All device driver dates are 6/21/2006

[charPA]

This may be an issue others are familiar with but I am not.

I just purchased and installed a Linksys E1000 wireless router. Using the CD was problematic, but the device did install. I was concerned that it did not prompt me for a password, so I called Linksys because they have 90-days free tech support.

The tech asked for remote access to my laptop (Asus, not quite a year old), and said that when he was scanning he saw IP addresses that looked "unstable." He asked me how old my computer was...because it was "running like an older computer." He did help me set the router with a password.

I then watched him go into device driver and all the driver dates are 6/21/2006. He said this was likely a virus..one that was degrading my laptop's performance. Of course I was concerned..he suggested a third party company they use: Supportrix. So for $119 on the spot he transferred me to that company and they basically ran some utilities..AdvancedSystemCare, CCleaner and maybe others. No virus scan that I saw. I was told that everything should be fine.

When this was complete and I was off the phone, I went in to device manager and clicked on "Update Driver" for several devices - they all say driver is current, and driver dates are still 6/21/2006.

Have I been scammed? Is there a real issue with 6/21/2006 drivers?

Thanks.

 

[Hopalong X]

I'd start by filing a complaint with Linksys.

Then I would report the incident to the Better Buisness Bureau. On the left/center you will see an orange file a complaint button. If your in Canada there is a Canadian site also.
BBB Consumer and Business Reviews, Reports, Ratings, Complaints and Accredited Business Listings - U.S. BBB

Old drivers can cause problems but if they are working???
Some hardware info would help us find you updated drivers possibly if they are available if your interested.
Mike

...and yes you were scammed!

 

[charPA]

Asus Notebook K60IJ Series / 4gb hd / Pent dual core T4400 - 2.2GHz / 64-bit.

All the Microsoft driver dates are 6/21/2006 (motherboard, processors, disk drive). Other manufacturer-supplied drivers have dates of 2009-2010.

Linksys is supposed to be a reputable company. I will be pursuing this.

 

[Hopalong X]

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

If you go to the above sight and click the auto detect button top left it will find you updated drivers.
You can also use the drop curtains on the right and enter make and model.
If you wish that is.

Report it to Linksys.
It may be their tech that did it on his own.
Everything you posted he said about a virus is a lie.
Never heard of a major company doing that before unless it was a scam.
File with the BBB and keep it up to date just in case you need their assisstance to recoup your money.

Before updating anything.
Download and run this to make sure the tech didn't put a nasty on your computer.

Free Malwarebytes. Blue button on the left. Malwarebytes
Almost everyone on the forum uses this.

Download- Install- Click the update tab and update then run a FULL scan. Delete anything it finds. Will take 30 minutes or so to run. Do it now!!!!
When done it will make a log file in Notepad.
Save it to your Desktop so you can find it.
If you wish one of us to check it for you upload the file with a post.
No system info to identify you is in the log.
Any nastys will be listed.
If you need to know how to manage an attachment and post it let me know.

This tutorial will help.
Don't make a screenshot or Snip.
When you get to Step 3 in below tutorial click the browse go to Desktop find the Notepad file and click Upload.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html


Mike

 

[Hopalong X]

Also change all security info on your computer.

Change all bank and credit card log in by phone. Not on your PC.

I'd do that first actually. Any Credit Card or Bank info is now unsecure. I hope you had none on your PC.

If you log in to CC and bank from your PC call all that you use from them and inform them change login and card info, get new cards what ever is suggested.
Utility company log in from net? Same thing they could have access.

You don't know if they took anything or not is my point.

Hopefully you are like me and there is no info for anyone to get on your computer.

 

[charPA]

thanks. I'll run malwarebytes now and post log soon.

 

[stormy13]

And not that everyone has you totally paranoid, might be a good time to mention that pretty much any driver that comes default with Windows will show that 6/21/2006 date.

For whatever reason Microsoft doesn't change the dates in the default INF's located in the DriverStore folder,

C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository

You can go looking at the INF's in those folders and unless it is for something that you have installed a manufacturers driver for, all the INF's will have that same date. Just to give one example, this is from the INF from the "C:\Windows\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\battery.inf_amd64_neutral_cb8fa151a7b7cb80" folder,

[Version]
Signature="$WINDOWS NT$"
Class=Battery
ClassGuid={72631e54-78a4-11d0-bcf7-00aa00b7b32a}
Provider=%MSFT%
DriverVer=06/21/2006,6.1.7600.16385

So no it is not caused by a virus, and yes they ripped you off big time.

