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Q Our computer recently wouldn't work properly. A message said the "Security Tool" had found 26 problems and wanted $79.95 to fix it.
Our efforts to fix the problem ourselves -- trying to remove the program, use "system restore" and run a virus scan with Microsoft Security Essentials -- didn't work. I called the Geek Squad, and they suggested paying the $79.95.
In desperation, we gave the Security Tool people our credit card number, and after that the problem ended. But now they're asking us to confirm the transaction via e-mail or calling an 800 number.
Is that the way virus protection works? It's like paying the pirates to get your ship back.
LINNAEA & TERRY NELSON, PLYMOUTH
A You're the victim of well-known scam software that you picked up online. "Security Tool" reports bogus problems with your PC, charges you to fix them and resists efforts to remove itself.
But there is a free way to wipe out Security Tool, and any repair service that suggested paying the scammers' ransom ought to be ashamed. (Best Buy said it needed more details about what you said and any tests that were run in order to comment.)
Follow these directions to make sure your PC is clean: For the non-techie, download and run the free version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware at www. malwarebytes.org. For a more hands-on and tech-savvy solution, see tinyurl.com/2dbju3r or tinyurl.com/yhnnu8a.
Clearly, Security Tool is not marketed the way legitimate virus protection software is sold. Typically, you pay an annual subscription fee ($40 or less) for antivirus protection. See tinyurl.com/nu7sje.
You may want to contact your credit card company to dispute the charge. Ignore the e-mails and requests to call an 800 number.
Q I have some very rare audio recordings that I've converted to WMA files and put on flash drives kept in a safety deposit box. I want to make sure I preserve the quality and integrity of the recordings, and I wonder if they'll deteriorate over time. Do you recommend replacing flash drives every few years?
TONYA ANDERSON, BROOKLYN PARK
A Yes, you should periodically copy your audio files to newer flash drives or to other new storage mediums. No one knows for certain how many years flash drive data will remain intact.
It's also unclear whether future computers will be able to read a flash drive from the year 2010. (Remember the 5¼-inch floppy disk?) But you can avoid obsolescence by periodically copying your files to new storage devices.
E-mail tech questions to steve.j.alexander @gmail.com, or write to Tech Q&A, 425 Portland Av., Minneapolis, MN 55488-0002. Include name, city and telephone number.
