I guess it's obvious I have a virus, so what do I do now?

Question

My background has completely changed: It went from blue to black and my PC has the following message on my background:

Warning: Spyware threat has been detected on your PC.
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Your computer has several fatal errors due to spyware activity.

Your IP address is XX.XXX.XXX.XXX and via this address and unauthorized access was gained by another computer. It is strongly recommended to instal an antispyware software to close all security vulnerabilities.
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So, I guess I'm trying to find the best way to handle this problem. It's telling me to get an antispyware program. Which is the best? Do I have to pay loads of money to get one. Can somebody help me?

Answer 1

scan your computer with housecall it's by trendmacro and it's free online scanner for virus, trojan and all kind of spyware/pest etc.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Answer 2

First, go to www.symantec.com and check their Viruses/Hoaxes page. If there is a specific virus mentioned in these messages, look for it in their A-Z list. If it is there, it will give a full description of the problem, it's threat level, and give a removal tool if there is one. If it is a hoax, it will tell you that too, or if it is a type of phishing problem. Could your computer have been hacked into?? If so, that is a federal crime now ever since 9-11, and can be reported to the FTC and/or Department of Homeland Security.
But, check out symantec first. I always do when I get emails of "vicious viruses going around that will kill your hard drive", yada yada yada. Ninety percent of the time, it will be a hoax. Symantec also has a store where you can buy downloads of antispyware, and antiadware programs. Some are expensive, and some aren't.

Answer 3

Among the viruses you have and yes I am sure you have one or more, you also suffer from a browser hijack. I recomend you do what I am telling you to do before it gets any worse.
I recomend you go to the link I just posted and download the two trials there on the page.

One is labeled as "AVG Internet Security" and the other is labeled "AVG Antivirus Pro"

They both a fully fuctioning trials for 30 days just long enough to clean your system, once your system is clean uninstall both programs and go back to the site and download the listed program "AVG Anti-Virus Free" It is completely free and will never expire

Also feel free to buy this software after you see just how good it is I am very confident it will fix your computer I use it myself and install it in every PC i build, It will fix your issues.

Last of all I would like to ask you to go to start ,, control Panel,, and use windows updates that is how you were infected. You need to update windows.

Answer 4

Run your anti-spyware in Safe Mode.If you dont have an excellent anti-spyware or your current anti-spyware can't prevent spyware from Invading you computer,download a better one.
There are top 5 anti-spywares reviews,comparisons and download links on

http://www.anti-spyware-center.com

You can download and scan your computer for free.

As the computer is booting press your "F8 Key" repeatly which should bring up the "Windows Advanced Options Menu" . Use your arrow keys to move to "Safe Mode" and press your Enter key.

After into safe mode,run an anti-spyware to remove the spyware and adware on you computer.

Make sure you have 1 or 2 antispyware on your computer and 1 antivirus and also 1 firewall.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer 5

Does this happen all the time?? There are pop-up adverts that display a similar type of message trying to make you buy their product. Spyware isn't technically a virus although it can be nasty in some cases. Do you have an anti-spyware application running?

And no, anti-virus, spyware apps and Firewalls can all be had for free - and they are very good ones as well.

Go to http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ for a free online scanner which will look for spyware, malware and viruses.

Answer 6

first, go to house trend micro and get a free virus scan and remover. If I recall this will remove both viruses and spyware as well and it is free.
the second link is also free and is supposed to protect your machine but I have not had it long enough to really evaluate it, although I found it from recommendations on a pc site.
the only caution I would give is to not install the comodo firewall because although it can be good< I am not sure the average user would know how to set it up and would end up with problems with it as I did - I uninstalled it for that reason.
the boclean, the link I gave you does appear to be good from what I have seen and I have had no problems with it.

good Luck!

Answer 7

Two ways you can do this, one buy a all in one Antivirus, spyware adware remover and attempt to remove the virus, now that may remove a virus but if any critical system files for windows has been deleted they will not be restored, or you can format your hard drive and reinstall windows, bringing back to factory settings, you can also backup whatever you need, if you're not sure how to do this I'd take it to a technician. In my experiences as a technician i use Symantec/Norton and SpySweeper by Webroot

Answer 8

im only 16 but here is my advice since i have somewhat knowledge of computers the best way to get rid of a virus is not all the time format your pc if you have windows cd to reinstall it on your pc then go for it moght want to use wipedrive to wipe it then reinstall windows or if not then just download or buy spyware doctor its the best for deleting spyware foreal and use maybe zonealarm,kaspersky,avast anitvirus and try zonealarm force field and comodo firewall google these things trust be you well be safe in no time. and remember SPYWARE DOCTOR IS THE BEST FOR THESE TYPES OF THINGS OF SPYWARE AND ONLY $30.00 AND IF THERE IS ANY POPUPS ON YOUR PC SAYING BUY THIS TO PROTECT YOUR PC DONT DO IT ITS A TRICK JUST TO GET YOUR IDENTITY AND CREDIT CARD INFO

Answer 9

Visit www.downloads.com and download avg free edition,ad aware and spybot search and destroy.These programs worked great..After downloading this programs and scanning your computer,you might also want to tune up your computer and stuffs,visit this Microsoft website>>http://safety.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm .They offer free full service scan on your computer and will also tune up your computer by removing unnecessary files.Hope this information helps!PS:You can try to find out more about these virus and find the cure for it..Some websites tell you how to delete the virus step by step..The best way is to reformat the computer.

Answer 10

if you have a windows then go to www.windows.com and download the windows defender then do a full system scan after that leave for about 1 hour. when its done scanning quarantine or remove the virus. finally stay off the website and never download anything off a porn site

Answer 11

Get the Yahoo Toolbar (http://toolbar.yahoo.com) and have Norton SpyWare Scan added as a button to it. Yahoo Anti-Spy is also automatically added to the toolbar.