Windows XP Recovery WARNING This program is a SCAM &will ruin your cpu Internet

If you find a program in your taskbar listed as 'Windows XP Recovery' be warned:  this is one of the WORST pieces of malware to come around in years.  It downloaded itself onto my computer when I was surfing (with full anti-virus and firewalls in place) and within hours it had corrupted my entire drive.  I didn't pull my ancillary drive in time so it got infected, too.

Withim 24 hrs my computer was in complete lockdown except for one log on that still had internet access - which saved me. Restore didn't work, nor did Safe Mode, or 'use last settings that worked'. 

I was able to contact Norton Chat using a backup logon.   They worked for an ENTIRE 2 DAYS to clean up the mess caused by this crap program.  The program tells you it's finding 'critical errors' and each time it runs it finds more.  BUT if you'll buy the 80.00 program they promise to fix your somputer.  When I used my second computer to search out this malware it turns out you're wasting your money - all they get is your credit card # and you will end up having to cancel the card to get rid of them.

It cost me 130.00 to buy super geek support from Norton (though I thought considering Norton 360 was supposed to prevent this stuff I shouldn't have to pay, but I was desperate).  Two technicians worked over 2 days to clear out that malware one piece at a time and then restoring my files.  Unfortuntely, we're not yet done, because XP also got damaged and so did Office.  They'll finish uo tomorrow. Grsnted it cost some, but not as much as losing my precious files.

So, if this critter shows up, SHUT YOUR SYSTEM DOWN AND DO NOT POWER IT UP AGAIN UNTIL YOU HAVE A CERTIFIED GEEK WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS in front of you because everytime your computer turns on/off (and the program does this for you like it or not) you will lose everything on your system.  Norton will service you if you go to Norton support and find Chat.

Another good idea is to have a backup user logon to use in case you get infected.. This will at least let you access the Internet.