My pc is infected with spyware, what can i do?

Question

I have a spyware program operating on my pc. i managed to find the name of the application using windows defender but when i use task manager to "End process" the application simply dissapears off of the "processes" list breifly then apears on the list again.

Also i found the folder where the spyware files are, i cannot delete these as it says "program in use". Windows defender wont remove them, it jus restarts my pc and says its all fine when infact the spyware is still running.

There is an icon in the icon tray telling me my system is in danger etc, and when i click it i get taken straight to an anti-spyware website which tells me to purchase the software to remove it, obviously this is the same company which has infected me. Also i cannot use internet explorer as it wont let me load any page apart from theirs, i am currently using my AOL browser.

I am lost for ideas. i cannot stop the application and i cannot delete it. what am i supposed to do?

Answer 1

(1) Get you self a good antivirus or a free one .
(2) If you have not already scanned your comp with spybot do that now .Update it and then run it so it gets rid of all the spyware and trojans
(3a) Do an online virus scan to check if you still have any other viruses in your computer. And let us know if the online virus scan still finds any virus or spyware .

Answer 2

The best way is to download Ccleaner here http://bitly.com/UrALrK

Or you can go on Windows operating system locate the command prompt and go there to do the following:
Create a Recovery file of system and date it today.

Then begin by;
delete the 'Temp' folders..they have hidden subfolders so you need to set the attributes in order to bypass this. For each subfolder delete all cookies and rubbish left behnd after install-uninstalled programs. Do a 'dir' command to check your progress. Make sure the 'Temp' file is empty.

goto c:\windows\prefetch and delete everything in there..no exceptions

goto c:\windows folder and delete all the '$' files that have been installed by updates. They can all be succesfully deleted and just take up disk space.

Locate the Internet Temporary Files..Check to see how high the saving level is..some have it set at 30 days..but that stores faaaar tooo much data..though it slows down the system overal. Keep this to a minimum..suggest 2 or 5 at most.

Delete all 'cookies' all those you don't need.

Locate the windows directory and go through the folders you know and those you don't need. Check this once a week at least. Some programs will install under XP as NT and older systems where there is no check of systems weight.

Check to see that system files have not changed since last booting. Things like .ini files or .bat are important items.


Check for 'Hidden Directories' all over the disk...do this at the command prompt:

dir *.* /ah wil show these hidden directories

Check the 'dir' command for all parameters

Answer 3

According you description,you have serious spyare problem, Its on your pc and you need to remove it.

Run your anti-spyware in Safe Mode.If you have no an excellent anti-spyware or your current anti-spyware can't prevent spyware from Invading you computer,download a better one.
You can find top 5 anti-spywares reviews,comparisons and download links on

http://www.spyware-detectors.net

You can download and scan your PC for free.

As the computer is booting press your "F8 Key" repeatly which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" . Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

After into safe mode,run a anti-spyware to killllllllll the spyware and adware on you pc.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

Go to www.download.com and download the following programs:

Ad-Aware

Spybot: Search & Destroy

Do a full install of each of these programs and then update their definitions but do *not* do a full scan yet.

After they are both installed and updated, restart your computer into Safe Mode. This can be done by repeatedly tapping F8 as soon as you turn the computer on. This will bring you to a boot menu where you can select to boot into Safe Mode.

Once booted into Windows Safe Mode, run a full scan with each of the two programs and be sure to delete whatever is found.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Try installing the free lavasoft Ad-ware 07 and the AVG anti spyware system or invest on a couple of good antispyware software such as spyware doctor and Xoftspy.

Answer 6

Run a virus & spyware check WITHOUT ending the process. I think this is where you are having problems. Let the process run its course, to enjoy full benefits of a check. Both checks may take half hour EACH, but even if this means staying behind after work, it will be worth it for peace of mind.

Answer 7

As you the know the name of the infection go into 'Control Panel'
then to 'Add and Remove Progrmas' look on there for the infection and remove it.
Restart your PC
Now it could still be on the PC when you it starts as the infection trys to infect your folders.

Can you also run a virus scan

If you haven't got a virus protection and excellent one is
Norton Internt Security 2007.
You can buy it on www.shopacer.co.uk - for £30


And whatever you do don't download any virus protection off the internet as they put viruses on your PC so you go out and buy it

Answer 8

G'day,

Go to this web site, download the best SpyWare on the Internet in my opinion, and it's free, and so are the updates.

After you download it, close all open programsd before you run it, it will ask you if you want to check for updates first, click yes, then you will have the latest updates, run it once a week or so. Copy and paste this URL into your browser

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10401314.html

Answer 9

Oh! boy - this sounds like a variant of the SpyAxe virus!

It is a pain to remove - sometimes the online scanners will remove it but if it won't let you change the page you could be stuck!

You may have to consider wiping the hard drive and starting again!

Answer 10

It seems to me that you will need to go back to the manufacturers settings. This will delete all your application programmes and your files. You will then need to re-build your system from the ground up. You must have good security software to find and delete spy-ware and to prevent further infections. Do this BEFORE installing any other software or files. Use your security software to scan your backed up files BEFORE re-installing them. I do not rely on Microsoft products, for example, I do not use Internet Explorer.