wmw999 2,444 #1 November 20, 2011 By virtue of an oversensitive touch pad that had me clicking on a button in an email I was trying to delete, I'm infected. It was one of those "you have a package from DHL" ones; normally they're picked out by a spam-and-virus scanning service, but one snuck through. Symptoms include that some searches are redirected from Google to Get-Answers-Fast (no, it's not my default, Google is), and I can't turn on or run a scan using either MS Security Essentials or Avast, both of which are installed. There are lots of websites out there that claim to fix your PC; which, in everyone's considered opinion, is the best? My definition of best includes its helping me to understand what's happening, rather than just being a black box. Wendy P.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
theonlyski 8 #2 November 20, 2011 malwarebytes is a free program that will pretty much take care of most of the problems. Or you can run SPYBOT S&D that will take care of most of them too. Either way, there are enough free programs out there that you shouldn't have to drop a penny into getting it fixed, just a program or two should square you away! Let me know if you need help with either of them."I may be a dirty pirate hooker...but I'm not about to go stand on the corner." iluvtofly DPH -7, TDS 578, Muff 5153, SCR 14890 I'm an asshole, and I approve this message Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiLFy 3 #3 November 20, 2011 What OS are you running, Wendy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,444 #4 November 20, 2011 XP on this PC; I had to have XP at the time to run DB2 on it. But I'll admit I also love XP; it seems to run so much faster on less hardware, while doing everything I want it to do. Wendy P.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildcard451 0 #5 November 20, 2011 http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ You can run from the browser and usually does a good job. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiLFy 3 #6 November 20, 2011 QuoteXP on this PC; I had to have XP at the time to run DB2 on it. But I'll admit I also love XP; it seems to run so much faster on less hardware, while doing everything I want it to do. Wendy P. Here Wendy: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=139313 As long as you can boot your system up? Even if that only means nuking the system, & reinstalling the OS. Only to have the virus take control of your PC again in minutes (ask me how I know)... This will allow you to clean your system. They're good guys on this site. If you get stuck. Throw up a white flag in the forum section. They'll help you out. Show your love by buying a couple of Tees off them or something. Good Luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr.Bill 0 #7 November 21, 2011 Super Anti Spyware does a good job for me. http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PiLFy 3 #8 November 21, 2011 Quote Super Anti Spyware does a good job for me. http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html Oh Nooo !! He'll do mean things to me!! It's been my experience that SUPERantiSpyware is good. It won't clean everything, though. That's why multiple cleaning programs are recommended. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
regulator 0 #9 November 22, 2011 If the problem you are having is associated with spyware then 99% of the time it can be alleviated with Malwarebytes. Its free and a great application I use all the time. If you are having registry issues and want to speed up your computer I'd suggest using Iolo's System Mechanic. Its a great product and I dont mind spending the initial 50 bucks on to get it. It really does resolve registry errors and other problems on your PC. http://www.iolo.com/promo/welcome/sm/?utm_source=cj Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
opurt 0 #10 November 22, 2011 I recommend McAfee Stinger for a first go-round: http://www.mcafee.com/us/downloads/free-tools/how-to-use-stinger.aspx It should at least cripple the malware. I've used it to good effect. You could download it another PC, burn it on a CD and run it off that. Next, after the malware is crippled/removed, I hate to say it because I have a love/hate affair with Norton, but get Norton Internet Security (50 bucks). A friend with questionable internet tastes was routinely getting virii with the free antivirus he was running. I recommended Norton - a resource hog - but he recently commented that his computer has been virus free for over a year. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuna-Salad 0 #11 November 22, 2011 You were hijacked. Try housecall that runs from a browser, c cleaner, malware bytes and adaware. I use SEVERAL cleaners because some pick up items others will miss. If that fails I can always help you with going into registry and manually cleaning. Also check your msconfig for stuff that might be loading on startup.Millions of my potential children died on your daughters' face last night. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tuna-Salad 0 #12 November 22, 2011 Also posting a "hijack this" log would help. It will show which programs are running hidden or in the background so you can shut them off. The problem with spyware and malware is that it is usually a program that is open and running therfore you cannot remove it until you shut it off or the pc will detect it as in use and unable to remove.Millions of my potential children died on your daughters' face last night. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
