Account lost forever because of an adware. - Guild Wars Forums

Rand \,,/ · May 10, 2007, 12:00 PM // 12:00

Hey all...I just want you all to know that keep your computers clean of spyware,adware and viruses. I did that too BUT for one week i was using my dad's computer to play guildwars and guess what....it was full of everything that made my life a pain. I got banned permanently (code=045) 7th of May 2007. The reason was that i was using 3rd party programs, which i never knew. I kept wondering "what is this, why am i being accused about using 3rd party programs though i have never used them". Then i realized that it has to be because of a virus or spyware of somekind....SO i made a spyware scan...and result was kinda ummm; 252spyware/adwares+one adware which automatically installs 3rd party programs without letting the computer user notice this.

I took a pic and sent it to

Anet support team and here is what they told me:

"Thank you very much for contacting the Guild Wars Customer Support Team. A game moderator did witness automated behavior in game while observing your character, this indicated the use of an automated third-party program, which is why we closed the account. We are afraid to say that players are responsible for the security of their account. Please note that players are responsible for the security of their account. Unfortunately we cannot be held responsible or liable for anything that occurs as a result of this type of issue. Please for further information refer to our Terms Of Agreement."

My own stupidity that i didn't scan the computer with 2 spyware scanners at the first point ( i only used windowses' own spyware scanner called Windows Defender at first which showed that the computer was clean of spyware/adware )So..i lost everything because of one adware i didn't know even existed...over 2000hours of gameplay,over 150€ worth of money and all my friends lost possibly forever because of ONE STUPID ADWARE!! Just my luck to get banned while using computer which i usually don't even use to play Guild Wars...anyway..everyone take care of your accounts and have fun playing GW..i can't do that anymore >.< it was fun as long as it lasted. AND KEEP YOUR COMPUTERS CLEAN! maybe we see again in Guild Wars 2 =) but i must ask; where is the justice here...

-Rand

Iuris · May 10, 2007, 12:33 PM // 12:33

Well, that's the internet for us. Porn is dirty, and Hackers hack indiscriminately...

Moon Bladestar · May 10, 2007, 12:39 PM // 12:39

awwww rand i feel for u boy. it was badluck that it happend to you in the first place and even with proof Anet still wont give you another chance. i know i always thought that Anet was suppose to send us at least one email warning us before they banned our account for whatever reason but i guess not. must be in the fine print somewhere. i know its not really the game itself u miss but the fact that you wont be able to get in contact with all ur friends again unless of course u buy another account but this whole incident would have let a sore taste in ur mouth and i cant say i blame u for being upset and angry with the whole situation. somehow it just makes it worse when ur innocent. i myself have always wondered what i would do if this happened to me and i know i would give up gw and get on with my life. dont get me wrong i would want to kill someone first especially when all the time and hard work u've put into ur chars just goes down the drain like that. but u have to look on the positive side of this, this was the perfect cure to get over ur addiction with gw and now u can spend more time playing ur guitar which i know u love. God clearly wants u to spend ur time doing other, more important things so take this as a sign

it was a tough blow but stand up with ur head held high and keep walking. ur friend

Rand \,,/ · May 10, 2007, 12:45 PM // 12:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moon Bladestar

awwww rand i feel for u boy. it was badluck that it happend to you in the first place and even with proof Anet still wont give you another chance. i know i always thought that Anet was suppose to send us at least one email warning us before they banned our account for whatever reason but i guess not. must be in the fine print somewhere. i know its not really the game itself u miss but the fact that you be able to get in contact with all ur friends again unless of course u buy another account but this whole incident would have let a sore taste in ur mouth and i cant say i blame u for being upset and angry with the whole situation. somehow it just makes it worse when ur innocent. i myself have always wondered what i would do if this happened to me and i know i would give up gw and get on with my life. dont get me wrong i would want to kill someone first especially when all the time and hard work u've put into ur chars just goes down the drain like that. but u have to look on the positive side of this, this was the perfect cure to get over ur addiction with gw and now u can spend more time playing ur guitar which i know u love. God clearly wants u to spend ur time doing other, more important things so take this as a sign

it was a tough blow but stand up with ur head held high and keep walking. ur friend

thank you =D and you are right; this is the only way for me to get over my gw addiction

thanks ^^

howlinghobo · May 10, 2007, 12:49 PM // 12:49

A game moderator did witness automated behavior in game while observing your character, this indicated the use of an automated third-party program, which is why we closed the account.

