What virus or malware deleted my ability to dial up the Internet?

Question

I literally cannot dial up or set up a dial-up connection because all the ways to do this have vanished from my computer. All the normal set-up boxes, Wizards, you name it, are all gone. As a result, I can't connect to the Internet, so I can't even download antivirus software or connect with a service to help solve the problem. Do I have to erase the drive and start all over again, reloading Windows? And I bought the computer second hand and don't have the program disks. How would I get Windows on again? Is this a virus or some kind of malware that did this?

By the way, please note that all downloads from the Internet are not possible right now because I can't get to the Internet on this computer!!!! Also, please note I don't have the CD to reinstall Windows because I bought this second hand.

Answer 1

most virus are spread through IE. IE is not a safe browser. you should use a more secure browser to protect your PC from virus.

i recommand you to use firefox with Google toolbar. firefox can block any any popup and disable any virus and adware, spyware on webpage, so, firefox is much safer than IE browser. as you know, most of virus spread throught internet and webpage.

besides, firefox is much smaller than IE, so it run faster than IE.

download firefox for free, Just have a try:

http://www.toolforyou.net/firefox/

Good Luck, Merry Xmas !!!

Answer 2

There are a number of trojan payloads which will kill your connectivity. They are typically encountered at some music sites as well as those purveying "free" software, crackz, hackz, and such.

Also, some which replace elements of the operating system will result in similar damage if repaired by a comprehensive spyware / malware / grayware removal program.

You best practice in this scenario is to get your data off the machine and reformat the box, reinstall your software, then reload your data.

There are a lot of key stroke recorders out there and your level of damage is severe enough to render the whole machine untrustworthy from a personal data security standpoint.

When you purchase a machine second hand you should ask for the restore disk -- sometimes it's a separate partition on the existing hard drive rendered read only so it should remain viable -- if present.

If you are using XP and don't have the disk you may retrieve your installation key using a program like 'magic jelly bean' (it's encrypted in the registry and cannot be ascertained without being extracted using an app such as this). Then you will have to find an installation ROM which will work with your specific key -- and the availability of these will vary by geographic region.

Exercise caution on the internet because it has become an untrustworthy wilderness of people out to try and make your machine do their bidding, steal your personal data, or render your machine their spam slave mail server.

There's always a catch. Typically it's you.

Answer 3

Why don't you run over to Target and see what kind of anti-virus, spy ware, etc., that they have. You can also try system restore, to take you back to a time when your computer was acting right. I don't really know. Are you able to go to the menu under the start button to all programs, to accessories, to disk cleanup and system restore. It could be that your hard drive is fried. I'm not a geek so I don't know. Can you do a complete housecleaning by deleting mail and programs and files that you don't need any more. If you can get to Explorer, go to tools, internet options, delete cookies, files and delete all that stuff that shows up.

Answer 4

no no no. You dont have to format. Yes, certain viruses can block access to system functions.

On another computer, download quite a few utilities and burn to CD - then install on your problem computer. I strongly suggest various virus and spy cleaners as recommended all over this forum. Also, hijackthis and winpatrol would allow you to see the virus startup from registry and disable it. Make sure you understand what you are disabling, or your system may not even start.

Turn OFF system restore during the cleaning process, or the virus can come right back.

EDIT: If you are going to get firefox, get it from the source - not a 3rd party website. They are at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Also, most viruses are NOT spread through surfing websites. It is through email from people clicking on bogus enclosures that are executables. There is no such thing as a safe browser. Firefox has its problems too. IE7 is a relatively safe browser, as long as you practice safe surfing and avoid the porn and hacking sites. It too can block popups and has integrated anti-phishing filter.

Answer 5

If data on your hard disk is corrupted it is advisable to format the hard disk and reinstall the operating system (usually Windows XP). If a new hard disk is used, you may prefer to partition the hard disk into 2 or more drive. The operating system is installed on the first drive and a backup of the data is stored on the second drive More details at http://fixit.in/format.html

Answer 6

acquire the latest version of AVG, then replace it. Then boot into risk-free mode and run a test from there. additionally look at administration panel and uninstall any toolbars, information superhighway optimisers or seek assistants different than the Yahoo, Google or MSN toolbars. Others of those are open doors to malware. in case you nonetheless have a topic acquire Spybot seek and harm, that's a good cleanser, yet i discover that's merely too heavy surpassed to run continuously, and consistently uninstall it after cleansing. as quickly as you're clean, acquire ccleaner.exe and do a registry clean.

Answer 7

Format your hard drive and reinstall windows,when you reinstall windows all your drivers will load and that should solve your problem install an antivirus also to avoid future problems.

Answer 8

Actually this sounds like a modem failure. Does Windows see your Modem. Check System Devices for Modem or Lan card and see if theyy are there and enabled. Let me know what you find. E-mail me at [e-mail]

Answer 9

run system file checker
or run a repair install