2004 issues

Not at all. It's just not funny. If the propagation of that misplaced concern prevents one person from obtaining the help they need, it's a serious disservice.

 

It's not a "misplaced concern." There are dozens (hundreds? thousands?) of reports all over the internet of these Mini VCI knockoffs containing malware.

Yours didn't. Congratulations.

Computer security 101. People who pirate don't have the highest digital morals. If you pirate, be prepared to run things through some AV software.

If you want to get your panties in a bunch about it, that's your problem, not mine.

And, in the spirit of not propagating misinformation, IF you do get a version with malware (or your comp detects it as malware, which does not necessarily mean it IS malware), just remove it. No harm, no foul. All of the cases I have heard about related to malware on these things has to do with a bunch of unnecessary files that get jammed onto the install discs, not the techstream software itself. If something gets flagged, just delete it, it's not the end of the world. All I'm saying is be prepared to deal with this. Pirated software has a MUCH higher chance of containing malware than non-pirated software (duh).

 

No bad mood here.

I was just wondering if anyone actually found a specific virus name.
I've read plenty of assertions about viruses, but never any specifics.
I was hoping you had something that could be researched or documented.

You were just messing around. Got it.

 

I didn't take yours as a bad mood thing. I was more talking about S Keith's "English" quip to the OP and then his unnecessary (imo) response to me.

From what I know, the most common culprit of malware (or at least flagged malware, which, again, is not necessarily ACTUAL malware) has to do with a firmware update executable (I don't know the file name off the top of my head). Luckily, this firmware update program is completely unnecessary, so you can just quarantine and delete it with no repercussions to the usability of TechStream. In fact, of all of the instances I have read about, the majority seem like false alarms (overzealous AV software), and the rare occasions that people report catastrophic failures of their comps seem to be people who have no idea how to keep a computer secure.

Basically, it's safe. But I would recommend a thorough scan/purge immediately after install just to be cautious. Or, Currahee's suggestion below is even better. Virtualbox (or similar) it and you've got no worries.

 

If you have an old copy of XP you can install it with Virtualbox, without connecting to the internet or affecting your main OS. I have an ebay-bought Techstream running on my Macbook in this way.

 

I run mine off a small outdated netbook. It's small, compact, and slow. Can't use it for anything else!

 

LOL... these are the interwebz after all. No response is unnecessary... Everybody gets to express their a$$hole... erm... opinion.

This is in stark contrast to your flippant initial comment or follow-ups to me. But thank you for it nonetheless. We are in complete agreement on the above.

Again, not in a bad mood at all. I'm an engineer. Most of us sound like dicks on forums because it's more about data than feelings.

If you ever have a problem and would like a free Techstream diagnostic, let me know. I'm in East Mesa. We're probably not more than 25 minutes apart.

You would never accuse me of being in a bad mood in person.

Steve

 

That probably explains why I come off the way I do as well. Fellow engineer. Although based on your track record of repairs with your Prii, I'd bet you're more along the lines of electrical. If you're not an electrical engineer, you certainly could have been. I'm a civil (transpo).

Sorry for getting up in arms.

And btw, you have been on my short list of experts I'll contact if and when something goes wrong with my Prii. Hopefully I don't ever have to take you up on that offer!

 

Nope. Electrons are an obsession... erm... "hobby"

Aero. Been working in aviation for 23 years.

I'm happy to help when the time comes.

Steve

 

Just replace the coil

SM-N900P ?

 

To get it out, you have a couple of simple options.

1. Let it evaporate.
2. Vacuum it out. Shop vac would be nice if you have one, or just a home vac could be fine for a small amount. Also, I would use a small and flexible attachment to get the vac all the way down the spark plug hole. Rig it up to a drinking straw or whatever else you can think of. Be creative. #1 thing is you want it dry before you put the coil back on and you definitely want it dry before you consider changing the plug.

Also, I would add that you definitely want to figure out what is causing your problem. Search the forums, or maybe someone knowledgeable will chime in. You don't want water in there obviously, so take whatever measures are necessary to prevent this in the future.