oh yeh, spyware which randomly installed a gw bot and randomly set it up to bot on your account, pretty convenient

Rand \,,/ · May 10, 2007, 12:53 PM // 12:53

.................. i really didn't know that there was a 3rd party program running on my dad's computer. If i was a bot user, i would have given up a long time ago and i wouldn't have posted this thread.
if you have nothing else to do than flame me, then go flame somewhere else.

Numa Pompilius · May 10, 2007, 12:53 PM // 12:53

I'd say Howlinghobo nailed it.

@Rand: The "I protest so much that I must be innocent" defence doesn't work. I've seen cheaters and pirates write *hundreds* of posts claiming to be innocent on the Steam fora. You were found out, you were banned - deal with it.
Play something else, keep pestering support, or buy a new copy, but stop bitching here, no-one here can do anything for you.

squan · May 10, 2007, 12:58 PM // 12:58

hmmmm, i would say pittbull style. Dont give up, keep on trying it. Sent a Private message to Gail or something, but not give up. Its a waste of money and time you have spent in GW.

Good luck m8

Rand \,,/ · May 10, 2007, 12:59 PM // 12:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numa Pompilius

I'd say Howlinghobo nailed it.

@Rand: The "I protest so much that I must be innocent" defence doesn't work. I've seen cheaters spend hundreds of posts claiming to be innocent on the Steam fora. You were found out, you were banned - deal with it. Play something else, or buy a new copy, but stop bitching here, no-one here can do anything for you regardless of if you're innocent or not.

i know but i just wanted to tell others that keep your accounts and computers clean! that was my point...i already know i'm not getting my account back. And btw there are other 3rd party programs than just gw bots so any 3rd party program can basically get you banned if they just run in the background when you play gw.

Witte Was · May 10, 2007, 01:16 PM // 13:16

I know Rand is innocent. I've played quite allot with him and I know he is honest about things he sais. I'm sure that Rand didn't use any 3rd party program. A-net, listen to this: Rand didn't use any 3rd party program. It's not fair at all if someone paid 150 bucks for a game he liked and he can't play it anymore because of a stupid misunderstanding.

thelegendozelda · May 10, 2007, 01:32 PM // 13:32

Just hope you dont get the adware that installs the bot that does all the missions and gets 100% in all 3 maps......that bot is horriable! .............

on a side note......anet didnt ban your account because they scanned your computer and seen you had adware on it........they banned your account because someone seen with there own eyes your toon acting like a bot.

squan · May 10, 2007, 01:33 PM // 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numa Pompilius

I'd say Howlinghobo nailed it.

@Rand: The "I protest so much that I must be innocent" defence doesn't work. I've seen cheaters and pirates write *hundreds* of posts claiming to be innocent on the Steam fora. You were found out, you were banned - deal with it.
Play something else, keep pestering support, or buy a new copy, but stop bitching here, no-one here can do anything for you.

m8 take a chill pill, he is just warning us. i wonder how you would react if it happend to you.

Numa Pompilius · May 10, 2007, 01:55 PM // 13:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rand \,,/

any 3rd party program can basically get you banned if they just run in the background when you play gw.

No. Anet doesn't scan your computer, so the "third party software" has to directly affect the GW executable or the data sent between your computer and the server.
Hence hacking, scripting, and cheats will get you banned, while running Internet Explorer, Bittorrent and WinAmp in the background wont - because they don't interfere with GW.

