Help! I have a computer virus!!

[Joffrey]

Playing an internet game I managed to get a clever virus on my pc. It labels itself as Antivirus XP 2008. After a quick internet search I found that it pretends to be an antivirus program and tries to convince you to purchase its software to rid your pc of viruses. I downloaded McAfee Internet Security and did a scan but no avail. I've tried deleting it multiple times (did a search of my hard drive and deleted all traces of it that I could find and emptied my recycle bin. However after resarted my pc it appears again. What can I do?

 

[Xericx]

Have you tried Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad-Aware?

this is spyware/malware, anti-virus won't take that out. I see you used MaAfee total protection which should have spyware. yeah, safemode usually does it. you might have to edit your registry or something, who knows.

 

[progressiveminded]

Start your computer in Safe Mode, then run comprehensive malware scan.

 

[Joffrey]

Funny thing is, when I was installing McAfee it made me uninstall Ad-aware before I could complete the installation. Anyway, I found the program in the Add/Remove programs list (it didn't show up the first time I checked when I first got the virus) and took it out. If it shows up again the next time I restart, I'll try the malware scan.

Can I do the malware scan with McAfee or should I download a dedicated program? If so, what is recommended?

 

[finch]

If your using XP choose a previous restore point and restart, hopefully that will do the trick, if not try the following: http://www.pandasecurity.com/canada-...tm?track=80383

 

[batorizer]

this virus dug in deep on my moms slow ass dell, so I just formatted and reinstalled. About a week ago this virus attacked my laptop, but I must've caught it before doing any damage cause AVG free removed it no problem.

 

[Thomas]

I've done a few formats and reinstalls in the last few months on various computers.

One thing that helps me immensely is that I have a lot of data on separate drives - my music, databases, Appreciation, speeches, whatnot - so if c: catches a cold, I reformat c: and lose no/minimal data.

Speaking of, I really need to go through those extra drives...

 

[Jumbie]

My formula for not getting a virus/spyware over the last 6+ years. This is without running and AV or anti-spyware during most of that time and visiting the shady areas of the web.

1. Use Opera or Firefox as a web browser.

2. Add in AdBlock plus.

3. Having a good hardware firewall [router] and software firewall (for outgoing only because I'm paranoid like that).

4. HOSTS file - Google it.

5. Being smart about what I click on.

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Jumbie

(...) 5. Being smart about what I click on.

Sure takes the fun out of the interwebz. Also - quite effective at avoiding unwanted intruders.

 

[Jumbie]

Originally Posted by Thomas

Sure takes the fun out of the interwebz.

Not really.

The amount of pr0n and "software" sites I visit often leave me wondering if there should be more to my life.

 

[Thomas]

Originally Posted by Jumbie

Not really.

The amount of pr0n and "software" sites I visit often leave me wondering if there should be more to my life.

Oh, the fake Gucci thread is quite satisfactory. As is Christophuh's avatar, wherever he's been.