what to do when virus or the like takes over computer...?

Question

i seem to have lost numerous functions(control panel, abilty to system restore, lost administrative rights, etc...) due to virus, worm, trojan or something, but whatever it is , it's taken over. ran 3 different antivirus programs and have found "threats" and removed, all to no avail. what should i do...

Answer 1

Seems serious,
but are antivirus programs new/updated?
try latest 'symantec" and "avira" or "avg".if no result try to save your documents on cd/dvd or flash usb dep'd on file size.then format hard drive.install operating system.install antivirus and bring up your files back.that could be the way out.
good luck

Answer 2

You should only have 1 antivirus installed at any one time. If you install more than one they will conflict and neither will work right.

I strongly recommend Antivirus / Firewall from a RELIABLE vendor like McAfee... you must properly configure these to scan for PuPs and other things that are not always set out of the box.. and you must have them automatically updating!
If not, you are simply not protected whatsoever.

If you want to protect against spyware/adware then I recommend Spybot S&D from
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

You must disable system retore (and once clean enable it again to create a clean restore point).
Uninstall all those non-working antivirus applications.
If you do have one form a reliable vendor such as mcafee you will have to uninstall that too and complete reinstall it or it will not work properly.

You can run a web based scan from http://housecall65.trendmicro.com

If you are able to clean the infection, you will be able to repair windows OR do an overlay of windows without the format option which may repair your system without having to reformat..
If you are unable to do this then you may have to reformat your computer and completely reinstall everything.


Good Luck.

Answer 3

There is only one answer to this. A complete clean formatting, and reinstall the new windows. There is no way anti-virus program will help you no matter which one of them.

After you install the new operating system windows then install Anti-Virus call kaspersky. This is the best AV program that can detect viruses and trojans before it enter/attack your pc. This will prevent your computer from being penetrated by the viruses.

I have use Kaspersky for 2 and half years. There is no sign of dangerous object attack my comp yet because the program detect them early. For example if you have a virus inside your thumbdrive, when you connect it to your comp the kaspersky will detect them automatically so you dont have to transfer the file into your comp.

Norton, or any other AV programs not really as effective as kaspersky in virus detection

Answer 4

Cool
What else do u expect me to say than reformat ur hard disc or the operating system

There is are many alternatives, but none will work until u clean all those pathogens

Then u can use ur Windows CD to repair ur installation of Windows

After u do that, immediately install a good antiviruus program (Kaspersky suits me)
Immediately mnz before opening ANYTHING
Dont open any drive, or anythin

Scan ur PC for Viruses, before anything

Answer 5

Critical files or settings could have been damaged by a virus or by hardware/software failures. The best solution is to back up all of your static files such as: DOC, JPG, XLS, TXT, and so on. Avoid copying programs: DLL, EXE, COM, BAT.

Format your hard disk and re-install your operating system. You can then copy your office documents, image files, and email phone book folders back onto the system.

You can buy a high capacty disk drive and simply copy everything to that drive, so that you can start fresh.

Answer 6

Format your HD and reinstall windows again.
Consider somethings in the new windows to avoid this from happening,
-A good firewall is amust,I would recommend ZoneAlarm as a free and very excellent one.

-Install also a good antivirus,you should buy for NOD32 orBitDefender,but if you need something free I think AVG or Mcafee free edition from AOL is good.

-Have a good Antispyware like ad-ware 2007 free edition,or Spybot SD to protect your computer from spywares,malwares and trojans.

-Configure your browser for security matters to block tracking cookies and unwanted popups.

Good Luck

Answer 7

1. Ctrl+Alt+Del
2. Go to processes
3. Delete any files that just take up space but don't have a name

Answer 8

You Should Go into you files copy what you need and Reinstall Windows

Answer 9

You need to get someone to clean your drive and reload your operating system.Techies we call them and they are everywhere.

Answer 10

if it has done that much damage, i would recommend reinstall windows