Solved I'm getting phone calls from Microsoft about

alfatide

New Member
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PNF and INF Files wanting to take control of my computer to delete those files. They say they're Junk files and if I don't pay the $40 + my computer will soon crash!

Is this bogus or not?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Mozilla Fiirefox/ Internet Explorer 10
    Antivirus
    Avast
b o g u s ! ! ! ! !

Microsoft will never call, period.he next time they call, just say something like:

"Hey, that sounds good, hold on while I get something to write on."

Then lay the phone down and go about your business. They will get the message eventually and hang up, but at least it will wast some of their time.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
I'm on a fixed income and asked how much this would cost and they said $40 for a month and on and on. Plus, said when I get $$$ call 253-271-4520 - teamviewer.com was a site I ask about to write down. With WIN.8 I click on links or mail and another tab opens and I can get to site I want. They said, it was because of these either INF or PNF files ie. Junk Files that I need to delete and block with their software. I Googled the site I came up with was How To fix and open PNF file extension
This site has a free download that will clean my computer to fix the problems. Rich will you look at the site and tell me if it is also Bogus?

Thanks, Tommy
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Mozilla Fiirefox/ Internet Explorer 10
    Antivirus
    Avast
"Hey, that sounds good, hold on while I get something to write on."

Then lay the phone down and go about your business. They will get the message eventually and hang up, but at least it will wast some of their time.

I like the way you think.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
I'm on a fixed income and asked how much this would cost and they said $40 for a month and on and on. Plus, said when I get $$$ call 253-271-4520 - teamviewer.com was a site I ask about to write down. With WIN.8 I click on links or mail and another tab opens and I can get to site I want. They said, it was because of these either INF or PNF files ie. Junk Files that I need to delete and block with their software. I Googled the site I came up with was How To fix and open PNF file extension
This site has a free download that will clean my computer to fix the problems. Rich will you look at the site and tell me if it is also Bogus?

Thanks, Tommy

its bogus ,don't pay any money to anyone on the phone !!!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
I got a similar call this morning telling me that my computer was infected with viruses and that I should turn on my computer. I asked, "Which one? I have about 8 here so if you can tell me the IP address of the computer you are talking about..." The response on the other end was to hangup.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro (desktop), W10 (laptop), W10 Pro (tablet)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built i7-8700K, Hp Envy x360 EVO Laptop, MS Surface Pro 7
    CPU
    3.7Ghz Core i7-8700K, 11th Gen Core i7-1165G7 4.7Ghz, 10th Gen Core™ i5-1035G4 1.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF Z370-Pro Gaming, HP, MS
    Memory
    16G, 8G, 8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon RX580, Intel Iris X Graphics, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4
    Sound Card
    ATI High Definition Audio (Built-in to mobo)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Samsung U32J59 32 inch monitors, 13.3" display, 12.3" display
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160 (Desktop), 1920x1080 (laptop), 2736x1824 Pro 7
    Hard Drives
    500GB ssd boot drive with 2 & 10TB Data (Desktop), 512GB ssd (laptop), 128GB SSD (tablet)
    PSU
    Corsair CX 750M
    Case
    Antec 100
    Cooling
    Coolermaster CM 212+
    Keyboard
    IBM Model M - used continuously since 1986
    Mouse
    Microsoft IntelliMouse
    Internet Speed
    665Mbps/15Mbps down/up
    Browser
    FireFox, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender on all
    Other Info
    Retired in 2015 after working in the tech industry for 41 years. First 10 years as a Technician, the rest as a programmer/software engineer. After 1 year of retirement, I was bored so went back to work as a Robotic Process Automation Consultant. Retired for 3rd (and final) time in 2019.
INF and PNF files are legitimate files that serve an important purpose. They are not junk files and should not be deleted or modified in any way. Actually nothing in the windows folder or any of it's subfolders should be deleted or modified in any way unless you really understand what you are doing.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
If you have caller ID get their phone number & report it to the police.

Or the FCC, ICC, FBI, or somebody.

Ask them to mail you with more information. ( USPS )-- ( mail fraud )

People like them are scum. :busted:

EDIT--

If they are stupid enough to mail you,don't open it.
Take the letter to the police so it can be dusted for finger prints.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
Alfatide, if you are having problems, tell us what they are and we can help you.

There is no legitimate company that will call you and tell you about problems with your computer.

