 taar
join:2000-11-21 | AOL's trust system is really a joke Did these fools pay AOL to be listed as a trustworthy enterprise?? | |
|
 | 
Spazmoto
Dark Flow
join:2003-08-22 | Re: AOL's trust system is really a joke yes | |
|
| |
| peggypwr1
join:2003-10-06
Fremont, CA | I emailed the Company Drect Revenue and told them to at least give us a warning and let the user choose whether they want it on their system.
I think everybody should do the same. | |
|
| | 
DiscardedVet
Premium
join:2005-04-06
Sturgis, SD
| Re: AOL's trust system is really a joke Um, they are sending cease and desist "warnings" to companies that say their (Direct) crapware is crapware (in other words, threats).
Letters from the public to Direct stating ANY requests/demands/whatever is only going to get a chuckle followed by the delete button. Crapware companies' only involvment with the web user is via infecting the web user.
DV | |
|
| 
ABISux
@swbell.ne
| Something I encourage everybody to do:
»www.oag.state.ny.us/online_forms···tion.jsp
Thank You for submitting your complaint to the New York State Office of the Attorney General. The following information has been submitted:
Form submitted on Tue Jun 14 06:01:07 2005
Personal Information:
[omitted]
Where did you hear about us?
online
URL: www.abetterinternet.com
Complaint:
A Better Internet / Direct Revenue / ABI Network is maliciously installing Adware / SpyWare on millions of PCs. Removal is virtually impossible without running their own removal tool, which I could not do when my PC was infected because "mypctuneup.com" was a broken link. Even when mypctuneup.com can be reached, it installs additional software without authorization. All told, this "business" has cost me approx. 12 hours of labor cleaning our computers. They use a miriad of websites to covertly infect PCs. Their software morphs with dynamically renaming executables, Registry hooks, etc.
Submitted: 06/14/2005
You will be receiving an email from us shortly.
Your comments will be reviewed by the Internet Bureau staff and kept on file for future reference. In the event that this type of issue develops into a pattern, your efforts may help us in aiding other affected individuals.
Internet Bureau Main Page
=====================================================
Dear Consumer:
Thank you for your submission to the New York State Attorney General's Internet Bureau. On behalf of Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, I want to thank you for taking the time to alert us to this matter. Your assistance is vital to our efforts to serve the people of the State of New York.
We have added your submission to our files. It is through complaints such as yours that we learn of patterns of fraud and illegality. If you have any questions about this matter, please call us at (212) 416-8433. For other consumer-related matters, please call our consumer hotline at (800) 771-7755.
Thank you for contacting us. | |
|
Scarlett1313
join:2002-01-11
New York, NY
| Money Talks It's a shame how big companies will do whatever someone wants if enough money is thrown their way. This is yet another reason why nobody uses Netscape anymore. They just simply make bad choice after bad choice...shooting themselves in the foot. Obviously you can thank AOL for a lot of that too... | |
|
Tomek
Premium
join:2002-01-30
Brooklyn, NY
 ·Packet8
| AOL's ad strategy It all matches right now.
AOL changed its strategy long time ago to get revenue from ads, even on members. They eliminate competition ads and place their own. Very efficient if you ask me.
Recently I was reading about them using universal ad system so it can be used by various "partners."
Looks like now AOL has new Direct Revenue "marketing partner"
I hope they burn in AOHell
--
Semper Fi | |
|
Phil
Rojo Sol
Premium
join:2001-06-11
Camarillo, CA | AOL's self decapitation never ends It really makes you wonder how intelligent you have to be to run a major corporation. In AOL's case not very...
--
»www.ckt.com | |
|
guitarzan
Premium
join:2004-05-04
Skytop, PA
 ·epix
| Plague of the Internet? How about scum of the earth. As a more fitting description.?
"has sent cease and desist warnings to companies who categorize their software as malicious." Only becauseIT IS
MALICIOUS spyware.You fuggin azzholes aks direct revenue aka
abetterinternet.If it's not spyware why is the requirement to place it on people's computers DONE COVERTLY.?
Cease and Desist this. Scumbags.
