I'm having a virus problem with my computer. It locks up before I can get to any programs. What can I do?

Answer 1

You will need to start your computer in Safe Mode (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm). At this point you should be able to check your computer out using your (hopefully) up to date AntiVirus program.

Answer 2

Elaine; There could be many reasons your computer is acting the way you describe; I'd say it's most likely NOT a virus, but it will be difficult to diagnose, unless the appropriate person (in this case, a computer tech (like me), could ask you specific questions. I can give you a few scenarios that could/would cause the symptoms you describe: You've recently inadvertantly installed some software that has also installed several "browser add-ins" such as tool bars, spy sweepers, and what not... You don't have enough RAM for all the programs, and Operating System that you are running, your computer uses a built in video rendering setup, using half of the CPU's resources to render video, (rather than allowing the CPU to do it's job, it's attention is being divided, this usually ties in with the RAM Issue, as built in Video also means that not only your CPU is shared, but also a portion of your existing RAM.
Another consideration would be the programs you are running at startup; try booting the computer up, and don't click on anything, and don't do anything, until all the software is loaded... then go to the right side of your tool bar (bottom of the screen) all the icons loaded on the bottom right of your screen, are in RAM (memory) and taking up valuable resources, slowing your system down... some programs famous for doing this are; Kodak photo software, webcam software, media players (if you are listening to music, etc. ONE media player is all you need! Quicktime loads automatically, (unfortunately some websites use it, so it's sometimes needed, but not often... I close it as soon as the PC is done loading all the programs... the only thing I leave open are the things i'm using, my firewall, (it's usually hidden from non savvy users) and my antivirus software... but, like the other guys said; make certain your antivirus is up to date! I generally leave all the PC's in my house on, all the time... unless you have the old CRT monitors, you're looking at maybe $5/month for electricity, for two/three pc's on all the time... when they're not used, they power down, and generally take up less than a 20W lightbulb. I restart my PC when I load something new, or when I have to, or maybe once every couple of months... and i'm always testing something new on mine.

Answer 3

make sure you anti-virus is up todate and do a full scan in safe mode
if your able to stay online for awhile may wanna try this online scan
www.housecall.trendmicro.com