We can help, and it's 100% free.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo IdeaCenter K450
    CPU
    Intel Quad Core i7-4770 @ 3.4Ghz
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16.0GB PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Integrated HD Graphics
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP h2207
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050@59Hz
    Hard Drives
    250GB Samsung EVO SATA-3 SSD;
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001 SATA-2;
    1.5TB Seagate ST3150041AS SATA
    PSU
    500W
    Keyboard
    Wired USB
    Mouse
    Wired USB
    Internet Speed
    3GB Up, 30GB Down
    Browser
    SeaMonkey
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender; MBAM Pro
    Other Info
    UEFI/GPT
    PLDS DVD-RW DH16AERSH
If you have caller ID get their phone number & report it to the police.

Or the FCC, ICC, FBI, or somebody.

It's very unlikely it's their real number.

Ask them to mail you with more information. ( USPS )-- ( mail fraud )

People like them are scum. :busted:

EDIT--

If they are stupid enough to mail you,don't open it.
Take the letter to the police so it can be dusted for finger prints.

Would the authorities really be that interested?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
The federal authorities take fraud seriously.
If they don't, a visit to your local tv station saying you got no assistance would focus their attention.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Gateway
    CPU
    AMD K140 Cores 2 Threads 2 Name AMD K140 Package Socket FT1 BGA Technology 40nm
    Motherboard
    Manufacturer Gateway Model SX2110G (P0)
    Memory
    Type DDR3 Size 8192 MBytes DRAM Frequency 532.3 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device Realtek High Definition Audio USB Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Name 1950W on AMD Radeon HD 7310 Graphics Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x76
    Screen Resolution
    Current Resolution 1366x768 pixels Work Resolution 1366x768 pixels
    Hard Drives
    AMD K140
    Cores 2
    Threads 2
    Name AMD K140
    Package Socket FT1 BGA
    Technology 40nm
    Specification AMD E1-1200 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
    Family F
    Extended Family 14
    Model 2
    Extended Model 2
    Stepping 0
    Revision ON-C0
    Instruction
    Browser
    Opera 24.0
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
Damn - Sounds like someone was doing a Teamviewer scam on you. They can use your system to do all kinds of crap. Did the guy try to give you a special Teamviewer login? That would have enabled them to connect right to your system.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Thank You guy's very much !!! I'm going to get my thoughts together on how to explain my Win.8 problems and post them tomorrow.

Those scumbags were going to try and take my money and they were telling those INF/PNF files were junk files and I need to delete them. I do have caller ID, but it says the # is not in service. Dang it !

Oh, they sounded like they were from India
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Mozilla Fiirefox/ Internet Explorer 10
    Antivirus
    Avast
INF/PNF files are system driver files, they tell the system what kind of hardware you got. Do NOT delelte those ever.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
Indian Call Centres

We get regularly calls from Indian call centres "trying this on".

I usually wait for them to finish their spiel and then I say:

"I'm a computer technician"
OR
"I use Linux"

The line usually goes quiet for a few seconds and then they hang up.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    n/a
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD6450
    Sound Card
    Realtek?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S23B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 1.5 TB (SATA), Western Digital 2 TB (SATA), Western Digital 3 TB (SATA)
    Case
    Tower
    Mouse
    Wired Optical
    Other Info
    Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
    Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
    Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,
I just say I'm a Mac user.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro with Media Center/Windows 7
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus § DualCore AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2300 MHz (11.5 x 200) 4400+ § Corsair Value Select
    CPU
    AMD 4400+/4200+
    Motherboard
    Asus M2N-MX SE Plus/Asus A8M2N-LA (NodusM)
    Memory
    2 GB/3GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce 8400 GS/GeForce 210
    Sound Card
    nVIDIA GT218 - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Hitachi 40" LCD HDTV
    Screen Resolution
    "1842 x 1036"
    Hard Drives
    WDC WD50 00AAKS-007AA SCSI Disk Device
    ST1000DL 002-9TT153 SCSI Disk Device
    WDC WD3200AAJB-00J3A0 ATA Device
    WDC WD32 WD-WCAPZ2942630 USB Device
    WD My Book 1140 USB Device
    PSU
    Works 550w
    Case
    MSI "M-Box"
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Dell Keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Intellimouse
    Internet Speed
    Cable Medium Speed
    Browser
    Chrome/IE 10
    Antivirus
    Eset NOD32 6.x/Win Defend
    Other Info
    Recently lost my Windows 8 on my main PC, had to go back to Windows 7.
we have a 16inch talking Woody doll from toy story next too the phone and we play it for all unsolicited call ,"
Howdy Partner this towns not big enough for the 2 of us " they get the message ,once we could hear the call telling us we were crazy .he was right !
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win8.1.1 enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hinze57
    CPU
    AMD FX 6100 6core 3.30gHz
    Motherboard
    gigibyte ga-78lmy-s2p
    Memory
    4gig ddr3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radon hd5000 Series
    Sound Card
    onboard realtek hd
    Monitor(s) Displays
    19" viewsonic/ 22"Samsung
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    128gig ssd Kingston
    80gig WD 10000 rpm spinner
    Case
    micro
    Keyboard
    microsoft curve 200
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless M215
    Internet Speed
    high speed 20
    Browser
    ie 11
    Antivirus
    windows defender
    Other Info
    updated enterprise apr 2/14
Damn - Sounds like someone was doing a Teamviewer scam on you. They can use your system to do all kinds of crap. Did the guy try to give you a special Teamviewer login? That would have enabled them to connect right to your system.