Middle finger extended from both hands.Aimed at
direct revenue aka abetterinternet and all their breathen. 
| |
|
| 
Doctor Four
My other vehicle is a TARDIS
Premium
join:2000-09-05
Dallas, TX
 ·AT&T U-Verse
| Re: Plague of the Internet? They also happen to be New York state based. That means
Direct Revenue could become a likely target of a class-
action lawsuit by Attorney General Elliot Spitzer, who is
already filed suit against at least another adware company.
So be sure to file all your complaints against this company
with his office. The sooner they can get put out of business,
the better. They are second only to Cool Web Search, IMO, in
being the worst scourge of the Internet.
--
"Kayura or Badamon, whichever you are, you should know that I will never give up this battle. By the will of the Ancient, I shall succeed!" - Shuten (Anubis) from the Ronin Warriors.To RIAA/MPAA - You can sue but you can't catch everyone! | |
|
inteller
Sociopaths always win.
join:2003-12-08
Tulsa, OK
| Sue them for false advertisement REally....one could argue that pushing a product called 'ABetterInternet' could be false advertisement, because how can they prove that what they do is considered better by the average user? How can they prove that what they do makes the Internet better? I could see them getting taken to court to explain that one. | |
|
ArchAngel21x
MacFan Pro
Premium
join:2001-10-28
Lincoln, NE
·Internet Nebraska
| I Can't Believe It After having my own experience trying to remove it from my computer (which ended in me formatting my C drive), I can't believe anyone would trust this company. What gives them the right to create a program that evades removal? I was so pissed that night I wanted to shoot the people who created this crap.
--
For web hosting, I choose Powweb. | |
|
| chrpai
join:2004-04-11
Cedar Park, TX
| Re: I Can't Believe It I was able to eventually remove it. The trick was the internet explorer browser helper object that was installed that was kindly reinfecting my machine everytime you started IE. You know, the one that none of my spyware scanners noticed. Once that was killed I was able to scan through and eliminate the rest, but ouch was it ugly. | |
|
| | 
Willies
join:2002-12-15
Montpelier, OH
| Re: I Can't Believe It These guys ARE scum !! I had a run in with it . No matter what I did I couldn't get rid of it . In desperation I did a Google search for anything on how to uninstall it. Beleive it or not all threads lead back to Aurora's web site . With MUCH hesitation I downloaded their uninstall tool located on their web page. So far it worked . But make damn sure you turn off your system restore before you try it. This will clear all old restores and when you restart system restore you'll have a clean slate to go back to. | |
|
| | |
ArchAngel21x
MacFan Pro
Premium
join:2001-10-28
Lincoln, NE
·Internet Nebraska
| Re: I Can't Believe It said by Willies  :With MUCH hesitation I downloaded their uninstall tool located on their web page. So far it worked . :o:o:o
Who would have thought they would be the ones with the removal tool that works. Color me surprised.
--
For web hosting, I choose Powweb. | |
|
| |
| |
guitarzan
Premium
join:2004-05-04
Skytop, PA
·epix
| Re: I Can't Believe It This link does not work.I wonder why | |
|
parkbear
join:2004-02-02
Kamloops, BC
| I spent my weekend on this one I just got this one. I decided I was going to reload Windows a few days ago and wanted to make the perfect back up so next time I reloaded it would be a simple image. I installed all my favourite apps and promised myself I would spend three days using just the OS and apps, no games or non-essentials to get my settings exactly where I want them to be. After all that work, downloaded a file, and without realizing it opened "A better Internet." Three days hard work down the drain. Trend Micro, Norton, MS Antispyware, Spybot and Adaware all removed parts, but not all. I finally just deleted Nail.exe and replaced it with a Read only encrypted text file "Nail.exe" so it cannot overwrite it. Finally seems ok.
I was pissed | |
|
| 
bigfitch
Premium
join:2005-06-01
Murrayville, IL
clubs: | Re: I spent my weekend on this one I hate when I get on my brothers computer he has this pop up. Anyone know how tog et rid of it once and for all. Spyware Removers dont seam to work after u reboot ya know. | |
|
ydoucare
join:2003-03-12
Rensselaer, IN | Aurora Just removed that POS from my parents comp about a week ago. Took forever but it's gone, thankfully. | |
|
|
| |
| | 
LinuxJunkie
join:2005-01-19
Cyberspace
| Re: Step 1 quote:
"The free search, content and software offerings that we support are enjoyed by some 20 million Internet users all over the world."