For the same reason it wasn't the adware in itself which cost you your account it was, in all probability, the software the adware came bundled with which got you banned.

Cheats, bots & "helper software" are often/usually crawling with malware like viruses, adware and keyloggers - it's not like the people distributing cheats etc are upstanding members of society or have morals.

Ouchie · May 10, 2007, 01:56 PM // 13:56

I don't see how exactly adware could interact with GW so they would know it is there ....

GW doesn't have access to what is on my computer only what I do or any program I run in GW Right?

Coridan · May 10, 2007, 02:01 PM // 14:01

I would stay after them at Anet if you read the past couple of weeks about bans you will see that a few people were wrongly banned and were able to work out the issues....so if you are SURE you weren't botting then stick with it and get it back....if you were botting then....don't bot next time

Hengis · May 10, 2007, 02:15 PM // 14:15

There are a couple of options as to what may have happened here:

1) The spyware/trojans installed onto your dad's PC included a Keylogger and your GW Account was subsequently hacked. The hacker then ran bots on the account or sold the account to a BotMaster.

2) The Adware/Trojan scan coming up positive is a coincidence and other activity on your account caused the ban. Did you do a lot of farming at one spot? Did you do the same run over and over again for several hours?

Have a think about anything you may have done that could look "bot like".

I would not give up hope just yet, but continue the dialogue with ANet Support and try and convince them of your innocence.

Lastly, the warning from the OP is absolutely valid, even if it may not have been the cause of his problems.

Good Luck!

Etta · May 10, 2007, 02:21 PM // 14:21

I'm not taking anyone side here, but if Anet said they had a moderator watching you and they somehow were thinking that you were using a bot, then not much else anyone can do really. A human error on Anet side, or perhaps you did use bot, who knows? I do feel sorry for you, Rand, if you really are innocent.

Internet can be a harsh place to visit, use firefox and get some adblock, popup block plugin for it, scan you pc for unwanted junk weekly and keep in mind that everything you're about to download might/will/can kill your pc.

Lydz · May 10, 2007, 02:25 PM // 14:25

I feel for you! That must really suck.

sabutai · May 10, 2007, 02:28 PM // 14:28

like others said i dont see how adware had anything to do with the gw program, but maybe you just got unlucky

i always run ad aware by lavasoft every few days, its free

Vahn Roi · May 10, 2007, 02:50 PM // 14:50

AVG Free
Windows Defender

Along with having some protection, avoid using programs like Limewire, by using it your asking to be invested with all sorts of adware and malware.

May 10, 2007, 12:00 PM // 12:00	#1
Rand \,,/ Frost Gate Guardian $Rand \,,/'s Avatar$ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Finland Guild: Order Of The Broken Lockpick [Loot] Profession: A/	Account lost forever because of an adware. Hey all...I just want you all to know that keep your computers clean of spyware,adware and viruses. I did that too BUT for one week i was using my dad's computer to play guildwars and guess what....it was full of everything that made my life a pain. I got banned permanently (code=045) 7th of May 2007. The reason was that i was using 3rd party programs, which i never knew. I kept wondering "what is this, why am i being accused about using 3rd party programs though i have never used them". Then i realized that it has to be because of a virus or spyware of somekind....SO i made a spyware scan...and result was kinda ummm; 252spyware/adwares+one adware which automatically installs 3rd party programs without letting the computer user notice this. I took a pic and sent it to Anet support team and here is what they told me: "Thank you very much for contacting the Guild Wars Customer Support Team. A game moderator did witness automated behavior in game while observing your character, this indicated the use of an automated third-party program, which is why we closed the account. We are afraid to say that players are responsible for the security of their account. Please note that players are responsible for the security of their account. Unfortunately we cannot be held responsible or liable for anything that occurs as a result of this type of issue. Please for further information refer to our Terms Of Agreement." My own stupidity that i didn't scan the computer with 2 spyware scanners at the first point ( i only used windowses' own spyware scanner called Windows Defender at first which showed that the computer was clean of spyware/adware )So..i lost everything because of one adware i didn't know even existed...over 2000hours of gameplay,over 150€ worth of money and all my friends lost possibly forever because of ONE STUPID ADWARE!! Just my luck to get banned while using computer which i usually don't even use to play Guild Wars...anyway..everyone take care of your accounts and have fun playing GW..i can't do that anymore >.< it was fun as long as it lasted. AND KEEP YOUR COMPUTERS CLEAN! maybe we see again in Guild Wars 2 =) but i must ask; where is the justice here... -Rand Last edited by Rand \,,/; May 10, 2007 at 06:24 PM // 18:24..
$Rand \,,/ is offline$

