It's windows 2000 - I have a popup that keeps coming up that seems to be very aggressive. It is from spystorm saying I have adware on my computer and do I want to do a scan. I've tried 2 antivirus programs and 3 spyware programs to see if I could catch it, but have been unable. Now my computer runs so slow that it takes 30 minutes to pull up any program.
2007-09-20 02:26:41 · 15 answers · asked by Shawn C 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Just reinstalling will not get rid of it...you would need to format (you will lose all data on your hard drive) in order to get rid of it.
Have you tried running your antivirus and antispyware programs in Windows Safe Mode? If not, do that first...you can usually get rid of most things that way since they will not load in Safe Mode. To get to Safe Mode, press F8 just before Windows starts to load...a menu will pop up and you just need to select Safe Mode.
2007-09-20 02:32:46 · answer #1 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reinstalling Windows is usually a common answer to viruses yes. If you reinstall Windows, it will erase everything thats on there and create a new registry from scratch.
However, sometimes you can get around that by a little trick called System Restore; and if done correctly, could fix your problem without having to go through the hassle of the reinstallation. Email me if you want some help with this.
jackal_sbcc@yahoo.com
2007-09-20 02:30:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are using IE try using browser hacker retaliator. (link below) before reinstalling, it can help in many many cases.
and the short answer is yes a 'clean' install will take everything off of the hard drive by reformatting it and it will be the way it was when you first installed the OS. Please please please backup your files BEFORE you do a format/reinstall ,
then there are the updates and the installation of all your programs, oh and don't forget the backup of your important files.
browser hijack retailiator unplugs the 'browser helpers' that some programs and sites install. and because the anti-virus programs identify this as an object that you opted to install they will leave it alone in most cases. use this program to get rid of all the browser helpers that you do not want and those that you don't use. there is also a start up tool to stop the auto loading of unnecessary programs during start up.
For those unfamiliar with Win2kPro, the 'Restore to earlier time' option started with WinXP. Not Win2kPro, there are non-windows versions of the same tool such as GoBack, but it is not standard in Win2kPro, sorry.
2007-09-20 02:37:34 · answer #3 · answered by mhp_wizo_93_418 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, yes, you could reload Win2000, but you will lose everything else you have on your computer when you do that. Spystorm is a trojan, not a virus, so antivirus will either not find it, or not be able to remove it. I don't know what antispyware you have used, but if it can't find Spystorm, then uninstall it and get something else. There is plenty of free antispyware available.
Sorry - I just looked at your question again. You did say Win2000? Try System Restore, using a date prior to when this first appeared. Restore will remove anything you have downloaded between that restore date and today, but won't otherwise affect your files. Click on Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools and System Restore. You can only pick a date that is bolded in black. And this is reversible, so if this doesn't work, you can go back and undo the restore.
It's worth a try!
2007-09-20 02:32:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. If you reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows (do a clean install) it will remove the malware causing the pop-ups.
I'm going to include a broad over-view on how to do this:
(1. put your Win2k install/restore CD in the CD drive.
(2. restart your computer
(3. follow the onscreen prompts to begin the reinstall.
(4. when the install process asks what you want to do, choose delete the partition with Windows on it.
(5. recreate the partition (Windows has onscreen instructions).
(6. select the partition and choose to install Win2k to it.
(7. follow the onscreen instructions.
(8. once Windows finishes installing, install your hardware drivers, an anti-virus program, an anti-spyware program, and a firewall immediately. Then run Windows Update.
The exact steps to do this may vary a bit (I did this from memory), but the basic steps should be close enough that if you read the on-screen instructions you should be able to do what you want.
2007-09-20 02:35:07 · answer #5 · answered by J Kirsch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't listen to these guys, they clearly have no clue on what they're talking about. I am a developer at Microsoft so I know a thing or two about computers. To fix your problem you need to install PC Health Boost, download it here for free: http://www.healthboostpc.com
It's very light and it's the only antivirus/cleaner with a 99.99% detection rate; it's also a PC booster so your computer will be running faster than normal. Install it, hit run and problem solved. It shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes.
2014-09-02 04:56:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
perhaps by spystorm you mean AntiSpyStorm :
http://www.2-viruses.com/remove-antispystorm
if so this should help you remove the problem.
Have you tried scanning your drive(s) with an anti-spyware program, such as SpySweeper or Spyware Doctor? These could help you dispose of the problem.
Either way, reinstalling Windows will solve nothing, Formating your drive, on the other hand, might.
2007-09-20 02:33:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Run AVG in safe mode Are you sure when AVG found it, you put it in the vault? using safe mode with win XP: If the computer is running it is best to shut down Windows and then turn off the power. Begin by first clicking on the Start Button and then click on Turn Off Computer. Now click on the Turn Off red colored icon to shut down your computer system. It is best to wait between 15 to 30 seconds before you turn your system back on. Turn on your computer and start tapping the F8 key on your keyboard. Some Computers may display a keyboard error message if you begin tapping F8 too quickly. Restart your computer again and begin tapping the F8 key a brief second or two later. When the Windows Advanced Options Menu appears, Choose the Safe Mode option and hit Enter. Windows will now boot your computer up in Safe Mode
2016-03-13 05:05:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try restarting your computer, and as it boots, hit the F8 key (or -Delete-) repeatedly until it goes to the bios page. From there, select Safemode from the options and allow your computer to finish booting.
You'll now be in Safemode, which only allows the most essential programs to load, and from there you should be able to scan through your Program Files manually until you find the folder Spystorm (or whatever folder the spyware is running from). Delete that folder and the problem should be solved.
Works with TVMedia spyware as well.
2007-09-20 02:37:55 · answer #9 · answered by CATHERINE R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would reinstall a couple of times 1st.
Then I would update the host files at mvps.org. this will take care of the pop-ups (this file will block thousands of potential threatening or harmful adds, and pop-ups)
Not sure what your using for virus protection, but NOD32 is probally the best one out there
After you install Windows, update the host file, then install the virus protection, then goto windows update site, and get windows 2000 updates. Good Luck
2007-09-20 02:36:24 · answer #10 · answered by min77ion 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