Virus in Memory Core, According to Dell Tech

Question

Hey, everyone. I'm a quite advanced user, but I'm currently posting for another user not quite as computer literate. She was using StumbleUpon, and apparently downloading indiscriminately. Her computer got the usual popups, then screen distortions and eventually became completely unusable. She apparently called Dell Tech, who fixed it remotely (it sounds like they did a clean reinstall of Windows). Sometime before they fixed it, they spoke of a virus in the "memory core" and insisted that a tech come to fix it (which she refused). This sounds like it may not have been cleanable by a clean Windows install if they needed a technician to come. Obviously, this is beyond a normal virus if Dell was correct. Does anyone know what this means? I assume that they mean a virus has installed itself in RAM, but I thought that would reset itself after a shutdown of the computer. The only thing like this I have ever even heard of would be a virus installing itself into the BIOS and reinstalling itself after every computer boot. So, does anybody know what this could be or how to fix it? As you might be able to tell, I don't have much information. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to see the computer yet. Also, she called tech support without me. It doesn't seem like this virus could be hiding in many places, so I'm hoping you can make do. Thanks in advance!

Message Edited by JohnQBishop on 07-02-2007 10:19 PM

Dave Lyle · Answer

I would suspect they were trying to use a non-geek term for a rootkit.

JohnQBishop · Answer

OK, thanks. My main concern was that the virus was in the BIOS and would not be cleaned be a reinstall of Windows. You guys are probably right, but I'm just curious; is such a thing possible, or are those just rumors I heard?

Bugbatter · Answer

I agree with ddeerrff. Depending on the type of rootkit, it may have been cleanable, but in most cases, it saves the techs time if they just do a reinstall of Windows.

1972vet · Answer

You could flash the bios.

I have some concern about what you said though regarding a fresh reinstall of windows by remote.

As far as I know, and I also fix computers remotely, it is not possible to reinstall windows this way. A fresh reinstall would most definitely require the users interaction...and the reboot isn't something that can be accomplished by remote desktop help.

Are you certain the Dell tech reinstalled windows or did they just do a system restore? I wonder...

Caribou16 · Answer

I think the dell tech has been watching to much startrek.  I think the Enterprise had a memory core. :smileyvery-happy:

ky331 · Answer

from the original StarTrek (for Caribou):

After some work, Mr. Spock regains some control over the computer, by saying:

"Computer, this is a class A Compulsory Directive: Compute to the last digit, the value of Pi.";

then, for the benefit of the non-mathematically-inclined audience, Spock turns to Kirk and explains:

"As we know, the value of Pi, is a transcendental figure without resolution --- the computer banks will work on this problem to the exclusion of all else, until we order it to stop".

Message Edited by ky331 on 07-03-2007 11:45 AM

ky331 · Answer

most illogical indeed :smileywink:

in any event, the procedure worked, successfully excising Jack the Ripper's "essence" from the computer's memory (where it was in control of the ship)

Message Edited by ky331 on 07-03-2007 02:48 PM

Dave Lyle · Answer

'the computer banks will work on this problem to the exclusion of all else, until we order it to stop'. ..to the exclusion of all else. Spock was always very exacting in his staements. So this would mean the computer is no longer accepting input. An order to stop would be ignored. Oh-oh.

1972vet · Answer

Quote: Spock was always very exacting in his staements. So this would mean the computer is no longer accepting input. An order to stop would be ignored. Oh-oh. ...but, I can defend the author nonetheless since the directive that Spock gave:'Computer, this is a class A Compulsory Directive'is no doubt one that tells the computer to ignore 'All Else' with the exception of only another voice command from Mr. Spock...a voice that it is programmed to recognize. The meaning behind a 'Class A' directive is left to the imagination of the audience.Don't be thinking that you can outsmart Mr. Spock lol

ky331 · Answer

beam me up, Scotty...

Virus & Spyware

Virus in Memory Core, According to Dell Tech

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