Lilith_01

Q: Black screen from all of sudden from itself or is the Mac Keeper virus?

Good evening!

I came here with a unanswered questions which bother me:

 

At first,just basic info, I use old iMac (2006 or 2007 model) with upgradation 10.6.6.

I downloaded and used last two days Mac Keeper. I downloaded if for puprose because I wanted delete unnecessary files and have more space. Thanks to that at first I lost all my movie files (30GB, just RIP).

 

But today this happened.

 

When I watched any video from youtube,in the middle or near the end whole screen from all of sudden shuts down from itself into black screen. For turning it back,I have to switch it off and restart it again. In last hour it happened probably 5 times.

But before that,screen once frozen when I had opened Tumblr. In overall,nothing happened it worked perfectly.

So I uninstalled it,deleted it and I plan them to send mail request of claimor.

 

Even thought I deleted Mac Keeper, that virus (if it actually really is?) still remains there? Should I go with this Mac on servise and maybe they will try to fix it , or is my Mac too old already?

 

Any help I appreciate!

Thank you!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 9, 2013 10:04 AM

Close

Q: Black screen from all of sudden from itself or is the Mac Keeper virus?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

Page 1 Next
  • by Eustace Mendis,

    Eustace Mendis Eustace Mendis Apr 9, 2013 10:09 AM in response to Lilith_01
    Level 7 (25,402 points)
    Apr 9, 2013 10:09 AM in response to Lilith_01

    Do you have a back up ??

     

    What you should do now depends on how much of your info has ben backed up to an external drive.

     

    Please reply about the back up, and also whether you still have the OS 10.6 cds ?

  • by Klaus1,

    Klaus1 Klaus1 Apr 9, 2013 10:15 AM in response to Lilith_01
    Level 8 (48,821 points)
    Apr 9, 2013 10:15 AM in response to Lilith_01

    Get rid of MacKeeper!

     

    Many users will see references to an application called MacKeeper on various web sites and via pop-ups on their browser. Not only is it expensive for what it purports to do (freeware applications that do the same or more are readily available), it can sometimes install itself without the user realising it, and it can be very tricky to get rid of.

     

    Most positive reviews of it have been found to have been paid for by Zeobit (developers of MacKeeper) in the form of ‘free upgrades’ etc. For example (posted by fellow contributor Softwater), on their Facebook page and on their webpage they have this apparent endorsement from UNC Charlotte:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/2-18670779-12515 7/450-259/Screen+Shot+2012-06-17+at+17.04.04.png

    Softwater contacted the Director of IT at the College of Arts and Architecture UNC Charlotte, about whether they endorse MacKeeper and his response, quoted here, was:

    No, please do not download and install MacKeeper. We have seen problems with this software in the past.

    MacKeeper has been described by various sources as highly invasive malware* that can de-stablize your operating system, adding that it is unethically marketed, with a history of making false advertising claims, by a company called Zeobit and a rip-off.

     

    For more details about Zeobit’s alledgedly fraudulent advertising and paid-for ‘reviews’, and their dubious marketing practises, read this:

     

    http://stemmings.com/the-truth-about-mackeeper-scam/

     

    Further opinion on it and how to uninstall MacKeeper malware can be read here:

     

    http://applehelpwriter.com/2011/09/21/how-to-uninstall-mackeeper-malware/

     

    MacKeeper have recently said that the uninstaller from here:

     

    http://applehelpwriter.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/how-to-uninstall-mackeeper-malwa re/

     

    now works.

     

    This is also worth reading:

     

    http://www.reedcorner.net/news.php/?p=245

     

    Equally phoney was iAntivirus:

     

    http://www.reedcorner.net/news.php/?p=341

     

    until it was purchased recently (May 2012) by Symantic (makers of Norton anti-virus which does not work well with Apple OS X). Even after having tinkered with it, iAntivirus still fails to do the job properly and cannot be recommended.

