Help with viruses

[slitwristtheory]

Hi All

 

 

Im having problems with my sisters laptop, she and her partener have been running it with no anti-virus programes at all on web etc.

I had installed AVIRA free anti-virus on it for her but every time i start up the computer is running so slow that it is impossible to run the programe at all due to the AVIRA windows popping up saying it has detected viruses.

I did think of restoring the whole computer and starting from scratch but the problem is she has Photos on the laptop that she really "Needs" to keep

 

 

Please help

 

Thank You :(:confused:

[DirtyPolo]

Well if it does come to the situation of restoring the whole machine, you can save those valuable files and photos onto removable storage, such as CDs, USB Memory sticks, or an external hard drive.

 

But first let us try and fix the problem :)

 

When you say it runs slow on start up, do you mean BECAUSE of Avira? or that it just runs slow anyway?

 

And Have you run a scan using Avira since you have installed it, and gotten rid of anything it found?

[BeeCeeBee]

Lets not get drastic just yet slitwrist! :)

 

The fact that this is an XP system indicates that it is probably not brand new and has been without proper protection for some time. Best get it disinfected and see if things improve.

 

Please pay attention to the following and follow the directions carefully and let us know how you make out.

 

Your computer is most likely infected with Malware.

 

• Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent.
  It is a combination of the words malicious and software.
  The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.
  

 

• Required Cleanup Steps
  
  1. Disable the Spybot Search & Destroy TEA TIMER if you use it and if it is enabled
     
  2. Run a Temporary file and cache cleaner (ATF)
     
  3. Run 2 Anti-Malware scanners (Listed Below)
     
  4. Run an Online Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware Scanner (Listed Below)
     
  5. Clear out old System Restore points
     
  6. If continued Malware type activity is present you may be asked to post a TrendMicro™ HijackThis™ Log file, do not do so unless requested.
     

   

The reason to run multiple scanners is to ensure that no single scanner is missing something.

The time it takes will vary depending on your system and your internet connection speed.

Typically the SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes scanners will take between 10 to 90 minutes.

The ESET online scan should take between 1 to 3 hours.

In most cases, these scans will suffice to clean and disinfect your computer.

Heavily infected systems or slower PCs can take much longer to scan and clean.

 

For best results print the following instructions and bookmark this Web page

To keep this guide printer-friendly, use your cursor to highlight the contents below.

From your browser select File - Print and in the printer dialog box under "Print range"

click the

Selection

choice to print out these instructions for removal of malware.

 

 

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/printer-selection.gif

 

____________________________________________

STEP 1

• Disable Spybot Search & Destroys' TEA TIMER: (if installed, if not go to Step 2)
  
  
  1. Run Spybot-S&D in Advanced Mode.
     
     
  2. If it is not already set to do this Go to the Mode menu select "Advanced Mode"
     
     
  3. On the left hand side, Click on Tools
     
     
  4. Then click on the Resident Icon in the List
     
     
  5. Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts.
     
     
  6. Restart your computer.
     
     
   

__________________________________________________

STEP 2

• Follow these instructions carefully.
  
  
• Download ATF-Cleaner from
  Snapfiles.com
  to remove un-needed temporary files from your computer that may contain malware.
  
  
• When you run ATF-Cleaner, check the items as shown below for Main.
  
  
• For FireFox, be sure to click on the FireFox tab on top and check the items as shown below for FireFox
  
  
• NOTE:
  If you don't have FireFox or Opera installed then they will be grayed out and can be ignored
  
  
• Then click on "Empty Selected".
  
  

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/atf-cleaner01.gif

.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn266/FPCH/Malware%20Guide/atf-cleaner02.gif

__________________________________________________

STEP 3

• Install and run the free version (not the Professional version) of SUPERAntiSpyware from
  SUPERAntiSpyware.com
  
  
  • Accept any prompts to allow SUPERAntiSpyware to install the latest rules and infection definition files.
    
    
  • You do not have to send them your e-mail address, just click next.
    
    
  • You can leave the automated check for updates on.
    
    
  • You can uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to research center" if you don't want to send the information.
    
    
  • DO NOT
    allow SUPERAntiSpyware to protect your Home Page settings.
    
    
  • On the
    Top Left
    select the
    Scan your computer
    button.
    
    
  • Make sure there is a CHECK MARK on all
    Fixed Drives
    .
    
    
  • Click "Perform a Complete Scan". Click "Next" to Repair issues found and reboot the computer when prompted to do so.
    
    
   

__________________________________________________

STEP 4

• Install and run
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  from
  Malwarebytes - (direct download)
  
  
  • Accept all defaults for the installer
    
    
  • Allow the program to update the definitions
    
    
  • Click on the
    Quick Scan
    and click Next.
    
    
  • If any items are found allow it to clean them and then Reboot your computer.
    
