New Hardware Message

[Deleted]

On boot-up, our desktop has suddenly started showing the "Found New Hardware" message and demanding that I install the new hardware. Nothing has changed; there is no new hardware. What does this mean? Is this a serious problem? How do I get rid of that message? Thank you.

[CaptainShrinkwrap]

Within the past couple of weeks we have seen some very severe cases of nasty spyware related programs. One of the recent programs that we have seen reports very similar effects as to what you are describing. In normal times these programs would be listed as a virus, however, since they don't offically install anything without your permission, they get by the virus sensors. They get installed because you click on them and agree to let them install themselves.

Now, after scaring you into submission, may I recommend that set a system restore point. Now make sure that your spyware software is up to date, and it goes without saying that your antivirus software is also up to date. Now do a restart of your system. (Believe it or not, a restart is a very important part to do.) Now go ahead and run the program if it pops up again. There is always the chance that it might actually be legit. Then again?

Hope that this helps. To anyone else comtemplating this very action, make very sure that your spyware software is up to date. AdAwareSE, and SpyBot don't update everyday so they may not have definitions for the latest outbreak, so don't just depend on their program to protect you. You have been warned. (SMILE)

Hope this helps, and I hope even more that this is a legit program, but I've seen to many of these lately so be careful.

Captain Shrinkwrap

[Deleted]

Captain,
I like the suggestion. However, I tried two different dates and cannot restore to an earlier time. The past appeassrs to be an unreachable prologue! But. I like the idea and I will keep trying. Maybe one of the earlier restore points will work.
Thank you,
Insomniac

[Derek L]

We really need to know precisely "what" new hardware is involved?

For example, if a printer is the new hardware culprit, then this knowledge base article may help.

support.microsoft.com/kb/298370

[Cherub (a.k.a. Steve L.)]

Derek, there is NO new hardware! I believe CaptainShrinkwrap has identified a malware ruse, with the 'badie' asking Insomniac for permission to install itself, to fly under the AV's radar. Is that an accurate summary, Cap'n and Insomniac?

[Deleted]

Yes, Cherub is correct. A couple mornings ago I just turned on the machine that had run well the night before. That's when the "New Hardware" message began to appear on boot-up. Thanks for your interest and help, everyone,
Insomniac

[Derek L]

I realize there is no new hardware.
But windows doesn't seem to agree.
It seems to think there is something new or at least something that needs a driver.

The point I'm trying to make is that most of the time whem windows says "found new hardware" it will also tell you the type of hardware.

[Deleted]

That's something to think about. Maybe not showing the hardware is an indication that this is something illegitimate. Do you think this might be true?