LMAO. Are "ENJOYED" by some 20 million Internet users... is that what they're calling it? I guess from their point of view the Jews were completely happy and satisfied customers of the Nazi regime. | |
|
TheSaint
join:2002-01-25
Hanover Park, IL
clubs: | Call them! I've been spamming thier voicemail with nasty comments, perhaps they'll get annoyed as much as we have.  | |
|
| 
mrchris
We don't miss you Bush
Premium
join:2002-10-01
North Babylon, NY | Re: Call them! Wardialing anyone? | |
|
| |
LinuxJunkie
join:2005-01-19
Cyberspace | Re: Call them! I'm gaming. We should all start a BBR campaign to tie up their 1-800 lines and make it too expensive for them to maintain. | |
|
| | |
TheSaint
join:2002-01-25
Hanover Park, IL
clubs: | Re: Call them! Sounds like a good idea! | |
|
Asmodeus
join:2004-05-26
Spring Valley, CA | a new name for netscape... how about nutscrape...? | |
|
Anonymous
Premium
join:2004-06-01
IA
 ·Mediacom
|  EULA
While you may choose to delete the Software from your computer at anytime by following the instructions herein, some third party applications may attempt to delete, disable or modify the Software with or without notice to you. You agree not to initiate, permit, authorize or assist any third party or application to remove the Software from your computer, or disrupt its proper operation. ABI may store a cookie, computer file or other unique identifier on your computer to identify you and may automatically repair or reinstall the Software if any third party application attempts to delete, disable or modify the Software.
ABI may terminate this Agreement or your right to continue to use the Software at any time.
4. Software updates - You understand and agree that ABI may, without providing additional notice to you: update the Software; install added features, functionality or additional software, including search clients, toolbars and shopping applications; install desktop icons and installation files; and install software from ABI affiliates.
Scary  | |
|
|
Oopsie
@61.88.x.x
| Re: EULA While on the legal side of this...
I'm not normally one to throw gas on an already burning fire but...
Isn't the name "Aurora" a trademark of Bioware?
(It's the trademarked name for the engine used in many of their games)
I wouldn't imagin Bioware would be thrilled to see it's trademarked name associated with press of this nature... | |
|
|
guitarzan
Premium
join:2004-05-04
Skytop, PA
·epix
| said by Anonymous :3. Uninstall and Remove Software - You may uninstall the Software at any time by visiting www.mypctuneup.com. Other attempts to uninstall the Software, such as via anti-spyware software, will not effectively uninstall the Software, and may result in the Software re-installing itself. may automatically repair or reinstall the Software if any third party application attempts to delete, disable or modify the Software. Scary Thats a fuggin virus or trojan!! Has anyone sent a sample to the AV companies? So the AV's can put out a virus definition update for this P.O.S.
I like this in the 3rd party software eula?
"
ABI may terminate this Agreement or your right to continue to use the Software at any time." Well then "terminate " it then.Your company and then yourselves.Trash like you'se should be banned for life from the internet. | |
|
| |
Anonymous
Premium
join:2004-06-01
IA
·Mediacom
| Re: EULA One would think they would terminate your right to use the software (by removing it) but even though you broke the rules set in EULA they will try to reinstall/repair software. Does not make any sense does it?
Also if this here is true:
"...MyPCTuneUp will leave behind a unique identifier on your computer for the sole purpose of notifying ABI that you no longer want the Software to operate on your computer...."
If that software has been removed completely why would ABI (abetterinternet) ever 'reconnect' to my computer to check and how if the software has been removed?
Also I think they *sell* MyPCTuneUp  | |
|
| | bart99gt
join:2001-03-24
Newnan, GA
| Trend has started detecting the trojan re-installer at least as of last Friday. So thus far I haven't encountered the junk since then.
