38 Responses to “Sneaky Ad Got Me…. Good. (aka the Story of How I Downloaded & Then Got Rid of the FunMoods Browser & Files)”

1. Loretta
   Twitter: retta719
   
   August 20th, 2012 at 2:40 pm

   I *hate* those advertisements that are designed to look like a download on a download page!!! I’ve clicked them by accident before myself when I was in a hurry for a project and the same thing happened to me. It was such a PAIN and it is a serious day-ruiner.

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   Haggard Ryder Reply:
   August 21st, 2012 at 2:38 pm

   Heck, sometimes you do not even need to be in a hurry. Some of them are so camouflaged they look like the guy you are trying to download, period. I hate those sites with a passion.

   The internet is getting to be a risky place to do business. Viruses are all over the place as is pesky malware and etc.

   Good post and thanks Nicole.

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2. Marilyn aka G-Ma
   August 20th, 2012 at 3:26 pm

   I got that, too. Can’t remember which program I got it from. Took me quite a while to get rid of it. Another one that I had a hard time getting rid of is Babylon. I searched online and found out how to get rid of it.
   Marilyn aka G-Ma recently posted..Cooking For Two: Add Candles for a Romantic Meal

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3. William
   August 20th, 2012 at 5:10 pm

   Thanks Nicole, the information was very helpful but where did you ever get the idea that 10 am is to early for a glass of wine. If anyone asks, just tell them your having grapes. I have had these downloads that just mess up everything you’ve worked for and I hate them. You fixed yours in only a day. I have spent up to a week and a little money to get some removed. There should be something we could do to fight back.
   William recently posted..Six Small Changes For Big Weight Loss Rewards

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4. Cathy Stucker
   August 20th, 2012 at 6:05 pm

   Nicole, I once got hit with a nasty virus without warning–all I did was click on a search result in Google. One thing I learned from that is to do a System Restore (Windows) as well as removing the malicious programs. Most Windows systems set at least a daily system restore point.

   Make sure you choose a restore point that is BEFORE you got hit with the virus or malware.

   When you do a system restore it does not delete any documents or email, but it will remove any programs installed since the last restore point and it will also remove registry settings changed by those programs.

   Windows help will tell you how to run a System Restore–it is a good thing to know about.

   P.S. Forgive me, techies, if some of this is a little vague. I am just techie enough to know about system restore and how to do it, but not techie enough to understand all of the details.
   Cathy Stucker recently posted..Free Newsletter to Help You Sell More Books

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5. Cindy Bidar
   August 20th, 2012 at 6:07 pm

   It is so easy to install bad stuff on your computer! I see this kind of thing all the time with file sharing sites like sendspace that have so many links on them it’s nearly impossible to find the right one. Then of course there are the legitimate apps that want to install all kinds of “helpful” add-ons as well. You have to always be on your guard, and read everything.

   Good for you for turning your anger to good and warning the rest of us.

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6. Debra Marrs
   August 20th, 2012 at 6:27 pm

   Oh, gosh! Thanks so much for saving me the hassle you went through today, NIcole. I took advantage of the Learn Paint.net too but hadn’t downloaded the software yet. Had it not been for your warning, I probably would have made the same mistake. You are without a doubt the BESTEST to alert us to this potential harm. Thank you, Thank YOU!

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7. Alan Petersen
   August 20th, 2012 at 6:30 pm

   I recently got nailed with something similar on my smart phone. Too bad I wasn’t smart enough to realize that if it’s free… beware.

   I installed a free app on my HTC Droid phone. It was the brightest flashlight. The next day when I accessed the Internet via my phone, my default browser Google was changed to this weird search like site that I had never heard of and was plastered with ads. I Googled it and discovered it was the stupid flashlight app. Of course, I didn’t really read the terms, but I’m guessing they put verbiage in there, where I gave the okay.

   I had to uninstall the app, then delete it, then clear my cache and re-start my cell phone. Took about 40 minutes, including search time. I was so mad.

   So beware of the free apps and read the terms!
   Alan Petersen recently posted..The Indie Author’s Guide to Book Cover Design

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8. Jodie B
   August 20th, 2012 at 6:37 pm

   I have been the go to person for pretty much every who knows me when it comes to viruses and hacked sites. I even have a new book out (http://www.the-osp.com/products) about protecting your WordPress and be prepared to get back up super quick if it does go down.