May 10, 2007, 12:39 PM // 12:39	#3
Moon Bladestar Pre-Searing Cadet Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Australia :P Guild: Astral Guard Profession: W/Mo	awwww rand i feel for u boy. it was badluck that it happend to you in the first place and even with proof Anet still wont give you another chance. i know i always thought that Anet was suppose to send us at least one email warning us before they banned our account for whatever reason but i guess not. must be in the fine print somewhere. i know its not really the game itself u miss but the fact that you wont be able to get in contact with all ur friends again unless of course u buy another account but this whole incident would have let a sore taste in ur mouth and i cant say i blame u for being upset and angry with the whole situation. somehow it just makes it worse when ur innocent. i myself have always wondered what i would do if this happened to me and i know i would give up gw and get on with my life. dont get me wrong i would want to kill someone first especially when all the time and hard work u've put into ur chars just goes down the drain like that. but u have to look on the positive side of this, this was the perfect cure to get over ur addiction with gw and now u can spend more time playing ur guitar which i know u love. God clearly wants u to spend ur time doing other, more important things so take this as a sign it was a tough blow but stand up with ur head held high and keep walking. ur friend Last edited by Moon Bladestar; May 10, 2007 at 12:47 PM // 12:47..

May 10, 2007, 12:53 PM // 12:53	#6
Rand \,,/ Frost Gate Guardian $Rand \,,/'s Avatar$ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Finland Guild: Order Of The Broken Lockpick [Loot] Profession: A/	.................. i really didn't know that there was a 3rd party program running on my dad's computer. If i was a bot user, i would have given up a long time ago and i wouldn't have posted this thread. if you have nothing else to do than flame me, then go flame somewhere else.
$Rand \,,/ is offline$

May 10, 2007, 12:53 PM // 12:53	#7
Numa Pompilius Grotto Attendant Join Date: May 2005 Location: At an Insit.. Intis... a house. Guild: Live Forever Or Die Trying [GLHF] Profession: W/Me	I'd say Howlinghobo nailed it. @Rand: The "I protest so much that I must be innocent" defence doesn't work. I've seen cheaters and pirates write hundreds of posts claiming to be innocent on the Steam fora. You were found out, you were banned - deal with it. Play something else, keep pestering support, or buy a new copy, but stop bitching here, no-one here can do anything for you. Last edited by Numa Pompilius; May 10, 2007 at 12:58 PM // 12:58..

May 10, 2007, 12:33 PM // 12:33	#2
Iuris Forge Runner Join Date: Nov 2006 Guild: Crazy ducks from the Forest Profession: W/	Well, that's the internet for us. Porn is dirty, and Hackers hack indiscriminately...

