Is this a virus?

Question

I don't know much about computers, but my computer has been getting a little slow. I have a Sony Vaio and only had two problems with viruses that were easily removed. Since then I always scan with AOL protection with I'm online. It takes longer to download my home screen and restarted without my permission. When it finally went to my home screen I received a error message from windows saying to send them a error report. What's wrong with my comp?

Answer 1

When ever unknown problems like this occur, carryout system restore. Restore the PC to a day previous to the day when there was no virus or any problems. It may be a few weeks or months back. You have to decide the date. It is easier and mostly your problems will be solved.. If you want to know an effective procedure for system restore please visit the following site.
http://www.jskproducts.co.uk/RestorePC.htm
After successfull repairs select a standard antivirus and an anti spyware and install in your PC so that the problem does not occur again.
You can get free/paid antivirus at http://jskproducts.co.uk/antivirus.htm
Select and install a suitable anti spy ware from the following link .
http://www.jskproducts.co.uk/spyware.htm

Answer 2

The most likely reason for this problem is your computer needs a good cleaning.

Cleaning your computer.

Clean your Browser Cache:

Tools>Internet Options>General tab>Delete Cookies, Files (check mark the box for OFFline Content in the window that appears) and Clear History buttons.

Go to the Sites button by Temp. Files and change the number to 50.


Check your HD for Defragmenting:

Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools> Disk Defragmenter.


Clear Temp. Windows Files:

Exit all running programs, including browser, except your AV and AS programs. Exiting these might be necessary later (not usually).

Start>Run> type "%temp%" (no quotes)>OK>in the menu bar go to "Edit" click Select All>in the expanded menu select Delete or right click on the pane with the files highlighted and select Delete. When finished Close window.


Clear clutter in DSL modem (If used) and RAM:

Turn off the modem, computer and monitor in this order. Wait a minute or two and then restart in reverse order. Turning off he computer clears the RAM of clutter.


One other reason for the rebooting is usually due to outdated Video Drivers. You should check the computer mfgr. site for updated drivers, or go to the Video card mfgr. site. If you cannot get updated drivers you can try this work around.

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2. On the left side click the "Switch to Classic View", Click the Display Icon (in classic view of Windows XP), click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced.

3. Click the Performance or Troubleshooting tab (depending on your operating system), and then reduce hardware acceleration a notch at a time until your system stabilizes.

Answer 3

That was scareware urging you to hit its website. Since you went there, it may now have downloaded some real malware. It's now time for some real scans. If you have an anti-virus, make sure it has the latest virus definitions and run a scan with it in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking. That often prevents malware from protecting itself. If you don’t have one, many people here swear by AVG (it’s free). I suggest you also download Ad-Aware Free and Spybot S&D (they’re free), install them, update them and run them, again in Safe Mode With Networking. Also, turn off System Restore to evict any copies of bad stuff that might be lurking there. To get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking: 1. Log out and reboot your machine. 2. When the machine starts the reboot sequence, press the F8 key repeatedly. 3. Select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking from the resulting menu. 4. Login. If the malware has changed your password, try logging in as Administrator. By default, Administrator has no password. 5. The machine will continue booting, but the Windows desktop will look different. 6. When you're finished doing what you need to do, log out and reboot back into normal mode. Note that even if the anti-malware programs get rid of the malware, they may not be able to reverse the effects. Search the Web for possible fixes. Update and run everything regularly, not just when you think you already have malware. Good luck.

Answer 4

Sometimes AOL has an automatic reboot because their system is checking on something within the website that you have entered in to. Also If your computer is running slower it could be a possibility that you may have to much information on your computer, because mines does that too. Finally I also just think that AOL is trying to keep the viruses out of your computer but if i were you i will always keep my secondary virus scanner on the computer too: such as Norton Virus because it helps alot, and if i were you i wouldnt always trust AOL and their virus protection.

Answer 5

sounds like a typical AOL proble. I had AOL once for about a week and never had so many problems. If you want good aintvirus protection go with McAfee or Norton as AOL antivirus only checks for E-mail viruses and not your whole hard drive

Answer 6

It sounds like you need to defrag your system......if you go to START: MY COMPUTER: SYSTEM TOOLS: DISC CLEANUP - you can clean up your harddrive. Under this drop down there is also an item called a defragmanter. click it and choose your C: drive. It will clean up all the crap. Computers are like colons - they need to be cleansed! heehhehe - when you visit a website, the cookies and files are stored on your computer. When you get onto the internet, got to TOOLS and then check out your internet options.....there will be a window taht says CLEAR HISTORY and DELETE COOKIES. If you've never done either of these things - taht's the prob. Your computers holding too much crap, it needs a good floggin' girl! Good luck!

Answer 7

It could be a virus, or it could be a spyware infection. Get some other antivirus program and a good anti-spyware protection to scan with. I personally use AVG Free Edition for my antivirus and Ad-Aware to root out spyware, but there are other good programs.

Answer 8

Follow http://www.compcentral.net/guides.php?UID=3 to learn how to speed up your computer quickly and safely.

Answer 9

try this free online virus scan
http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html