Do not use Combofix on your own!!

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  1. Posts : 19
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       #131

    I happened to be on a forum -
    There was a discussion concerning "CF".
    Somebody who goes by the moniker - something like "suBs" shows up.
    That person was sort of, adamant about not using "CF" without supervision.
    Seemed to make a degree of sense to me!
    But, what do I know?!?
    I like some "R & R" (you know rest and relaxation!)!
    By the way - the person who goes by the moniker "suBs" happens to be the
    developer of "CF".
    Remember, you can't believe everything you see on the Internet! :)
    "R & R" for everyone!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 53,363
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #132

    Yes, suBs, the creator of Combofix says don't use it on your own. You realize your posts say "it's a toy, to play with". You may have been trying to be flip, but we cannot let the message of the original post of this thread get lost in "flip comments". Do not use Combofix on your own. If you do, dire consequences can occur. If that seems overly pessimistic, so be it. A Guy
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #133

    Look I have just been following this thread out of curiosity. Now I think I am a reasonably sensible person some would question my logic at times I suppose but would I be right in saying that Combofix would if not used as it should be completely wreck the OS or are there other things it can wreck? I am thinking firmware etc
    I only ask because I get the definite impression that the members I have known and trust implicitly for a very long time now argue it is a program not to be messed with or taken lightly.
    On the other hand I see others who seem to me to be quite flippant about using Combofix again giving me the impression that perhaps their comments might just lead some unsuspecting member into using this program and have a disaster on their hands.
    Moreover I do not think that is very fair to that unsuspecting person and is in my view quite disrespectful of members who are to me at least a source of inspiration and knowledge who go out of their way and spend their time on informing folks like me (and others) re the problems of using this program of which I have no doubt has it's place as long as it is used correctly.
    If I were more knowledgeable than I am and I am no genius by any stretch of the imagination if I were one of those who know about this program would just comment to the less judicious members "user attendite"
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 53,363
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #134

    I think the issues are these:

    1) Combofix was designed to be used when suggested by a malware expert, and by following their instructions.

    2) Many find it on the web and just use it, or have others suggest it with no knowledge of how it works. Some of these people use it with not only no ill effects, but for some, miraculous recovery of their infected systems. Hence the "I use it all the time", or " I know people who use it all the time with no problems".

    The possibility exists that 9 out of 10 (a fictitious number) of people could use it and it will do no harm. But that 10th one will have his Operating System totally borked and render their PC unbootable, and beyond recovery. Now mind you, the numbers may be 1 out of 10, with 9 borked machines. But people see these second hand stories of how people used it themselves and it's great. It's a powerful program, and I doubt many of us have any idea how it works.

    I am constantly countering those who post here that it's safe to use, and people are over reacting, or it is snobbish to say don't use it on your own. The reason for that for me personally is the great respect I have for Jacee, a certfied malware expert and Microsoft Security MVP (nuff said). Because the creator of Combofix himself says don't use it yourself. Because the security sites post warnings against it's use (there is no ulterior motives for this, they are all volunteers as we are here, and are just looking out for their members, and those needing assistance).

    You should not run ComboFix unless you are specifically asked to by a helper. Also, due to the power of this tool it is strongly advised that you do not attempt to act upon any of the information displayed by ComboFix without supervision from someone who has been properly trained. If you do so, it may lead to problems with the normal functionality of your computer.
    And lastly, I have seen many a post on the web of people who used Combofix on their own, or at a friends (with friends like these...) urging, where the result was a disaster. Had these people been directed, and instructed in the use by a malware expert, the outcome would have been different.

    If I choose to run Combofix by myself, that is my decision. If others choose to do so, that is their decision. But for the literally possible millions who may read this thread, we have a responsibility to make the warning, and to confirm it when needed. So go ahead and run with scissors...but be aware, we've warned you it is fraught with peril!

    A Guy
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #135

    Yep I did see all that Bill and well myself I have never had much in the way of "problems" and I certainly wouldn't go there with out guidance if I had to.
    I was just more annoyed that flippant comments will or could lead the unsuspecting /gullible into wrecking the machine's system. Equally that some seem to me to go directly against the advice given by those who know in this forum, and I find that not acceptable.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 53,363
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #136

    And I agree with you John. You have read the issue correctly. I was just expounding as I have been perhaps the most vociferous responder here when others post anything countering the simple, yet important advice Jacee gave in her first post. I'm just more "wordy"

    A Guy
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #137

    Being wordy may be more helpful than my cynical and pragmatic posts.

    One of our members, Zehper posted early in the thread rather flippantly about "I've used it lots of time" which could lead people to be less judicious about using tools like CF. Carry on Bill, you do good work here. :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,514
    Win 7 Home Premium SP1 32 bit
       #138

    ComboFix is a very powerfull tool.. I would not use it unless Jacee said so..
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 17,322
    Win 10 Pro x64
       #139

    This shouldn't need to keep getting rehashed.

    Closing the thread would put an end to the driveby comments, it's already a sticky.

    It doesn't need to be debated every time someone feels the need comment with their opinion challenging the security experts.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #140

    derekimo said:
    This shouldn't need to keep getting rehashed.

    Closing the thread would put an end to the driveby comments, it's already a sticky.

    It doesn't need to be debated every time someone feels the need comment with their opinion challenging the security experts.
    I agree Derek but to those like me who happen to read it and if gullible enough would choose to ignore those in the know. I might just unsub from it then as it is clear to me what the program does and can do - what others do I suppose is their business eh?? :)

    The drivebys I reckon you are right I personally think they should be chipped for doing it as we have seen it seems suspiciously like some have got nothing better to do. .
      My Computer


 
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