 

[charPA]

Hopalong X:

I ran Malwarebytes - no infections, all clean. Results below

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.50.1.1100
www.malwarebytes.org
Database version: 5755
Windows 6.1.7600
Internet Explorer 8.0.7600.16385
2/13/2011 7:22:55 PM
mbam-log-2011-02-13 (19-22-55).txt
Scan type: Full scan (C:\|)
Objects scanned: 258845
Time elapsed: 27 minute(s), 36 second(s)
Memory Processes Infected: 0
Memory Modules Infected: 0
Registry Keys Infected: 0
Registry Values Infected: 0
Registry Data Items Infected: 0
Folders Infected: 0
Files Infected: 0
Memory Processes Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Memory Modules Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Keys Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Values Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Registry Data Items Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Folders Infected:
(No malicious items detected)
Files Infected:
(No malicious items detected)


I will take your advice and contact banks and credit card co's. Better safe than sorry. I ran Avast full scan before running Malwarebytes - this was completely clean also. If the Linksys tech had installed something malicious on my system, Supportrix ran 2 utilities - it would have had to get around them - AdvancedSystemCare and CCleaner. It's not impossible.

I called Linksys and put in a complaint. The person that helped me suggested that I call Supportrix to try for a refund. I am also contacting our state attorney general. Supportrix is a partner to Cisco/Linksys and not a scam operation, but this is a dishonest for Cisco/Linksys to treat customers.

Thanks.

 

[Hopalong X]

My biggest problem was about the second party they connected you to that was why the security concern.

I would also file with the BBB. Just in case. State AG is a very good idea especially if the one Linksys person is doing the referral on their own and not authorized by Linksys.

Glad nothing was found.
Mike

PS- Keep us updated. Linksys should refund your money if the other outfit refuses.

Malwarebytes is clean which is excellent.

 

[stormy13]

My biggest problem was about the second party they connected you to that was why the security concern.

That I can agree with. I just don't believe that they actually said that that date showing for default Windows drivers was caused by a virus.

As far as a refund goes,

Refund Policy
Customers who subscribe to any SUPPORTrix package (excluding single Incident) can choose to unsubscribe within 15 days of purchase, under the condition that SUPPORTrix has not provided any Service, SUPPORTrix offers a refund of maximum of 100% of the price paid by Customers, provided that if Service has been provided, SUPPORTrix will deduct an amount which is proportionate to the Service of Incident(s) which has been provided and refund the balance to Customers within 30 days of receiving the request for unsubscribing. The price for any Incident based package (excluding single Incident Package) shall be divided by the number of Incidents included in the package. In addition, as long as any Service has been provided for any Incident(s) included in any package, no matter the Incident has been completely resolved or not, SUPPORTrix shall be entitled to retain the total amount of price which covers the Incident(s).

Complete Care Package: Customers who purchase a Complete Care Package are entitled to a full refund of the purchase price if the Customer notifies SUPPORTrix of the desire to unsubscribe within 15 days of purchase and no Incidents have been resolved. After 15 days, if no Incidents have been resolved the subscription can be terminated and a pro-rated portion of the purchase price will be refunded effective at the end of the month the termination request is received.

Personally you should get it all back, but they will probably look at it as a "successfully resolved" incident and try pro-rating it.

 

[whs]

This is an unbelievable story. I would definitely go after Linksys and get my money back. Just put your foot down and ask them whether they would like you to publish the story with the title: "Linksys scams their customers" - that may help.

 

[Anak]

Until this gets resolved have the Credit Card Co. put a Stop-Payment-Order on the charge.

If the charge is already showing on your account tell them you want to contest it. It may take one or two billing cycles for this to resolve itself.

 

[charPA]

Update from OP

In addition to disputing the credit card charge, I mailed a letter to the Attorney General, describing the experience in detail. Am hoping they find cause to investigate Linksys (Cisco) and Supportrix.

I considered the BBB, but figured credit card company and AG were sufficient.

Thanks to all who offered advice.