I do some plant related stuff on Facebook, and recently I have not been able to log in, it says I have malware and that I have to install some kind of cleaner thing and run it. I tried that, but then it just runs and runs and runs for hours and never finishes. I ran a malware program from my antivirus and it says my computer is fine, every other site works ect so I can't figure out why I keep getting this. It happens all the time and I tried emailing facebook about it several times and get no reply. Does anyone know how I can fix this or by-pass it? I tried googling it but there are so many responses I don't know where to start.

Wow, I haven't had any problems logging into facebook and it would be scary to get a message like that.

What browser are you using, Firefox, Google, Safari? I have all three of those on my laptop and I mostly use Firefox and Google but I still use Safari at times too even though I was told it was outdated. I think some folks still use IE (Internet Explorer) which is apparently waaaaay out of date. Maybe you could try logging onto FB by downloading and using another browser?

I googled and found this from the Facebook Help Center:
https://www.facebook.com/help/...

I am really technically challenged so hopefully someone with computer knowledge will see this and be able to offer advice.

Firefox

I would try a different browser also.

The "cleaner" message that comes up when trying to access Facebook sounds like a hoax that may be downloading viruses or malware.

Have you tried re-booting your computer in safe mode and running a full scan with your antivirus/anti-malware program?

Do you know what version of Firefox?

I just looked at mine and it says 45.0.1 Firefox is up to date.

Frillylily said:I do some plant related stuff on Facebook, and recently I have not been able to log in, it says I have malware and that I have to install some kind of cleaner thing and run it.

You say 'it says I have malware'...Who says?

And where did the 'fix' program come from?

These two questions are probably the key to figuring out what is really going on here, and from what I read here already I'll be honest, I think you've got something nasty running on your machine.

I'm challenged also, but have this to offer.

I picked up a couple different nuisance viruses. One had a pop up that said to call a phone number and they would fix it. I suspect they would for a price. I also suspect they are the ones infected my computer.

What I actually did was do a system restore using the recommended restore date which was prior to the infection. It cleaned it all up.

I can second what Molly said - I got the same thing about two months ago and did the same thing to repair it. The system restore using a restore date prior to the infection fixed it and was simple, fast, and easy to run.

Yes, my husband does that too, use system restore. Then clear your browsing data. Too many cookies. So annoying how many site links piggybacks everytime we go online.

I get the message when I try to log in to facebook. After I click log-in, it says I have to run the clean scan thing. If I clear cookies, it sometimes will let me log in. Then in a day or so it does it again. My browser is the latest version. I don't understand the re-store thing, will I lose photos I've put on my computer since that point?

I am tech impaired pretty badly. I may have to call somewhere.

https://www.facebook.com/notes...
here is a link to what I am dealing with, but it is just all nonsense to me and I don't know how to fix it.

https://www.facebook.com/notes...

http://www.hoax-slayer.net/you...

https://blog.malwarebytes.org/...

@Frillylily if you can open your facebook account you may want to change your password.

At the risk of asking a silly question, do you have any sort of Internet security program installed on your computer? Sometimes, virus protection software isn't enough. I've been using Microsoft Security Essentials (which is free, thank you) and so far I've had no issues with weird stuff like you describe. My friendly local computer expert is now somewhat disenchanted with MSE, but it has worked well for me for several years now.

well I have never had issues like this before. It just started a month or so ago. I do have Avast antivirus, I am not sure if it does malware (?)

I may try changing my password, but I cannot tell that my account has been 'hacked' as in anyone else using it.



Sue I will look at the links later tonight when I have some free time... thank you for posting them for me!

If you're interested in trying out Microsoft Security Essentials, the link is here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/e...
But I think it may only support Vista and Windows 7; not sure about later operating systems.

Another option is Malwarebytes, it's free for home use:

https://www.malwarebytes.org/

I have windows 10, which by the way I don't like. I wish they would just leave well enough alone...

I will check out those sites and see if they will work for me. thanks!

I'll ask again, have you tried re-booting your computer in safe mode and running a full scan with Avast?

http://windows.microsoft.com/e...

I think words like safe-mode and re-boot, and running programs like Avast (pirate talk?) form a mental block with some people like math problems do with others. Seems Frilly is a little afraid to tackle such skulduggery.