Security Tool

...something that has been driving me crazy since yesterday afternoon. See, I am totally illiterate when it comes to computer operating system and has never taken interests in trying to be at least have a decent understanding. I am also aware that I have been running my computer without an antivirus nor a firewall for some time now, but I did not install one until just now. Until it was too late. Yes, yes, have an umbrella before it rains. I am learning my lessons.

So, it came out yesterday on my laptop and it says that I have 30 viruses that are deadly. But, it was a hoax because Security Tool itself is a virus. The problem is, it pops up with notifications so very often. But, the bigger problem is that I can't open anything because it is saying that any program I was trying to open has a virus. So, no files can be opened, no google chrome, no nothing. Such devastation.

I made a desperate trip to Cornell IT center this morning begging for help, only to be rejected due to lack of staff on this first day of school. So I had to call them to make a proper appointment, and they said that the earliest time to come would be tomorrow at 3 pm. Now, for somebody who can't be separated from a computer, 2 days without it feels like a death sentence. Especially if you have to face another day thinking about the fate of your research work that is all stored up in the computer. Such an anxiety.

So, lack of patience and high dose of anxiety propelled me to try to handle it myself. After browsing some discussion sites and seeing what suggestions are out there, I decided to follow this one:

1. Open computer in safe mode.
2. Go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\
3. Find the 8 digit number file with Security Tool icon. DELETE IT with overflowing sense of wrath.
4. Delete all shortcuts related to Security Tool.
5. Empty recycle bin.
6. Restart computer normally.

Okay, problems here. One, I have no idea how to open in a safe mode. Two, I don't know where the application data is in the C drive. Problem one is solved by rebooting the computer and while it is opening, hit F8 frantically. Choose safe mode option to open. Problem two is solved by going to tools - folder option - view - show hidden files. Then the App data will show up. So that's done.

I restarted my computer again, and seeing that the notifications are gone and there is no immediate signs of the virus, I installed Symantec antivirus that I got for free from Cornell. And now I am running a full scan and hopefully after deleting all risks my baby is back to normal. Cross fingers.

So hey, who thought I could troubleshoot this by myself? This has taught me that I could learn anything I want if I am determined. And this reminds me of something I read recently:

Belajar adalah sikap menantang segala ketidakmungkinan; bahwa ilmu yang tidak dikuasai akan menjelma di dalam diri manusia menjadi sebuah ketakutan. Belajar dengan keras hanya dilakukan oleh seseorang yang bukan penakut.

Learning is an attitude that challenges the impossible. Knowledge that is not mastered will manifest itself in man as a form of fear. Studying vigorously is only done by one who is fearless. (Loose translation)

- Andrea Hirata, Cinta di Dalam Gelas