   Anyway, my advice to you is (if you have not already) download MalewareBytes (I use the freebie and I am in no way affiliate with them). They are the very best at finding all sorts of hidden malware and will clean off 99% of the crude out there.

   Another goodie is SuperAntiSpyware (again the freebie and I just love them I don’t get anything for say so). I actually run them both often and have them on every computer I have ever touched or worked on.
   Jodie B recently posted..Automatically Format Pasted Text To Match Your Current Doument in Word 2007

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9. Lauren
   August 20th, 2012 at 6:37 pm

   Couldn’t you just have restored back to before the new installs today? Isn’t it possible to set the computer to perform an automatic restore point before installs?
   That would have been my first go at getting rid of it?

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10. Carolyn
    August 20th, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    I saw that exact download page today and it was very deceptive because of that huge download button! Those sites where free software/programs can be accessed are good to a point but I think I’d rather have to pay and avoid these sneaky tactics Fortunately I decided not to download it as my computer will need replacing soon. Thanks for the informative videos. It’s a good reminder about how to check for unwanted programs.

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11. RichardP
    Twitter: richardtw
    
    August 20th, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    Thanks Nichole, this is really a great post and valuable help.
    I’m going to post a link back to your post from my Security Alert Blog.
    It’s probably one of the best “How to get rid of a Virus”
    presentations I’ve seen.

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12. Lorraine Moodie
    August 20th, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    Same thing happened to me recently. Can’t remember which download it was, and as soon as I clicked the link, I knew it was a mistake. It changed my browser and my home page, which wasn’t the worst thing, but downloaded a bunch of other totally useless programs on my hard drive that were a pain in the rear to get rid of. There oughta be a law!

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13. JAson
    August 20th, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    I just don’t understand how anyone would think that by causing you all that problems, that it would benefit them in any way ($$$$) Would anyone in there right mind want anything to do with FunMoods if they took over your computer in the first place?
    JAson recently posted..How to Take Your Own Senior Pictures

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14. Christine Cobb
    Twitter: chriscobb
    
    August 20th, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    These days free is not free. Even downloads from Cnet has toolbars and such clicked to install by default. Java updates want to install the Ask toolbar. Pretty much you just have to slow down and read every screen and never take the quick install option.
    Christine Cobb recently posted..WordPress Plugins that Help Dress Up Your Blog Posts

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15. Rob
    August 20th, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    I got a similar virus recently, but have no idea how. I clicked on a link to a windsurfing site I wanted to check out and a virus warning came up from an “antivirus” site I don’t use. It proceeded to start doing a miraculously quick “virus scan” and told me I had about 120 viruses. First I tried stopping it, but that didn’t work. Then I tried opening Avira, but the same “program” told me Avira was infected. Then I tried going to Add-Remove programs and was told the same thing. After the “scan” was completed, they “kindly” told me that if I upgraded to their silver edition, they would get rid of all my viruses for me. To do that, of course I had to give them all my personal details, including credit card. Instead, I took the computer to my local shop and they managed to get rid of the program on DOS, I think. Both they and I did virus scans afterwards and there was only one. I assume it was theirs.

    Wish I’d taken notes like you did. I was so panicky, I forgot everything, even the name of the “antivirus” program.

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16. Bruce Walker
    August 20th, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    Definitely go for the glass of wine next time.

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17. Bob Lampard
    August 21st, 2012 at 3:59 am

    Thanks Nicole,

    I too received the email for the course on how to use paint.net. Luckily the email, despite saying paint.net was free, only gave the link to the course and not the actual software.

    Being a serial procrastinator when it comes to spending money for things I like the look of but will probably never use, I got the hump because the email had rattled on about this wonderful free software and didn’t tell you where it was.

    I had made a note to investigate this further when your link to this blog post arrived.(See, I always read your emails!) Brilliant. I owe you one for saving me wasted time because I would have undoubtedly done the same.

    For once my dithering paid off!!

