4 days ago I noticed pop ups like crazy after visiting youtube. Well, for 3 days i have been trying to get the trojan virus out of my computer with no luck. With very limited knowledge- here is what I tried: windows defender- it runs, it detects, I remove, it's still there. system restore- not working (?) looks as if there is no restore date EVER windows live one free scan- did that twice, threats identified but unable to repair. ("can not clean") I also have a bubble on my bottom tool bar that wants me to buy their security software LOL It's driving me insane and I can't make it go away. So, any suggestions short of throwing my computer in the Mississippi are appreciated.
The Mississippi would be quick and painless. Trojan virus isn't detailed enough to give me much to go on but you could reboot in safe mode and try a restore from that point: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304449 Before trying the restore many of thses programs are more of a pain than dangerous and you could check your program files for an uninstall either in your control panel or from start-programs in the drop menu if the program provided an install from that area. You should also tell us what operating system you are using so that we can provide some additional advice. What is the name of the trojan/program? I like Spybot Search and Destroy, available as freeware, in addition to any Microsoft or other software for checking for unwanted files/programs.
Don't throw it in the river. Simply recycle it when you buy your new Mac If you still want to be stuck with a second rate computer, then try Spybot. I use to to help my friends who unfortunately still use PCs. http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Spybot_Search_Destroy/1043809773/1
Try malwarebytes, which is freeware available at www.download.com, or run a malware scan at www.ewido.net. These tools have helped me in the past...
>> Ok, thanks everyone. I have windows XP. I like that everyone has a sense of humor (except Brian who is probably being serious LOL.) I'm going to try and answer the questions. In the mean time, there is one other thing it's doing- my desktop is fixed with a black background, and can't be changed, so somehow it has control over that too. Ok. Don't say anything mean....but I didn't write down the whole big name of the virus, I just remembered "trojanDownloader" and when I went to look it up- well, there are about a zillion of them. So, I'll run the windows live scan again and report back with the exact name. Also, I'm going to do Spybot right now. (ps. I went into my add/delete programs and can't find anything unusual or new....but I don't know what all of them are to begin with)
Mirrors? Please look at this page- how do I know which one to choose? I'm sorry, I don't know what a mirror is. http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
There are 11 download buttons for Spybot- I tried every one. At the final step, I get an error that I could not connect to the server. ?? Is that something I am doing wrong on my end or a result of the trojan virus? FYI here is what I have: TrojanDownloader:Win32/Small.g the thing I can't get rid of is RealAV.exe althought I have done so a zillion times now.
Hi Jen - You might want to read this thread as it seems that you got hit by the same thing as me. Good luck. http://www.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?t=28371
Use the SecurityWonks folks. A mirror site is exactly what you would think. A site with exact copy, software, whatever you are seeking but allows for additional distribution of hits/volume of users. If yu have an additional cmputer download the file, save to, and then try to install off USB flashdrive.
Ok everyone- it's been a long day! THANKS so much to everyone for their help. Well, I think (maybe) that I kicked the virus. I ended up with a microsoft patch. Somewhere along the line, my automatic updates were turned off, so this possibly would have prevented the problem if I had them on. Anyway, I have a few small snags, but I am hoping that they will just go away. I followed EACH and EVERY step and suggestion here. I still can't get Spybot, neither can my husband- but I'll keep on that one. And- ya learn something new everyday. I've had my fill of computer learnin' today thank you. LOL
Jennifer, you working with computers is a lot safer than me trying to mimic a chef. I have a Henckels Pro S set that has left a couple of scars so I have been reduced to only using the paring and bread knives, and then only under supervision. Make sure you set a new restore point when you get things working again. try here for Spybot: Spybot or here: Spybot Best wishes,
The only effective program that can resolve this issue is Symantec Anti-Virus, or maybe NOD32. Another way bofore throwing them into the MS river; you can ship it to me, and I'll fix it for you. However, you have to pay for the shipping!!!. The reason I am offering this FREE service 'cause I am heading to the security specialization and eventually Technology Law.
>> Thanks Kevin. Nice knife. I can't get my restore point to work, I am still working on spybot- but I have a bunch of work to do now, so it will have to save for later. P.S. Using a knife is all about hand position, get your pointer finger off the top of the blade
You could try Avast http://www.avast.com/ and comodo antivirus http://antivirus.comodo.com/ You could also try Ccleaner to get safely get rid of the extra stuff that your computer does not need ( temp files, cookies ) http://www.ccleaner.com/ You could also check out zonealarm forcefield for protection against spyware and virus downloads while you surf the internet and download programs. http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en-us/home.htm
AVG has a free antivirus/antispyware software. http://free.avg.com/ I use norton 360 ( http://www.symantec.com/norton/360 ), norton antibot, zonealarm forcefield, zonealarm wireless router, and scan my computer using the the free avg software as an extra measure. This combination works well on my vista home premium 32 bit edition. No problems noted. Mcafee is a much cheaper alternative and I found it to be more user friendly ( in terms of setup and configuration ) than norton 360. http://us.mcafee.com/