That is exactly what they were trying to do and they # on the caller ID was disconnected and when I told him I was on Disability and had know money he gave me a # to call back on which was a 253-271-4520. I told him to give me a toll free # and he said it wouldn't cost me to call that # which is a lie, because that isn't a area code in my state.

Would the online BBB shut this www.teamview.com down. I'm about to leave the house and when I get back from church I would like to try to get HELP from you guys and get past this mess. It really just upsets me that thieves can get away with this stuff.

I short example to my BIG problems is when I clicked to quote a Reply to you a tab/window opens tells me I need to update FLV Player and then went to Google. It happens ever single time I click on any link. I have to use Firefox, because IE is 10x worse. Is there a way to set it up to where a tab/window will not open? I ran my virus and Malware scans last night.

I will be in touch this evening, if my brand new computer will run. HP Pavilion with (Win.8)

Thanks again, later
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Mozilla Fiirefox/ Internet Explorer 10
    Antivirus
    Avast
I've gotten several of those scam calls, they used to say "we are from Windows and we have detected that your PC is infected". I guess they are even more brazen now if they are claiming to be Microsoft? One of my friends actually fell for it and let them connect. They messed up her PC pretty badly so it wouldn't connect to the Internet at all, then demanded money to fix it. She eventually clued in and hung up. I wiped the drive and did a clean install after advising her to change all her online passwords for banking etc. It was a lesson learned for her. The last call I got I just said I don't own a computer, long silence on the other end. Then a "you don't own a computer?" I said no and they hung up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
This site has a free download that will clean my computer to fix the problems.


There is NO such thing as 'free' software (or free stuff of any kind). Only the sun shines everyday for free.

Allways think to yourself "What is the model of earning money they use". Then you will find out that it's most likely one of the following models:

1 - showing adds and hoping people will click on them.
2 - it's bogus software. E.a. scam, malware, virussus, ransomware etc.
3 - it's a locked version (trail software etc.) and you must pay the unlock all the features.
4 - the manufacturer wants you to get used to their software in the hope that you, or your company, will buy other software from their company (like Adobe with Adobe Reader. This allows you only to read. To create they sell Adobe pro or something like that).
5 - it's genuine opensource software published under the GNU General Public Licence and is maintained by enthusiasts.

When meant for the Windows Platform in my experience most of the 'free software' is from the category 1 and 2. And since I don't want to see any adds etc. I practicaly don't use free software. The only 'free' software I use is published under the GNU licence.

So remember, don't believe the things you read/ see on the internet. In most cases it's not what it seems. And anything that seems to good to be true is mostlikely bogus!


Greetz,

Rover
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 Media Center Edition
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Made
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 750
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD HD 7750
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Iiyama ProLite B2481HS-B1
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1x 120 GB SSD Samsung 830;
    1x 1.5 TB HDD Seagate;
    1x 2 TB HDD Western Digital;
    1x 3 TB HDD Seagate
    1x 80 GB SSD Vertex 2
    PSU
    Corsair CX 600
    Case
    Corsair Carbide 300R with Side Window
    Cooling
    Intel RTS2011 LC
    Keyboard
    DasKeyboard (blue switches)
    Mouse
    Wacom Baboo Tablet Pen & Touch
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbit FullDuplex Fiberglass
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    I also own the following Microsoft devices:
    * Surface Pro 2 128 GB
    * Windows Phone HTC 8X
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