Yeah, this is actually my second year using it.Mekado said:You do know that 60$ is only good for a year right ? antiviruses are subscription-based, you'll have to repay every year to keep your AV updated
I've got a virus.
- Thread starter Akai Shizuku
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Not sure if this has already been said but disconnect from the internet and restart in safe mode then try running some scans. A good (free) scanner is Malwarebytes anti-malware (sorry no link), rename this before installing, then rename the .exe so as to stop the virus preventing it from opening, make sure you update it before going into safemode as it requires internet. If that does not solve your problem post this on a proper antivirus forum.
Akai Shizuku said:
"http://th00.deviantart.net/fs51/300W/f/2009/286/0/1/Dr_Hax_Tribute_by_Xtermination.jpg"
The way you described your problem, it sounds more like spyware then a virus. Regardless, format the hard drive or do whatever people have been telling you so far.
The problem is that an anti-virus program may only find some of the infected files, and you need to do a bit of research to find out what files the virus consists of. If I know where I got one from I Google the name of the file and see what it is made of, so I can cross check my virus scan results to see if it has removed everything ( on a previous AVG scan it missed a file, and I ended up having to use a different anti virus program to find and mop up the missing file). This can be a bit of a hassle though, and I never keep important files on my PC so I just re-install the OS most of the time.
Sounds like less a virus and more a flat out trojan, which explains why it didn't show up on a scan. Yeah, you're hosed, back up what you can (if you can) and reinstall windows with a hard drive reformat.
Yeah, i use Avast! as well, dosen't take much memory, runs quietly in the background, nothing got trough it in 3 years and i've only had 1 false positive in 3 years, for something that costs me nothing (apart from answering a 10-minutes form every year)it's pretty impressiveSilverZ said:
Hijackthis would fuck up that trojan/rootkit's life but you have to be a somewhat experienced user to understand/use the program, it's pretty much the best (free one)out there though.thatstheguy said:Akai Shizuku said:
"http://th00.deviantart.net/fs51/300W/f/2009/286/0/1/Dr_Hax_Tribute_by_Xtermination.jpg"
The way you described your problem, it sounds more like spyware then a virus. Regardless, format the hard drive or do whatever people have been telling you so far.
i usually dont ever tell people to do this, and i realise its against the rules, but just got download it and im about to give my reasons for recommending this.Akai Shizuku said:
when you pay for software you pay for the RIGHT to use it. since youve paid for windows (either by buying it or it coming with your computer) you were given a cd key. that cd key is what you actually paid for. if you should happen to lose the disc but still have the key then you have what you need to run the os LEGALLY. since you will be running a legal copy of windows then personally i dont see a problem with you downloading it as a replacement. also, microsoft doesent go after people who download their os's as they make very little money on people buying the os (most of their money comes from licenses and oem sales). this is of course is you still have the cd key, if you dont then either try to find it or you will have to get a replacement.
however, if its a prebuilt machine (dell, hp, etc.) many of them DO offer replacement cds and recovery discs, so call them up first.
because its a bad anti virus program.chronobreak said:
first off is the HORRIBLE compatibility problems that norton is infamous for. in some cases norton can actually PREVENT the os from being able to run or even boot properly. norton also has issues with most other antivirus and software programs.
second is nortons low detection rate and high rate of false positives. in most tests norton will only pick up around 60% of viruses (these tests reviewers purposefully infect the computer to test the programs), and updates are rather slow. compare this to avira antivir which has a detection rate of over 98% and is the TOP antivirus program in all major av tests, and all this from a FREE antivirus program. yet many others (avast!, a-squared and microsoft security essentials) all have higher detection rates than norton, which is NOT free.
and finally is the fact that norton REFUSES to completely uninstall unless you go in and delete EVERY file and even some registry entries. this causes performance issues, security holes and even leaves any compatibility issues intact.
seriously, norton may not be the worst (that goes to macafee), but there are FAR better options, and many for free as well.
Rule one. Don't open emails entitled 'Stinky Cheese'.
Also, you're fucked. I had malware that kept making porn pop up once, we had to do a recovery on the PC.
Also, you're fucked. I had malware that kept making porn pop up once, we had to do a recovery on the PC.
Here's what I did when I had multiple fairly big/bad viruses:
Go to Techsupportguy forums.
"Malware removal/HJT logs" forum.
Follow the instructions in the stickied topics.
Wait for a mod to respond; they'll usually get to it fairly quickly, and are very helpful. When I had my slew of viruses they had me download a handful 0fo programs- all free- to scan for/delete various viruses/adwares. When I was done the viruses were all gone.
What's your anti-virus/malware/spyrware/adware program? I'd go with AVG or Norton, personally (though with Norton, turn off the background checks- they use up basically 95%+ of your system memory). I use Norton, and haven't had any problems, but everyone I know loves AVG's free version, but it'd probably be smart to get the paid version if you can.
Go to Techsupportguy forums.
"Malware removal/HJT logs" forum.
Follow the instructions in the stickied topics.
Wait for a mod to respond; they'll usually get to it fairly quickly, and are very helpful. When I had my slew of viruses they had me download a handful 0fo programs- all free- to scan for/delete various viruses/adwares. When I was done the viruses were all gone.
What's your anti-virus/malware/spyrware/adware program? I'd go with AVG or Norton, personally (though with Norton, turn off the background checks- they use up basically 95%+ of your system memory). I use Norton, and haven't had any problems, but everyone I know loves AVG's free version, but it'd probably be smart to get the paid version if you can.
Erm, paint over porn? Let me think about that...
Joking, anyways I'd go with the majority by backing all your stuff up on the portable hard drive.
Joking, anyways I'd go with the majority by backing all your stuff up on the portable hard drive.