HELP! There is a virus on my computer!?

Question

I have used spybot search and destroy but a WARNING message still keeps appearing everytime i access the internet...is there anything else I can do?? Any other programs, that are FREE, and dont try to make u buy them once the scan is complete?

Answer 1

1. Download, install and update Anti-Virus Software.

* There are many 'free for personal use' versions of anti-virus software available. My personal favorite is AVG Anti-Virus. You can download AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition here - http://www.vermontpcsolutions.com/tools_anti_virus.html. For instructions on how to install AVG Anti-Virus - go here - http://www.vermontpcsolutions.com/how_to_install_avg_anti_virus.html.

2. Disconnect from the Internet.

3. Open Internet Explorer - clear your cookies and cache.

* To delete cookies in IE: Tools >> Internet Options >> on the General tab choose Delete Cookies. You will be asked 'Delete all cookies in the Temporary Internet Files folder? Click OK.

* To delete the cache in IE: Tools >> Internet Options >> on the General tab choose Delete Files. Be sure to place a check in the box that says 'Delete all offline content'. Click OK

4. Restart the computer in Safe Mode.

* For instructions on how to start a computer in safe mode - click here.- http://www.vermontpcsolutions.com/how_to_start_in_safe_mode.html

5. If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, disable System Restore.

* For instructions on how to disable System Restore - click here - http://www.vermontpcsolutions.com/disabling_system_restore.html . This will remove any previous 'restore points' as well as viruses hiding within these files.

6. Run a full system scan on the computer. This might take some time depending on how much data the anti-virus software needs to sift through. Be patient, let the software do it's job.

7. If you find that the anti-virus software is having trouble removing a viruse you might need to run MSCONFIG and figure out which startup process is responsible for loading the infected file.

* For instructions on how to use MSCONFIG click here - http://www.vermontpcsolutions.com/how_to_use_msconfig.html .

* If you are running Windows 95 or 2000, MSCONFIG was not included with the operating system. You can download a copy of MSCONFIG from this page.

8. After all viruses have been quarantined or removed, reboot the computer and connect to the Interent then run Windows Update - select all critical updates.


A Few Tips To Help Keep Viruses Off Your Computer:

1. Do not open email attachments - unless you can verify they are 100% safe.
2. Stay away from questionable websites.
3. Be carefull when downloading using P2P (Peer to Peer) file sharing software.
4. Keep Microsoft Windows up-to-date using Windows Update.
5. Keep your anti-virus sofware up-to-date and run scans periodically.
6. Run a software firewall - you can download a free firewall here.
7. Do not install Free software unless the source can be verified. When in doubt search for the software title on Google.

Answer 2

I'm curious as to what you have. You say you have a virus and then say you are using an Anti-Spyware program.

When making a post about a Malware infection on any forum, seeking assistance in removing it, you need to list the name of the Virus or Spyware/Adware. This will be listed by the program that finds it. Post it exactly as spelled by the program. If not found by a program, but popup or other indicators tell you of an infection, then describe the popups or indicatiors and lists any sites it tells you to go to or programs it tells you to purchase for removal.

All of the above is important to get proper assistance in the removal. Malware can have nearly identical names but require different methods or programs to remove them. Also, Spyware/Adware that display popups and other item telling you of an infection and wanting you to buy a program are the same way. The description and names of sites or programs they say to go to or purchase is important for proper removal.

Many of the Virus and Spyware written in the last two years hide parts of it in Hidden Areas of your computer, usually, in the hidden files/folder and the restore points. The AV/AS programs don't have access to these and cannot scan or remove the Malware located in them. The part of the Malware hidden in these areas will download the Malware once the scan and most of it is removed using the normal method of scan and removal.

What I mean by normal mode is the normal way you use the computer and it's still connected to the internet. This way rarely works to remove the infections.

With the info you have given, shotgun methods are the only advice people can give. This also rarely works.

This site has a procedure that will open the hidden areas and take you into safe mode (this disconnects you from the internet). Follow the procedure and use the programs she lists. Even though this article says it is for Spyware removal, Anti-Virus programs can be used instead of the Anti-Spy programs.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/community/columns/bugbusting.mspx

Answer 3

Spybot is looking for spyware. If it is spyware that you have then you could also try Bazooka and Adaware.

If it is a virus you could try AVG or anyone of various other free programs. Check out www.download.com and look around, there is plenty of free programs out there. All the programs I've mentioned can be found at this site along with many others. Just keep trying different ones until you find what suits you.

With the spyware however, you will always need a two or three different programs.

Answer 4

There may be a few things you could be able to do. I am by no means a computer expert, but you could possibly system restore your computer to an earlier time and hopefully that would be able to wipe out the virus. If you are not looking to spend money, then I would recommend just getting an external hard drive from Best Buy, transferring all your important files onto it, then rebooting your hard drive, transferring your files back on, and returnign the hard drive to Best Buy. Burning onto Cd's works too.

Answer 5

Spybot isn't a virus removal program. Also, just to let you know, these anti-virus software companies are in business to make money, not to help you for free. Thats how the world works, business exist to make money. Just spend the $50 and get a good progam. - I'd recommend Kaspersky AV 6

Answer 6

Follow this link. this is an online scanner that will scan your computer for virus, spyware and help you remove once detected. It might even take upto 2.5 hrs on a dial up connection and certainly less on a high speed connection (that all depends on various factors). This should take care of the problem.

http://www.trendmicro.com/hc_intro/default.asp


Hope this helps you.

Answer 7

AVG is a free anti-virus program, works great. Here's the link: http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10543927.html?tag=lst-0-2

Trend Micro also offers a free online virus/spyware scan: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

And yeah, the dude above is right. Spybot is for spyware, not virus'. But the dude below is wrong, ad-aware is for spyware.

Answer 8

Check it out Mrs. BowWow

You will need a couple different scanners. Spy bot is a great one.

Lavasoft: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=lst-0-8

Then go to www.microsoft.com and download windows defender.

Finally go to www.downloads.com look for AVG antivirus.

These are the best ones in my opinion.

Good luck.

Answer 9

Unfortunately once it gets to this point you need more than a spyware cleaner... you need the real deal.
You need a virus cleaner. Try Mcafee for free.

Answer 10

problem is Spybot is no virus scanner.
Try AVG at http/www.grisoft.com