What might be wrong with this computer?

Question

I don't own the computer I'm asking about, but I do remember trying to add a virus scanner and couldn't. It was as if a smart virus was preventing it. I would click Install and I was asked if I wanted to continue and NO would be clicked automatically. When I tried to use Search, open Recycle bin, or open My Computer the window would appear with a folder pic in the middle then NOTHING. In Startup I believe unchecking items didn't help. Oh yes, there was never anything wrong with it until after the owner got DSL through Suddenlink. When Windows became unstable, I clicked Start>Turn off computer, it would take forever for the box to popup. "Turn off" was never there. I'm not trying to fix it anymore, but I would like to know what caused all the trouble for future reference.

Answer 1

boot up into safe mode and install (or run) the virus checker then

Answer 2

It could be a number of things really. Start by doing a free virus scan at http://www.trendmicro.com and then a free spyware scan at the same site. The scanners do a great job. I have my own copy of each.

Also...I had a problem with my mouse auto clicking on things several years ago. You could try updating the mouse's drivers. That worked for me. Oh, and one more thing-go to http://www.iobit.com and get the free version of Advanced Windows Care. It will do a lot to clean up the pc's registry among other things. If all else fails, do a hard drive format. Just make sure any important docs are backed up first. If you think you have to do that, just make sure to install the OS into C:/ drive. Otherwise follow instructions. The pc's owner also needs to get a firewall-either software based or thru a router. I recommend D-Link for the latter, and ZoneAlarm for the previous.

Good luck! :)

Answer 3

definitely a virus. his best bet would be to reformat the computer. once he got dsl, his computer was wide open for attack and so he got something major on there.