I've run across 3 machines in the past week here at work that have been infected with this junk. The uninstall tool they provide doesn't really work, even after using it on a couple of machines it was still able to re-spawn itself the next time IE was opened. Along with Nail.exe it will also create a couple of randomly named .exe files and dump them in a variety of locations in the c:\windows folder. How they can call this "legitimate" activity is certainly beyond my comprehension. Most sane people clearly would identify this as activity consistent with that of a virus.
Not surprisingly the first PC I encountered the EU probably had installed the "free" programs (a pop up blocker and a supposed "spyware" scanner) on her PC that resulted in the infection. On the 2nd and 3rd systems I couldn't find any trace of any games, screensavers, backgrounds, etc., that are the usual culprits behind most of this crap. | |
|
mers2
Premium,MVM
join:2004-03-20
USA
clubs:
·AT&T U-Verse
| It's Lawsuit Time If we're lucky Symantec will sue them in addition to Hotbar. Or the NY attorney general will go after them. I'm not a fan of lawsuits but it's time to deal with these scumware companies.
--
God put me on this Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now, I am so far behind I will never die. | |
|
|
LinuxJunkie
join:2005-01-19
Cyberspace
1 edit | Re: It's Lawsuit Time Government and the courts take too long. Somebody needs to simply go to their headquarters and torch the f**king thing to the ground, with all the scumbags who work there trapped inside. | |
|
treetop1000
join:2003-11-07
Lexington, KY
1 edit | Hey wait a minute..... Is it possible that we can tag this company as a terrorist organization? I've yet to see any distinct reason -not- to call them that. Truth #1: This software was loaded onto a users machine without his knowledge. Truth #2: This software does report back to it's creators with a detailed report of this machines usage (by their own admission)
Truth #3: This software does not come with a removal mechanism, one must be downloaded from the creators website.
Truth #4: This software contains elements common to malicious virus programs, and creates serious user security issues in that the owner of the machine is no longer in complete control of personal information -including financial records such as bank accounts and services.
There is no real defence against these charges. I call for a formal investigation by the United States Department of Homeland Security into the actions of this TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. There are no differences between these guys and any terrorist organization you care to name. They operate with impunity and continue to impede truth by their own actions. I hope the law firm they have hired backs away quickly, as the cesspool these guys live in keeps getting deeper and wider.
If it were up to me, I'd establish a large cash bounty on each of the owners heads. Start at the top and work down to the mid level guys. And don't leave out the board of directors either.
All I'd really need is a backhoe and maybe four or five unmarked spots out there in the desert.
I'd like to think the issue would resolve itself rather quickly once I'd left a little note explaining where all the really important people in the company are.... | |
|
badshot23
join:2004-10-05
Independence, MO
| I finally got this crap off my computer... I tried their uninstaller, and creating a read only file named nail.exe, neither worked.:(
A little further searching on the internet and I found ewido security suite, it did the trick to get this Aurora crap off my pc without having to reinstall windows. | |
|
| |
cabana
now in pumpkin spice
Assistant
join:2000-07-07
New York, NY
3 edits |  Under Review
| |
|
Carpenter
join:2005-07-24
Atlanta, GA
|  Nailing Nail.exe
The big problem is the self-replicating aspect - hard to get around. Until you get rid of the registry entry that loads Nail.exe with explorer.exe.
Here's what i did on my Win2000pro machine:
1) Installed F-Secure (had Macafee, which did not help me) F-Secure is not terribly expensive and WELL WORTH the cost. Updated definitions and scanned files,
2) Loaded SpyBot S&D and ran it. NOTE: SpyBot will detect BackWeb Lite after you install F-Secure - F-secure uses BackWeb lite for updates, so do not "Fix" BackWeb Lite when Spybot finds it.
I put these in place because you gotta secure the perimeter before you can kill all the roaches - otherwise more just get in.
Make sure you update software and all definitions in F-Secure.
In F-Secure, set security level to HIGH (you can lower this later) and configure your "Internet Shield" settings (application control) "Allow/Deny" list so that "DFJUSS~1.EXE" AND "Nail.exe" are set to "Deny" - and in the "Details" section for each, select "Application and IP" for Outbound (Deny), and Application and Port" for Inbound (Deny).
SO now they can't talk to the mother ship.
