My computer is screwed!!

[gunnaknow]

I don't even know if this will post successfully but I'll try. Guys, i don't know where else to post this, my computer is screwed and I need help! I have some kind of virus or something that won't allow me to access 90% of all websites, including google and all forums accept IC. It won't allow me to run some programs either. How do I identify what it is and get rid of it? Even if I wanted to download software to get rid of it, I'm not sure that it would allow me to. My housemate has lost the recovery disk for this computer, I want to kill him. I tried system restore at different dates and it didn't work. Please can someone help me? Thankyou!

Gunna

 

[Guest]

http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html

download it and do a scan..and report back..peace

 

[gunnaknow]

Holy cow, I just tried system restore for the thousandth time and it looks like it might have actually worked! I can now access all webpages, atleast so far. Thanks Brainthor, I'll download that now and check to see if something is still lurking in the dark depths.

Gunna

 

[OffroadFever]

I'm just being honest here, but I think your best bet would be to back everything up and start with a brand new copy of windows. Once your computer gets messed up like that, no telling what will go wrong. there could be some program running in the background sending out all your private info for all ya know, and even if you get rid of it, there will still be all kinds of junk clogging the registry. I just think the 2-3 hours it would take to find out your problem and fix it, and clean up whatever crap is left behind would be better spent on reinstalling since you'll have a fresh running copy. If you don't have a windows disc anymore, you can easily find what you're looking for at one of the forums that cater to that sort of thing, such as warez dash bb dot org for instance (i would PM but i don't have access yet).

Make sure you backup everything you want to save beforehand. then when you reinstall, tell it to delete the partition that windows is currently installed on.. and use the unpartitioned space to reinstall. If you're up to the task, alternatively you could partition your hard drive (if you have space) and make another bootable drive. Then you wouldn't have to back up your vitals, but again you'd have to know what you were doing. I'll try and check back in a few days if ya need any help.. I dont make it on too often but i'm trying to raise my post count.

edit: hahaha it's already fixed. okay ignore me

 

[gunnaknow]

No, I won't ignore you Offroad. Thankyou for the advice. If I get a problem in the future that seems unfixable, I will take your advice and buy/download a new copy of windows. That AVG software has found 7 trojans already, thanks Brainthor!

Gunna

 

[Sheriff Bart]

yea i 2nd offroad. after you clean it best you can, keep an eye out for more funny business since what offroad said may need to be done. there will become a point where it will get too overloaded and your only choice really is to reboot the comp 100%. good luck, technology can be a botch and never call the geeksquad or any other place like that!

 

[Guest]

takes more than antivirus to clean that shit up once its grabbed hold

offroad is right unless you can get a pro to go over it.

 

[treble]

some FREE programs actually cost you big time. Many of those super duper utilities like RAM defraggers and desktop searchers and all sorts of other crap interfere with your operating systems key files.

Nearly everything associated with adware (not ad-aware) will replace your network components with their own. Then if you have the audacity to remove the application they screw your network so you cannot see the interweb. Thats payback.

Programs to look out for are
free ones
games
emoticon crapolas
screen saver downloader updater programs
nortons antivirus
anything from adware
anything thats free and has "hot" in the title.
anything associated with ipod or apple for that matter
limewire
Free security or system speeder-upper programs*****

*****unless you have it from a good source they are ok.

like OffroadFever says... sometimes when that happens a rebuild is a good thing. Last known good menu is always good to try when you are running short of options... and looking at a rebuild. It will sometimes get you out of the doo doo.

AVG is great for free a/v antispam and anti malware. kudos to brainthor for putting that one out there

DRweb has a good free malware nasty checker called Cureit.

If XP is broken and will not respond at all. The very last thing to try when its a choice between formatting or giving up computers altogether is to do a windows repair.... you know last ditch efforts

Now there are two repair options. The 1st one XP Setup gives you is not the one you want. Do Not Use Repair Console! Use a serrated steak knife in a vertical slashing motion to your belly instead.

To run the repair I am talking about go through the setup process as if you are installing for the 1st time. Then when it checks for files it will find your existing XP and ask you to repair or delete and new install.... on this screen try repair.

It will replace the corrupted windows files. Must be last resort as sometimes this does not work. Sometimes it does.

WARNING.
If your XP install disk is SP1 then chances are it will not work because your XP on the PC would probably have updated to SP2 by now. In this situation you will get no where and possibly go backwards.

Now all of this information was channeled to me by the great IT Bozo from the Fazzztnet interdimensional subspace internet cafe although I think he(?) was spoofing the address. no warranties implied or offered. I know nothing about it, who it is or why it was ever created.

peace be with you in this most trying time
treb