Computer Virus

[Diamondback Jay]

Without going and paying hundreds of dollars to get the damned thing fixed, does anyone know how to possibly remove and flush a virus from a computer?

Here's what happened. My wife was on the computer, while she was on, she went somewhere that's completely screwed up the computer. I can get on the web, but it lags something fierce (we have high speed) and pop ups continously happen, even though we have a pop up blocker. I'm almost certain she got us some kind of computer virus on whatever sites she went to.

Does anyone know a cheaper alternative to going and getting the computer fixed to get rid of computer viruses?

 

[Griffin]

Did you try System Restore?

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore

You might also want to run your anti-virus software, but I'm assuming you've done that.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

What you describe is much more likely spyware than a virus.

I would try Yahoo's anti spyware toolbar. It works pretty well, and it is a plugin for IE/Firefox.

For anti virus software, I would use AVAST. It is free, and has free updates as well.

 

[asudevil83]

i've also heard good things about Windows Defender.

also.....Adaware and Spybot used to be pretty decent, but i havent used them in a long time.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

i've also heard good things about Windows Defender.

also.....Adaware and Spybot used to be pretty decent, but i havent used them in a long time.

Yep,

Keep in mind that most spyware takes away your ability to search the web for websites. If you know the exact web address that you need to go to, you are usually safe. (at least long enough for you to download some spyware protection)

 

[UncleChris]

I agree with Dreamcastrocks.... Sounds more like spyware...... However, here's my recommendations for present and future...

Try these....

1. System Restore
2. Boot Scan (Avast is top of the line)
3. Spend a few bucks and get Webroot's Spy Sweeper ($29.95).
4. Spend a few more bucks and get another hard drive for the SOLE USE of backing up your main drive.

$100 will buy you a lot of security and peace of mind. :thmbup:

 

[Covert Rain]

I agree with Dreamcastrocks.... Sounds more like spyware...... However, here's my recommendations for present and future...

Try these....

1. System Restore
2. Boot Scan (Avast is top of the line)
3. Spend a few bucks and get Webroot's Spy Sweeper ($29.95).
4. Spend a few more bucks and get another hard drive for the SOLE USE of backing up your main drive.

$100 will buy you a lot of security and peace of mind. :thmbup:

Agree with AVAST. However, before spending money on spyware programs, try ADWARE and Spybot. I have used both for years and have never had problems with Spyware.

Also, backup drive is a must these days.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Thanks to everyone who gave me tips.

Here's what's happening. Pop ups galore were occurring. Many were about spyware blockers and some such nonsense. I did the system restore, and then installed the Yahoo toolbar. The popups still continue. Now, it's giving me an error message every so often which causes my Windows XP to more or less completely shut down, with exception of the windows I have in use.

I'm gonna try some of the other stuff, but somehow Amber's infested the comp with spyware which is making things difficult compwise.

 

[Ryanwb]

You have a browswer hijack. You need a program called Hijack this:

found here

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

But this program is very dangerous if you don't use it properly, it gets rid of EVERYTHING. Follow the instructions here:

http://www.cyberwalker.com/faqs/computer-threats/how-to-fix-browser-hijack.html

 

[Griffin]

Pop ups galore were occurring. Many were about spyware blockers and some such nonsense. I did the system restore, and then installed the Yahoo toolbar. The popups still continue.

Hmm, i had this problem before when I installed some unlicensed software. But System Restore did the trick. Maybe you didn't go back far enough?

 

[AzCards21]

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5

This is the best free virus software I've ever found.

 

[Covert Rain]

Thanks to everyone who gave me tips.

Here's what's happening. Pop ups galore were occurring. Many were about spyware blockers and some such nonsense. I did the system restore, and then installed the Yahoo toolbar. The popups still continue. Now, it's giving me an error message every so often which causes my Windows XP to more or less completely shut down, with exception of the windows I have in use.

I'm gonna try some of the other stuff, but somehow Amber's infested the comp with spyware which is making things difficult compwise.

Before going the hijack this route please try using Spybot or Adware first. This gets rid of the most common spyware's that are installed on your PC. If it does the trick it will save you some steps later. You can also try the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool. Don't go the hijack this route unless you have to. It's a little bit more in depth.