    Bob

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18. Denise OBerry
    August 21st, 2012 at 5:30 am

    So sorry to hear this happened Nicole and thanks SO MUCH for sharing your experience and learning with us. It’s a good reminder that we need to slow down and pay attention to what we are doing. I truly hate those download sites. They have so much stuff on them it’s often tough to figure out exactly what to click.
    Denise OBerry recently posted..3 Free Seminars to Help You Grow Your Small Business

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19. Mathea Ford
    August 21st, 2012 at 6:23 am

    This is an awesome blog post. It really makes me mad when I spend part of my day trying to clean up a virus on my computer. This happened a couple of months ago when I somehow got a virus via Skype (I have since changed my settings to reduce my chances of getting another one) and it was using a huge amount of my internet and it ended up taking almost 2 days before I was sure it was gone.
    It’s a good reminder to lock up your website as well – I have had one of my websites hacked and all the websites on that account were at risk – luckily I did backups so I could just delete the entire site and reload a previous version then proceed to figure out how to secure it. I almost lost 10 websites because of that.
    It’s frustrating when you spend hours on line trying to help people then have to experience this type of abuse!
    Mathea Ford recently posted..WSO Review of Viral Blogging Traffic by Tom Ness

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20. Regina Smola
    Twitter: wpsecuritylock
    
    August 21st, 2012 at 8:52 am

    Hey Nicole,

    Let’s just say I’m walking funny right now cuz my panties are in a knot reading what happened to you, as well as so many others. I’ve seen it over and over and like you, have to have at least 2 cups of coffee in me before attempting to click on any download link.

    It just makes my blood boil. Most of these ads run through google[dot]com/doubleclick/ and googlesyndication[dot]com. SHAME on Google for allowing this type of advertisement (and malware!!!). Looks like their ethics and guidelines went right out the window.

    Nicole, this post on how you got a computer virus from clicking the wrong “download” link is so important for all of us to read. Thanks for sharing your story and making us all aware.

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21. Shawanda
    August 21st, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Argh! This ticks me off too. Those big download buttons are intentionally deceptive. If there’s a big button in your face that’s screaming DOWNLOAD, you usually don’t think to inspect the rest of the screen for another download link. I too have to be more careful when downloading free software.
    Shawanda recently posted..How to Dodge the High Price and Inconvenience of Your Doctor’s Office

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22. Cathy
    August 21st, 2012 at 9:57 am

    I did the very same thing on that site and I can’t even blame lack of coffee for my blunder.
    They just make it look like that’s the link you are supposed to click to get the program. I’m sure at least 70% of us click that link by accident.
    Sneaky…

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23. Sharyn Sheldon
    Twitter: sharynsheldon
    
    August 21st, 2012 at 10:31 am

    Ouch! I’ve done the same sort of thing on a much more reputable site (I think it was Cnet) when downloading a free antivirus software. There’s always a box there that’s for another antivirus program of some sort that’s actually a “test” program. You download it, the program searches for all your supposed viruses, and then they suggest you pay for the program to remove the viruses. Total scam as far as I can tell. The button usually says something like “start download”, so unless you look closely at the fine print you can’t be sure if it’s the right thing you’re downloading.

    And the fine print is so little that you’d better make sure you have your reading glasses on!

    - Sharyn
    Sharyn Sheldon recently posted..Social Media Management PLR eCourse

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24. momsbusy247
    August 21st, 2012 at 10:35 am

    Those… so and so’s got me too and I don’t even remember downloading anything (I must have). I was so glad to read this and get all the info on how to uninstall it all.

    Thanks so much Nicole.

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25. Nicole
    August 21st, 2012 at 10:46 am

    I got hit with nasty malware once. The first think I did was call Hostgator, my web host. They got rid of the malware that had hacked my site and advised me to buy an anti malware program and recommended a few to get rid of any malware that may have gotten onto my computer. I ended up buying Malware Bytes for about $30. It can do a full scan and it found all the malware on my computer and destroyed it. It also gives you a report. It looks like the kids had picked some malware up playing kids computer games. This program runs in the background and has warned me several times since thus avoiding more trouble!

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26. Lynette Chandler
    Twitter: lynettechandler
    
    August 21st, 2012 at 11:22 am

    This is something I’ve shared on and off with my readers and taught in one of our training classes earlier this year.

    Install a Sandbox program and *only* get online with it on. There are various sandboxing programs but my utmost favorite is Sandboxie which you an use for free or upgrade if you feel it saves your bacon often. It has certainly done that for me.
    Lynette Chandler recently posted..Why You Really Need A Sandbox Program… Really

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27. Cheryl Chartier
    August 21st, 2012 at 11:30 am

    Wow that does stink. Thanks for the informative video’s.

