is Winfixer 2006 a genuine program?

[mkt]

Hi

Whilst on the net tonight a box came onto my screen from nowhere and it looks exactly like a normal windows explorer info box. It said 'if your computer has errors in file system or windows registry it could cause erratic or unpredictable PC behaviour, freezes or loss of data. You need to install Winfixer 2006 to scan for and if found fix system errors now'' and then it has the usual 'ok' or 'cancel' options at the bottom of the box. Is this a geniuine computer aid or something dodgy? I've got pop up blocker on so didn't think any unsolicited kinda thing could just appear which leads me to think its a genuine thing but im not positive.....anyone know what it is and what i shold do?

[Machecoul]

Good chance someone want's you to buy something.

Wise to be sceptical! I once clicked on what was apparently a free virus checker. It told me it had found 500 dodgy (my word) files and would I like to buy their software to clear it all ... ahem ... NO!

[Machecoul]

Just googled it.

Have a read here

[Thunderchild]

scrap it and make sure that you have windows update turned on as these should not happen as they take advantages of windows security issues to get in and act like windows. keeping up to date will stop them. I even got porn adverts !

[mkt]

thanks to all who've provided answers so far....i've not gone any further with it although having checked some info on a McAfee info thing it says that the program is so intricate it gets itelf into your system whether you click yes, no or the x in the top corner of the box and is stored on pcs to the extent that actually removing it is a pain and takes forever. great!

[Mudman]

I've had a version of the 'Winfix' program on my pc.. I allways study websites and text before deciding to download anything.. But it got me too.

I must say though.. I learnt an awful lot about my computer in the three hours i spent removing it.(Much more than I did when I messed up my first 'reboot'.)

[mkt]

mudman....how did you remove it?

[rogerthomas]

Anything that pops up on your desktop should be treated with the utmost suspicion. Think of like this. Would you trust a double glazing salesman who just walked into your house without knocking. Of course you wouldn't. You would be highly suspicious of him. Treat pop ups the same way.