HELP. Mathcad installer pops up

[Dave Jones]

This is kind of off-topic, but maybe someone here knows what's going on. I have googled, but to no avail.

Years ago, I installed Mathcad 2001 professional to use the MJK spreadsheets. Just a while ago, I was surfing the net when the (a?) Mathcad installer popped up. I cannot say whether the surfing had anything to do with it, but I was perusing an unfamiliar website. I had to reboot the computer to make the install-shield go away. I found a new program called "Registry Mechanic" installed on my system. (How scary is that?)

I seem to remember having had this happen a long time ago, but I do not remember what came of it.

1) Does anyone know what the cause is?
2) How can I assure it will not happen again?
3) Was any damage done?
4) Is it safe to run the "Registry Mechanic" un-install script?

[vinylkid58]

Originally Posted by Dave Jones

I found a new program called "Registry Mechanic" installed on my system. (How scary is that?)

It's malware which needs to be removed. Download and run Malwarebytes to get rid of it.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free Download and Reviews - Fileforum

jeff

[Dave Jones]

Originally Posted by vinylkid58

It's malware which needs to be removed. Download and run Malwarebytes to get rid of it.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware Free Download and Reviews - Fileforum

jeff

Hmmm. I had already scanned Registry Mechanic with Malwarebytes, which did not flag it. I am now scanning the whole computer with AVAST. I'll follow-up with a complete scan by MalwareBytes. I do not really think it's a virus or the like, because I would remember. I've only gotten infected once that I recall since PC's were invented.

[vinylkid58]

Originally Posted by Dave Jones

I've only gotten infected once that I recall since PC's were invented.

Wow! That's got to be some kind of record.

You might want to try AVG 2011. I'm using the free version, works quite well.

Are you using XP?

jeff

[Dave Jones]

Originally Posted by vinylkid58

Wow! That's got to be some kind of record.

You might want to try AVG 2011. I'm using the free version, works quite well.

Are you using XP?

jeff

Yes, XP. It's my work computer from before the company, sadly, went belly-up. And yes, I had permission from the chairman/principle stock-holder to take it home.

I am not counting the time that every PC connected to a network where I used to work got infected. I was using a servo-controller from a huge company for our robots. It required a program supplied by the vendor to do some kind of setup or something. The program was infected. Later on we designed and built our own controller. It was far superior.

[vinylkid58]

XP's great if you never surf the web or download files. Basically it's an open door for malware and viruses. MS has managed to plug most of the holes with the later OS's. Maybe it's time to upgrade to Win 7.

AVG runs in the background and actively scans sites, which may bog an older comp. down.

jeff