    
   

__________________________________________________

STEP 5

• Run an online scan with ESET from
  Free Virus Scan: Use ESET's Online Antivirus Scanner
  
  
  • You
    must
    use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
    
    
  • If your computer is running Window's Vista, then you
    must first
    start Internet Explorer as an Administrator. To do so, right-click on the
    Internet Explorer
    icon in the Start Menu and select "
    Run as administrator
    " from the popup context menu.
    
    
   
  • Accept the terms and click "Start".
    
    
  • Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
    
    
  • Click "Start" to begin the scan.
    
    
  • When completed restart your computer
    
    
   

__________________________________________________

Make sure your internet firewall security is enabled, and then please return to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

 

If required this is the download link for TrendMicro™ HijackThis™

Unless instructed to by the Technician helping you then do not download this tool.

 

Once you and the Technician agree that your system appears to be clean then you should delete all your System Restore points and recreate a new one.

Please follow the instructions here

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows XP

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows Vista

Edited January 9, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[slitwristtheory]

HELP

 

Hi Again

 

Yes its started to run slower since putting AVIRA on, but the problem is it now runs so slowly that it wont let me into save pictures etc to start with .

Is there any way to dissable Avira in windows settings on start up???

So that the pictures can be saved at least.

 

Thanks again

[BeeCeeBee]

It is easy to disable Avira and we will help you protect your data if it comes to that but while you have replied to DirtyPolo you do not appear to have completed the disinfection process.

 

It is very doubtful that Avira is your problem.

 

Please follow the process above and get back to us. There is no reason to believe that your hard drive is gone and therefore no reason to be worrying about your data quite yet.

[DirtyPolo]

Hey slitwrist, before you follow Beeceebee's advice,

If you are not able to follow the instructions in normal boot mode then you may have to do it in Safe mode

 

To do this;

*Reboot your system and as it is loading, tap the f8 key continuously, this should give you a list of boot options;

 

*Select Safe mode with networking.

 

*Then continue and follow the advice in the above posts about antiMalware :)

 

*It may be best to download or print out a copy of that now, before you reboot into safemode, to make things easier.

 

-Take note, when you are in safemode, the screen will look weird, large and funny, but don't worry, that is how it is meant to be :)

 

Please try this and get back to us with any results :D

[slitwristtheory]

Help

 

Hi All Again

 

I ran those programmes beeceebee said and it has definately helped the computer seems to be running better now (so thank you very much for that) only thing is that there is still some pop-ups comming up on screen do those programmes have pop up blockers on them.

 

I also have put those onto my own lap top but the programmes seem to have slowed it down a good bit is this quite normal or is it better to disable the programmes and run it every so often.

I also have AVIRA on my laptop so could all these be running at the same time and this is the cause, will i really need AVIRA now????

 

 

Thanks Again Everyone.

[DirtyPolo]

there is still some pop-ups comming up on screen do those programmes have pop up blockers on them.

 

 

What "popups" do you mean? can you describe them?

 

What are you doing when they come up?

[BeeCeeBee]

All the major web browsers have pop up blockers. I assume you mean the pop ups occur while on the net. Otherwise what programs do you mean and what browser are you using?

 

Avira will have a pop up each day as it updates it is trying to get you to upgrade to a subscription version. Avira is a good free antivirus and recommended by Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help. The pop up is a small price to pay for a free program. Just close the pop up as you would any window.

 

You must use a good antivirus program or you are just inviting major problems.

 

You should, however, only run one antivirus program on your pc for daily use.

 

That is not to be confused with antimalware.

 

Please take a look here.

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

Edited January 10, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[slitwristtheory]

HELP

 

Ok so with running AVIRA,wont interfear with the Superspyware programme that you recommended.

What do you think could be the problem with my own laptop running slower since putting Superspyware on??

 

Thanks again Beeceebee you have been a great help:D

[BeeCeeBee]

To be quite honest with you most people love SuperAntispsware. Personally I had the same problem with it and no longer use it.

 

That is my observation and it may not be shared. I suggest you uninstall it, check how your computer seems to be reacting and then reinstall it again. If it slows down again I would choose another program from the list.

[slitwristtheory]

Ok il give that a try , What other programmes do you reccomend personally

 

 

Cheers

[BeeCeeBee]

I would go with any on the list. I like Antimalwarebytes but suggest you use two. No one program catches everything.

 

What is the make and model of the laptop?

Edited January 10, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[slitwristtheory]

Its a Dell INSPIRON 1300

[BeeCeeBee]

Thank you, I was looking to find common denominator but the only one is XP home and that is hardly unique.

[slitwristtheory]

No bother and thanks again for your help.:):):)

[Tootech]

If you are not so keen on Avira, try Avast Home Edition instead.

 

avast! - Download antivirus software for spyware and virus protection

 

Just had a look at the spec for your Dell 1300. If it has the standard 512MB of RAM, you will find that adding security such as antivirus and antispware programs and then a firewall will slow down your computer a great deal.

 

Upgrading to 1GB RAM will restore most of your performance.