     

    There are no viruses that can affect Apple OS X and there is therefore no reason to run anti-virus software on a Mac, but a Mac, like all computers, can transmit viruses and malware to other users particularly those running Windows. Note, however, that Trojans are another matter and can represent a genuine threat, an example of which was the recent 'Flashback Trojan' which you can read more about here:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3261

     

    For further information you may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435

     

    The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer some guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.

     

    * The expression ‘malware’ is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software.

  • by Lilith_01,

    Lilith_01 Lilith_01 Apr 9, 2013 10:27 AM in response to Eustace Mendis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 9, 2013 10:27 AM in response to Eustace Mendis

    Oh my  I can not even open that Mac now, ah at least I can reply on iPad

     

    Backup of what? I am sorry I can not fully use that Mac there are so many things I do not know. Backup of what? And yes I found OS 10.6 CD.

  • by Lilith_01,

    Lilith_01 Lilith_01 Apr 9, 2013 10:33 AM in response to Klaus1
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 9, 2013 10:33 AM in response to Klaus1

    How many articles! I will read them later,currently I am busy with many exams at school.

    This sure bother,really.

     

    I already get rid off of that Mac Keeper,delete and uninstall everything.In searching any file about it,it is not exist here. But,problems with switch on still remains. I can not even use internet.

     

    What should I do now or is there any shorter sumarization how should I solve my problems with switching on Mac or any other idea?

     

    *I can not see from iPad grammar mistakes,I am not native english I am sorry about that!

  • by Eustace Mendis,

    Eustace Mendis Eustace Mendis Apr 9, 2013 10:50 AM in response to Lilith_01
    Level 7 (25,402 points)
    Apr 9, 2013 10:50 AM in response to Lilith_01

    I was asking if you have a complete back up of everything on your computer. From your answer I will assume there is no back up.

     

    This process will take some time to complete.

     

    You are going to put the OS 10.6 cd in to the imac and restart. Immediately after the iMac turns off to restart you have to hold the c key down and keep holding it down.

     

    When the computer starts up you will see a screen to select the language you want to use. Do that and continue.

     

    On the next screen, look for the menu bar at the top. Click on Utilities and select Disk Utility. You will see something like the image below. On the left, select the name of the drive, and make sure First Aid is selected (it should be blue).

     

    Screen shot 2013-04-09 at 1.40.23 PM.png

     

    Next, at the botom of this same screen, click on Repair Disk. (not Verify).

    Screen shot 2013-04-09 at  copy.jpg

     

    After this is done, you have to Quit Disk Utility, and select Restart.

  • by Lilith_01,

    Lilith_01 Lilith_01 Apr 9, 2013 11:09 AM in response to Eustace Mendis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 9, 2013 11:09 AM in response to Eustace Mendis

    I did everything as you written me. I was able to understand that,thank you!

    It said that "your Macindosh seems to be okay." It was done really quickly,which seems weird for me.

     

    So I tried to watch one video,after 2 minutes it switched off. Then after 10 seconds it restart from itself.

    Maybe I wont be able to watch videos anymore? Where is mistake?

  • by Lilith_01,

    Lilith_01 Lilith_01 Apr 9, 2013 11:45 AM in response to Eustace Mendis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 9, 2013 11:45 AM in response to Eustace Mendis

    I got an idea. Will it be good idea to re install whole OS X or should I just download lower versions of 10.6.8 ?

    Without using flash player (video) at least I think I can use internet without problem. Maybe there is problem with flash player?

  • by Eustace Mendis,

    Eustace Mendis Eustace Mendis Apr 9, 2013 12:04 PM in response to Lilith_01
    Level 7 (25,402 points)
    Apr 9, 2013 12:04 PM in response to Lilith_01

    Run Software Update (in the Apple menu).

     

    Do you have the most recent version of Flash Player?

     

    If none of that works, you may have to reinstall OS X. But not yet.

  • by Lilith_01,

    Lilith_01 Lilith_01 Apr 9, 2013 12:19 PM in response to Eustace Mendis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 9, 2013 12:19 PM in response to Eustace Mendis

    I checked lastest updates but it says I don't need any I mean I have everything in newest version.