    Does anyone know about Blekko – every time I load firefox, Blekko is my search.

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28. Linda
    August 21st, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    One word… Malwarebytes… it’s free and the best damn program out there… it’s saved my butt many a time when no other program could… it’s free… just install it on your computer and keep it updated… never know when you’re gonna need it…

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29. Dacia Stuckey
    August 21st, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    I know just how you feel Nicole. I recently downloaded a free software program and I thought I read all of the Instructions. When the installation was complete I noticed that there were other programs added including Funmoods. I was like “What the heck is this?” I uninstalled most of the programs right away which was easy.

    When I uninstalled Funmoods I noticed that I still had the Toolbar. I also had to reset the Toolbar settings but I noticed that it was still there. I tried everything to get rid of it but it’s just like a pis ant (excuse my language but I’m frustrated) that won’t go away.

    Nowadays when I open my laptop I am disgusted that I the first thing staring me in the face is Funmoods. I’m stuck with it. What else can I say?

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30. Althea Young
    August 21st, 2012 at 5:40 pm

    Oh that’s quite horrible. It’s really hard to trust any sites.
    I became a victim too Nicole, for so many times, I blame my poor curiosity to check those trusted sites.
    but thanks for sharing a trustworthy link for the Paint.net

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31. Regina Smola
    Twitter: wpsecuritylock
    
    August 21st, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    I agree with using Sandbox programs and MalwareBytes and use them myself. Unfortunately, there are zero-day viruses out there that AV programs may not catch or people that don’t have their anti-virus programs on auto-update.

    I’ve gotten to a point now that if a webmaster is so desperate to make a few cents off a PPC to give me a free download I’d rather pay for it from someone reputable. Or I’ll email the site owner directly and ask for them to send me the download directly.

    Toolbars are one of my pet peeves!! There are only a few good ones out there. And it’s amazing how many things I’ve installed that had a checkbox to install the McAfee toolbar.
    Regina Smola recently posted..Warning: Don’t Get Tricked by Download Links from Google Ads

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32. Christine Holroyd
    August 21st, 2012 at 7:26 pm

    First of all, congrats on spelling lackadaisical the correct way. So many people add an ‘s’ after the ‘lack’ especially when saying the word

    I can’t believe how timely this is for me. I’ve just purchased at very low cost both Paint and Gimp training from some reputable guys but haven’t yet downloaded Paint.

    Now, thanks to you Nicole, I will know which download button to press. I have enough issues with my computer which do my head in, so I’m not up for more.

    Thankyou, thankyou and thankyou again!

    Christine.

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33. Eric
    August 21st, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    I don’t care how good the software (allegedly) is. I looked at their website and it’s basically a minefield — one wrong click anywhere on the page and you’re screwed.
    That is an extremely sleazy way to do business.
    Do they really make that much money off ruining people’s computers vs. if they were doing a legitimate business and charging a dollar or two for the software?
    How much are the browser toolbars paying for clicks that it is a better business model than charging for the software?

    I agree with Regina — it’s extra shameful that google is the one serving these ads.
    - Eric

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34. Elaine
    September 5th, 2012 at 12:12 am

    Wish I had seen this article two weeks ago Tried to remove Funmoods myself. Ended up having to have computer guy wipe everything off to get things working. Tried to tell him about Funmoods; but he sort of ignored me re the cause of the problem and because I was not sure, it cost me $85.00.

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35. Monica
    Twitter: monicasp
    
    October 14th, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    I got that as well! It was after lending my computer for 10 minutes to a young girl to just “check her email”. Bad idea. I almost got crazy with those horrible graphics, but I think I was able to get rid of them the same way. Should double check in case something is still somewhere like in Explorer, that I seldom use.
    Monica recently posted..Qué te detiene en tu negocio en Internet?

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36. adela
    February 27th, 2013 at 5:58 am

    Thank you soooo much that was driving me crazy I had Giant Savings extension plug in ads and they were driving me crazy I couldnt even let my kids use the PC due to them being too inappropriate for them. Thank you Thank you

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37. Gustan Cho
    May 8th, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    My daughter’s laptop got infected with this, it’s definitely nothing to mess with! Thanks for the advice.

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