use Java to introduce unwanted, malicious programs in systems. If you see the Java icon in your task manager flashing then please allow the update to secure your computer system.