How do I get rid of a virus when I don't know what it is and Norton Internet Security doesn't pick it up?

Question

I must have downloaded a virus as my computer keeps restarting itself and error messages keep appearing.
My computer shuts down and I get different messages saying to free up disk space,Check BIOS?,restart my computer. I have done all of these, I have uninstalled loads of things from my computer including a number of games. I have cleaned the fans and checked the temperature.
I have also ran my internet security and a spyware program and Windows Defender. All come up clean, with good results.

I dont understand. What can I do to solve this problem? Is it a Virus?

My computer is only 2 years old I don't want to have to get a new one.

Its a Fujitsu Siemens Scaleo T Computer, Windows XP.

Answer 1

I've had people ask me for help with this same problem on MSN.

Is it really true, as quite a few people have told me, that Norton just tells you that you have a virus... but doesn't tell you the specific name of the virus ?

That is very poor imo - its like a doctor telling you that you are ill but not diagnosing the real problem. I've always told people to download free AVG... it always tells you the specific name or type of virus. If for some reason it can't heal or fix it... you at least have enough information to find other specific tools to remove that particular specific virus.

Update: To answer below saying to use system restore... you don't do that. The virus always almost always is also in system restore too. If your pc gets infected... it lurks in system restore too. Once you have removed the virus from pc.. its safest to delete all your system restores and make a fresh one.

Update 2: Delltech... your answer is very questionable.. seeing as Dell is linked with McFee on distribution level. Also how could you possibly hack my AVG lol... my pc is behind a router firewall and software firewall. AVG is to protect you against viruses... whether downloads or from direct viruses from malicious website. You can't hack any anti-virus program when the user has a good firewall protection.

Answer 2

Here's what you should do. The dell tech had some very good points, but McACrap, I mean McAfee is not that good.
1st, don't waste your time with AVG, spybot, ad aware, CA, spyhunter, or anything of the sort. Stay away from anything that is FREE. There is a reason why they free. They are NOT good.
2nd, You need some of the best software out there. Norton Systemworks is very good. That's the only good software from Norton. I wouldn't recommend Norton Internet security, its not that great. Now the best software you should get is Spysweeper with Anti-virus, this software is too good and gets better everyday. It blocks over 170,600 threats. No other software can compete with that or come close for that matter. It catches everything. I've used them all and it is 2nd to none.
3rd, after you install and update the software, since its in your system you will have to turn off system restore and then go into safe mode and run the scan and eliminate the virus. then after removal, reboot and turn system restore back on.
4th, (Optional) I recommend a Firewall from Zone Alarm, their free version is so good. Or you can buy their Pro version, but the free version will do more than the job.
5th, any probs during or after you do all this, send me an e-mail.

Answer 3

Hello, my ID is Dell Tech, a trained computer specialist.

There is no SUCH thing as free best.

Yes, I agree many free stuffs are helpful, but not to the max... Now, as a computer specialist, there is no good Free Anti virus software protection on the Net... I can easily hack AVG without it detects my harmful attempt to ruin your computer. Not just me alone know how to hack Free AVG Anti virus protection, thousands of people do... To make this much clearer, I can fool all free Anti Virus protection, but I can't seem to break into the subscribed ones...

So, are you protected with the best free Anti virus protection? Answer is ( No.)
I highly recommend McAfee 2007 because Norton slows down your computer. And always remember that McAfee 2007 is todays leading computer defense.

Also note that even if you have McAfee 2007 installed on your computer, you are also responsible against viruses. Paraphrase, if you visit Porn site, download harmful computer softwares, visit dreadful sites, you will GET infected with viruses although you have McAfee 2007 installed... No Anti Virus protects you from visiting harmful website. You MUST use precaution when using the Internet.



Free up disk space means you need to uninstall some of your softwares... Your computer is over-loaded... Best way to correct this problem is to go to start, then control panel, and click on Add/Remove, and delete those softwares you don't need...

Then go back to Start, All programs, then accessories and system tools and select Disk cleanup to free up your HHD. Once you have done that, follow the next step below.

Go to start, all programs, accessories, system tools and click on Disk Defragmenter, then click analyze to valuate your HHD, then defragment your HHD.

Have a blessed day.

Message from Dell Tech.

Answer 4

Hmm sounds like a virus or perhaps a hardware error with your pc try using avast antivirus, avg antivirus as well as spybot search and destroy hopefully they should flag something up if not i suspect it could be a hardware problem in which case you may have to take it back to the shop and figure it what the problem is by process of elimination good luck tell us how u get on

Answer 5

There was a virus in the news last week that actually attacks Norton anti virus, but I don't know what problems it causes. You might need to take it to a computer engineer.

Answer 6

You can download a free antispyware/ virus/trojan version and remove themCheck out http://sumiram2006.googlepages.com/comba...
It has good downloads to detect and eliminate virus/trojans/spyware
Best wishes

Answer 7

Goto the command prompt ( start - run - and type -cmd.exe )
then type : sfc.exe
this will check and verify system files

or maybe could be hard disk failure possibly, @ cmd.exe type c:\chkdsk /f

just a couple of diff ideas to ones u already had

oi oi

Answer 8

contracting a virus is not death to your computer. try running a scan on safe mode. get to it by pressing f8 or f10 during boot up. or just restart and keep pressing f8 or f10 till you get options to get to safe mode. if that doesnt work,,, reformat. unless you've messed with your BIOS, you shouldnt have to worry about it. reformating will wipe out all viruses, but it also wipes out everything else, so try to back up your important stuff.

Answer 9

Download and install Superantispyware.Run it in safe-mode,and if there is something there it will find it.Leaves ad-aware and spybot standing.Cleaned my PC up,now runs like brand new.

Answer 10

use avg its really good always detect spyware and viruses and its free i use it and it works wonders neva had a problem with viruses or spyware since using it, norton is pretty crap really considerin u have to pay for it too (well usually)