    I also tried to download latest Flash Player (which I had before), nothing changes. Have to restart after 2 vids and few music tracks again.

     

    I think this will be the best choice - reinstall whole OS X. I will try it but after all of this I don't give it a big hope. In worst case,I should go to service and ask them to repair that problem if I can't do that by myself.

     

    There is article about it-earse and install os x-, gonna try it.

  • by Eustace Mendis,

    Eustace Mendis Eustace Mendis Apr 9, 2013 12:22 PM in response to Lilith_01
    Level 7 (25,402 points)
    Apr 9, 2013 12:22 PM in response to Lilith_01

    Good luck!

  • by Lilith_01,

    Lilith_01 Lilith_01 Apr 9, 2013 2:39 PM in response to Eustace Mendis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 9, 2013 2:39 PM in response to Eustace Mendis

    Just done with reinstalling (erase,then reinstall).

    At least, on 10.6.3 ver everything works well.

    Will download later 10.6.8.

     

    Anyway,I really appreciate your help! Thank you really much!

     

    Have a nice day

  • by Eustace Mendis,

    Eustace Mendis Eustace Mendis Apr 9, 2013 2:58 PM in response to Lilith_01
    Level 7 (25,402 points)
    Apr 9, 2013 2:58 PM in response to Lilith_01

    OK! That's great to hear.

     

    If I may, please watch out for things like MacKeeper. There is a lot of bad stuff out there waiting to make our lives more complicated. If you are not sure of anything you can always post a question here.

  • by Lilith_01,

    Lilith_01 Lilith_01 Apr 10, 2013 1:44 AM in response to Eustace Mendis
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 10, 2013 1:44 AM in response to Eustace Mendis

    Ahah , I think it will be causal thing from now,I dont like it at all.

     

    In morning I downloaded new iTunes and flash player,after then from all sudden scenery switched off again.

     

    Around midnight,I watched 3 vids without any problem (and without those latest apps ^ above)

    a) if my computer can not handle any higher versions than 10.6.3

    b) or is it about first apps i started to download

     

    I will remember about Mac Keeper surely. I will never download it again.

  • by BaliMac,

    BaliMac BaliMac Jun 1, 2013 7:20 PM in response to Klaus1
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Jun 1, 2013 7:20 PM in response to Klaus1

    Dear Klaus1 thanks for the comprehensive reply you gave to Lillith_01 the articles you listed are very interesting reading.  I too downloaded Mac Keeper just as a try out.  I had no real performance issues with my Mac Book but was worn down by the constant advertisements for the app so being fairly proficient with Macs and having a complete backup of my system on an external HD I thought I'd try it out.  The demo claims to be a fully fuctional version but of course I knew it would be limited in some way.  After it's one and only scan of my system it claimed to have "fixed" 123 issues but warned me that my system was in a "critical" state with over 900 issues and to fix it up I would need to purchase the full version for AU$88.00.  Next I received an email from Zeobit claiming again that my system was in a "critical" state with over 900 issues and running the full version of MK would free up nearly 500Gb of space on my hard drive.  This is interesting because as I had disconnected my external HD ( 1Tb with Time Machine in one partition) befor downloading/running MK I only have a total of 250Gb on my machine in the first place.  I used Clean My Mac 2 ( a program I can reccomend) to uninstall MK and all it's associated files.  I was amazed at how many there were.  I unsubscribed from thier email, fortunatly I did not use my primary email account, just a throwaway free Yahoo account but I doubt if i've heard the last of them yet.

    Considering even fairly legit sites like Mac Format carries adds for this program I can only say buyer beware and do some research first.

    Fortunately I have not had any problems since removing MK but have done a complete restore from my time machine backup to just befor I downloaded it in case.

    This is a really insidious app which is worse in some ways than the things it claims to protect you from.

    Cheers,

Page 1 Next