HELP!!! My son downloaded a file that I believe could be spyware onto my computer and I can't find it!?

Question

If I find it, will I be able to delete it or block it? What are the risks?

Answer 1

To all the people that blindly instruct someone to download an xxxxxx anti-virus...did you ever stop to think she might already have one??? Adding a second one will undoubtedly cause conflicts on her system because you are not supposed to run 2 AV programs at once.

Quick answers sure are easy for both sides, but easy is not always the best or correct answer.

To the original poster: If you have an AV on your system, please update and run it. Do the same with any spyware scanners you may have.

If you don't have spyware scanners, here are two I recommend:

AVG Anti-Spyware: http://malwaremedic.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cgi?board=MalwareScanners&action=display&num=1153791717

SUPERAntiSpyware: http://malwaremedic.suddenlaunch3.com/index.cgi?board=AntiSpyware&action=display&num=1157707023

The links contain the links to the programs and complete installation/configuration/operation instruction I have written myself.

Also consider checking with Panda Active Scan: http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm

It will not remove anything, but it will let you know if something is on your system. It will give you the path to it so it could be manually deleted.

If you need any assistance, you can reach me at : http://malwaremedic.suddenlaunch3.com

Best regards,

Windsor
Malware Medic Site Owner

Answer 2

You probably wont be able to find it. There may be multiple files of ad/spyware on your machine, which are commonly found in the registry. If you have minimal computer experience, I would not reccommend toying with the registry or any files you are not sure of. I would run your antivirus program and see if anything suspicious comes up, if you dont have one there is a pretty decent freeware version. AWG (I think they are on version 7.5) You can get this from download.com. Some other downloads that may help is adware, Spybot, and CCleaner all of these can be obtained from download.com as well. Hope that helps, good luck!

Answer 3

Yes, you will be able to delete or block it. Do you know the name of the file? Try using Spybot to help locate the file. If spybot deletes the file, fine. If not, you have to manually delete or block it. There is no risk as long as it is a downloaded file

Answer 4

I would start with one of the free spyware scanners others here have mentioned, but if that does not work, its time to invest in a commerical-grade spyware scanner. I have used and had good luck with XoftspySE on my computers at home. You can download and try a free scan here:

http://www.bestspywarereport.com/xoftspy

Good luck!

Answer 5

first of all if the file contains spyware.Then u have to collect the Anti-Spyware if the file is not an important file then u can delete the file from ur computer.this will not cause ur computer.u didn't told me that u opened that file on ur computer if yes.Then the spy is entered on ur computer.

Answer 6

Download AVG Anti Spyware and run a scan >>>> http://www.ewido.net/en/download/


If you need any other good, free and recommended security programs...go here >>>

http://www.webuser.co.uk/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/219333/an/0/page/0#219333

I recommend AVG as an anti virus, although eTrust's 12 month free trial is excellent (I'm using it and am extremely impressed).
If you need other programs, go for Zone Alarm firewall, AVG anti spyware (formerly Ewido) and SpywareBlaster.

If you click on the names in that list I gave you and it will take you to the official download site.

Please ensure that you keep them all updated for full protection and check for any updates when you first download them.

Answer 7

Do some spyware scans, here are some free ones
http://www.basicspywaretips.com/spywareremovaltool.html

Answer 8

Use both.

1. Scan for virus and remove (free online scan, no download) with BitDefender.
http://www.bitdefender.com/site/home/

2. Scan for trojans and spyware and remove (free online scan, no download) with Ewido.
http://www.ewido.net/en/

Answer 9

The easiest solution is usually the correct one. Just download Firefox (it's free) and quit using your infected enternet browser. The two programs won't talk to one another. Problem solved.

Answer 10

if you know the name of the file do a search for it.

go down to start.

go to my computer.

click local disc c.

down the side you see system tasks at the top.

go to search files and folders.

type the name of the file if you know it and click search.

it will tell you where the file is located