May 10, 2007, 12:49 PM // 12:49	#5
howlinghobo Academy Page Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Sydney Guild: One Man Clan Profession: W/Mo	A game moderator did witness automated behavior in game while observing your character, this indicated the use of an automated third-party program, which is why we closed the account. oh yeh, spyware which randomly installed a gw bot and randomly set it up to bot on your account, pretty convenient

May 10, 2007, 12:58 PM // 12:58	#8
squan Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Rotterdam (The Netherlands) Guild: Rotterdam Pride Profession: Mo/	hmmmm, i would say pittbull style. Dont give up, keep on trying it. Sent a Private message to Gail or something, but not give up. Its a waste of money and time you have spent in GW. Good luck m8

May 10, 2007, 01:16 PM // 13:16	#10
Witte Was Jungle Guide Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Left GW Guild: Proud Member of : Glob of Ectospasm [GoE] Profession: W/	I know Rand is innocent. I've played quite allot with him and I know he is honest about things he sais. I'm sure that Rand didn't use any 3rd party program. A-net, listen to this: Rand didn't use any 3rd party program. It's not fair at all if someone paid 150 bucks for a game he liked and he can't play it anymore because of a stupid misunderstanding.

May 10, 2007, 01:32 PM // 13:32	#11
thelegendozelda Frost Gate Guardian Join Date: Jun 2006 Guild: OoT Profession: W/Mo	Just hope you dont get the adware that installs the bot that does all the missions and gets 100% in all 3 maps......that bot is horriable! ............. on a side note......anet didnt ban your account because they scanned your computer and seen you had adware on it........they banned your account because someone seen with there own eyes your toon acting like a bot.

May 10, 2007, 01:56 PM // 13:56	#14
Ouchie Krytan Explorer Join Date: Jan 2007 Guild: [Leet] Profession: R/	I don't see how exactly adware could interact with GW so they would know it is there .... GW doesn't have access to what is on my computer only what I do or any program I run in GW Right?

May 10, 2007, 02:01 PM // 14:01	#15
Coridan Forge Runner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: US Guild: Old Married Gamers {OMG} Profession: W/	I would stay after them at Anet if you read the past couple of weeks about bans you will see that a few people were wrongly banned and were able to work out the issues....so if you are SURE you weren't botting then stick with it and get it back....if you were botting then....don't bot next time

May 10, 2007, 02:15 PM // 14:15	#16
Hengis Wilds Pathfinder Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: London Guild: Better Than Life (BTL) Profession: R/	There are a couple of options as to what may have happened here: 1) The spyware/trojans installed onto your dad's PC included a Keylogger and your GW Account was subsequently hacked. The hacker then ran bots on the account or sold the account to a BotMaster. 2) The Adware/Trojan scan coming up positive is a coincidence and other activity on your account caused the ban. Did you do a lot of farming at one spot? Did you do the same run over and over again for several hours? Have a think about anything you may have done that could look "bot like". I would not give up hope just yet, but continue the dialogue with ANet Support and try and convince them of your innocence. Lastly, the warning from the OP is absolutely valid, even if it may not have been the cause of his problems. Good Luck!

May 10, 2007, 02:21 PM // 14:21	#17
Etta Forge Runner Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mancland, British Empire	I'm not taking anyone side here, but if Anet said they had a moderator watching you and they somehow were thinking that you were using a bot, then not much else anyone can do really. A human error on Anet side, or perhaps you did use bot, who knows? I do feel sorry for you, Rand, if you really are innocent. Internet can be a harsh place to visit, use firefox and get some adblock, popup block plugin for it, scan you pc for unwanted junk weekly and keep in mind that everything you're about to download might/will/can kill your pc.

May 10, 2007, 02:25 PM // 14:25	#18
Lydz Krytan Explorer Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cape Town, South Africa Guild: The Crazy Dragons [TCD] Profession: E/Mo	I feel for you! That must really suck.

May 10, 2007, 02:28 PM // 14:28	#19
sabutai Academy Page Join Date: Apr 2007 Profession: W/	like others said i dont see how adware had anything to do with the gw program, but maybe you just got unlucky i always run ad aware by lavasoft every few days, its free

May 10, 2007, 02:50 PM // 14:50	#20
Vahn Roi Forge Runner Join Date: Apr 2006 Guild: [HiDE]	AVG Free Windows Defender Along with having some protection, avoid using programs like Limewire, by using it your asking to be invested with all sorts of adware and malware.