BEWARE !

Recently I wanted to download Windows Movie Maker. I did a search and found what I believed was a Microsoft Download site, although it was soon evident that it was a clever mock-up.

I proceeded to download the free program and still did not wake up when it asked if I wanted to install “Snap.Do “ tool bar. (Many free sites use the same ploy to get into your system.) Even though I answered to the negative, I found after installing the program, my web browser had been hijacked and the snap- do tool bar installed.

Snap.do is a redirect virus which forcibly changes your browser settings so that you are continually redirected to unwanted sites, pop ups etc. when you try to search for a wanted site. It also loads other viruses which compromise the security of your computer.

When infected, it is not easily got rid of by anti virus software. It needs to be manually removed as soon as possible. However not being a computer wizz to follow the instructions, I googled looking for a program to get rid of it. www.botcrawl.com came up with an answer. Malware bytes followed by CCleaner was the answer.

BUT- guess what- when it appeared to get rid of it ( I have my doubts as it still showed up on the search tool bar,) there was another tool bar re- directing my internet to botcrawl!

Giving up in frustration, and luckily having a back-up of all my files, I wiped the disc and reloaded it from the start-up default.

The Lesson. Make sure you are using a genuine site (check the actual address that the browser is going to).

Read all the terms and conditions. DO NOT ALLOW tool bars to be installed. If in doubt- check with someone that is familiar with what site Hi-jackers get up to.

Robert G.