Computer virus...dammit

[prawn_86]

hi all,
im after some help, my computer seems to have had a virus for while now, but after running full AVG, ad-aware and Spybot scans it still would not pick anyhting up.
now my computer fails to start up with it getting to the XP screen and then the bar at the bottom just continually scrolling across but it never going further than that.
i have restarted in safe mode previouslyand then restarted again and it acted noraml again for another couple weeks, but now it doesnt even want to start in safe mode.
should i try to reinstall windows? any other ideas out there? as i really dont want to have to format it if it can be avoided.
cheers

 

[disarray]

it might not be a virus man. it could be bad sectors on your hard drive, it could a driver problem, it could be a hardware failure somewhere else. blowing the whole thing away on a rebuild might not actually do you any good if this is the case.

if it is a virus check this AVG page, it gives you some bootable utils to clean it off

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/8/lng/us/tpl/v5

it also might be worth running an AVG anti-rootkit

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/39798/lng/us/tpl/v5

you do have a data backup yes? good.

options (depending on how good you are with computers) -

1. take it to a computer shop. shell out $80 or whatever to get it fixed (its tax deductible if you trade with it)

2. get a second HDD and install windows on that, then plug the old hdd in as a secondary and copy the data off

3. is your disk partitioned? i like making 2 partitions on my machines with the operating system on C: and the data on D:, so if worse comes to worse you can just blow away the C: partition and rebuild that, leaving the data intact.

4. check out norton ghost or something as well and create an image of your pc once its fixed / rebuilt. so if disaster strikes again you just reimage it.

 

[prawn_86]

yeh all the important data is backed up so thats not really a problem.
i guess i just have to hope it will start in safe mode, otherwise i cant really do anything can I?
or will it work if i put my XP CD in before startup and install it again?
im reasonably good with comps so i can do it all myself, im just at a loss atm cause i cant even get into it in safe mode.
thanks for the help so far!

 

[robandcoll]

try CCleaner.com

 

[x2rider]

hi Dis.
Not being much of a computer tech could the system be redone using the system restore device.
I am always a bit loath to push this button and have been tempted a couple of times to.
If you have backed up your files are these deleted when the system restore button is pressed.
Sorry about the novice Question.
Cheers martin

 

[disarray]

i guess i just have to hope it will start in safe mode, otherwise i cant really do anything can I?
or will it work if i put my XP CD in before startup and install it again?
im reasonably good with comps so i can do it all myself, im just at a loss atm cause i cant even get into it in safe mode.
thanks for the help so far!

you can boot to the xp cd and perform a repair reinstall. it will redo the system files for you.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

Not being much of a computer tech could the system be redone using the system restore device.
I am always a bit loath to push this button and have been tempted a couple of times to.
If you have backed up your files are these deleted when the system restore button is pressed.

system restores really just restore the system state to what it was when you made the restore point. it affects system files and drivers and some programs, but your data will be ok. just make sure you maintain a reliable backup of stuff that is important to you. i receive far too many sheepish sounding "no" responses when someone rings up with a dead pc and i ask if they have a backup.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084

 

[Jikx]

As mentioned previously, it may be your hard-drive dying. You can try and run chkdsk using the WinXP install cd by choosing recovery console.

 

[prawn_86]

thanks heaps everyone,
i will try it all tonite when i get a chance and let you know how it goes.
thanks again and if there are anymore ideas out there let me know

 

[BIG BWACULL]

If none of the above works Try the method below CHEERS hope it helps

 

[Kimosabi]

For a free virus scan of your computer go here ==> http://www.trendmicro.com.au/consumer/housecall/housecall_launch.php

These guys make the Best Anti-Virus, but you have to pay for it ==> http://www.trendmicro.com.au/consumer/products/products.php?prodgroup=4&family=7&id=88&rightnav=0,0

 

[noirua]

This free website has helped me out of trouble many times. Apart from information, there is a blog where experts will answer your problems: http://www.gadgetdetective.com

Http://www.themikemendozashow.co.uk/2006/06/show-guests.html

 

[prawn_86]

Hi again all,
Thanks heaps for the help.
I ran chkdskand that found a couple problems, then I ran the rest of the stuff you all suggested but it didnt find anything so hopefully its all good now.
Thanks once again for your help.