And now, you have to start killing off the little monsters:
1) Go to this link and follow the instructions for deleting files and registry entries: »www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest···53076992
The instructions at the link above are lengthy and very detailed - but they will get rid of ALL the non-replicating crap that is on your computer from this infestation. (Some of the files will not be there, some will auto-replicate - delete what you can, then move on).
2) Then, get rid of the bogus registry entry that allows Nail.exe to come back to life, like a little a) Open regedit and navigate to (will be slightly different for different OS): HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
b)Right click on "Shell" entry and choose "Modify"
c) Remove "C:\WINNT\Nail.exe" from "Explorer.exe C:\WINNT\Nail.exe" so it reads just "Explorer.exe"
3) Reboot.
4) Navigate to "C:\WINNT\" and delete the "Nail.exe" file. It should not come back. Also look for the "DFJUSS~1.EXE" file and delete that as well.
5) Reboot
6) Run SpyBot S&D - DO NOT "fix" BackWeb Lite" if you have installed F-Secure. Fix anything that SpyBot detects and marks with a check - but it should NOT detect anything other than BackWeb Lite.
And all of that worked for me. If you run SpyBot before you follow instruction in #1, above, you will have less to deal with. Also, if you run F-Secure and allow it to "automatically delete" virus files, you will save yourself some time.
I hope this helps - and remember, I was on a Win2000pro machine - your path names will be slightly different fro other operating systems. | |
|
| 
bigunk
Gort, Klattu Birada Nikto
join:2001-02-10
Santa Clarita, CA
·AT&T Yahoo
1 edit | Re: Nailing Nail.exe Just out of curiosity, can you use the WinXP firewall to secure the border and deny the "DFJUSS~1.EXE" AND "Nail.exe" access? I hate McAfee, and I really have no interest in having it on my machine.
--
Televideo ergo sum.....
I watch TV, therefore I am.
Edited for spelling | |
|
| | Carpenter
join:2005-07-24
Atlanta, GA
| Re: Nailing Nail.exe I hate McAfee - so I agree, it is not worth having. I did not even try to get it to work for this problem. I just replaced it with F-Secure.
As for using Windows XP firewall - if you know how to edit the settings to create the correct listing in the Allow/Deny list, then you should be good to go. I have not used Windows XP firewall (I have F-Secure on my XP machine as well). And the above strategy will also work if you just disconnect from the internet (I think).
Note - the pc I dealt with runs Windows 2000 pro - so there are significant differences (at least in terms of firewall and security settings). | |
|
| | |
bigunk
Gort, Klattu Birada Nikto
join:2001-02-10
Santa Clarita, CA
·AT&T Yahoo
| Re: Nailing Nail.exe Yeah, I'll have to look in the XP firewall settings and see. I do the unplug routine as a final try. I have a client with this stupid ABI crap that I have to go back to on Monday and try to eradicate the bad animals on his machines. I have already prepared him for a format/reinstall, but if this technique works, we'll all be much happier.
As far as 2K goes, hope you didn't get Zotobed.
--
Televideo ergo sum.....I watch TV, therefore I am. | |
|
| | | | Carpenter
join:2005-07-24
Atlanta, GA
| Re: Nailing Nail.exe This technique definitely worked for me, but unplugging from the network really helped - one component of this little monster is that it immediately communicates back to a server, from which it attempts to download additional (different) spyware. Really malicious, but this may not happen on a XP machine with firewall in place.
As for the Zo-beast - f-secure blocked it at home, Symantec missed it at work. But the fix seemed pretty easy - the NOC just pushed it out overnight. | |
|
| | | | |
Rage101
| Re: Nailing Nail.exe Anyone actually called their phone number? Seems they are always "busy" with other people, which to my most rightly opinion is a complete lie, and cover up for contacting anyone. I live close to new york, just watch the news, if you hear about anyone getting the back of their heads boiled because they worked at a spyware office. It'll be me ! | |
|
T
@dals.blu
| Cool Web Search Does anybody have phone number and address details for the head office of Cool Web Search, which has infected my machine and which is proving unremovable. I am looking for ways to retaliate legally, and through direct action against the company, its management and any affiliates. | |
|
|
|
|