 

[Wysiwyg]

Well i have an annoying double click and system tray bounce happening and even though i have a paid anti-virus program it doesn`t get everything.I don`t think any one program does detect all.

Anyway, Microsoft have a free thorough scanner that will pick up stuff that others don`t.

Also to initially detect the virus I used Microsoft Malicious Software Removal tool, also for free.

Full scan takes ages so turn it on and walk away.

Good vibes, .

 

[julius]

what's the point of anti virus software again ?

not worth it in my opinion, contaminated files are very obvious and the ones that aren't won't get caught by the anti-virus software anyway

 

[roland]

what's the point of anti virus software again ?

not worth it in my opinion, contaminated files are very obvious and the ones that aren't won't get caught by the anti-virus software anyway

Hi Julius,

Where people get confused with anti virus software is in what is actually does. It will scan mail attachments for embedded attachments and provide an alert, the more advanced AV software will detect and protect against many "back door" attempts to load trojans and other nasties.

It won't protect you against you against running an executable file, such as clicking yes to install something or accepting a prompt for a download.

The problem stems from the fact that most of us are logged into our PC's as the administrator. By clicking OK for the above, you, as the Administrator, are bypassing the control of your AV software.

As Administrator you have complete authority over what is installed - as soon as you OK a suspicious activity, the Administrative powers you have will override the AV function.

You have to remember that most viruses these days are installed by an executable located on a remote site - your virus scanner is not going to be checking on files located on another machine.

Hope that helps

 

[Wysiwyg]

what's the point of anti virus software again ?

Hello,
My anti-virus program "blocks" the majority of bugs that float around on the w.w.w.The bugs that do enter undetected are later found and removed on scan.
This is for 99% bugs, and no program will detect all bugs.

not worth it in my opinion, contaminated files are very obvious and the ones that aren't won't get caught by the anti-virus software anyway

Certainly if someone has time to find the spyware,trojans,malware,worms etc. that has infected their computer then an anti-virus program is not necessary.Paid programs with regular updates (that detect new viruses) are the best to keep my puter running smoothly.

 

[laurie]

Hi Julius,

Where people get confused with anti virus software is in what is actually does. It will scan mail attachments for embedded attachments and provide an alert, the more advanced AV software will detect and protect against many "back door" attempts to load trojans and other nasties.

It won't protect you against you against running an executable file, such as clicking yes to install something or accepting a prompt for a download.

The problem stems from the fact that most of us are logged into our PC's as the administrator. By clicking OK for the above, you, as the Administrator, are bypassing the control of your AV software.

As Administrator you have complete authority over what is installed - as soon as you OK a suspicious activity, the Administrative powers you have will override the AV function.

You have to remember that most viruses these days are installed by an executable located on a remote site - your virus scanner is not going to be checking on files located on another machine.

Hope that helps

So should I create for eg a Guest account to use rather than a administrator

cheers laurie

 

[roland]

So should I create for eg a Guest account to use rather than a administrator

cheers laurie

No, I would suggest firstly to get yourself a good backup program, such as Acronis True Image :http://shareware.bits.com.au/acronis/trueimage.htm - always, always have a backup.

Before you install any program, create a Restore Point: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

Backup and create restore points as often as you think you couldn't do without the changes abd additions since your last backup.

Always have an up to date antivirus program - pay for it! - it's really good insurance.

Never, ever click on something prompting you to install something you are not 100% sure of.

Never open mail attachments from someone you don't know.

Never assume people that you do know have sent you something that is safe.

Do not trust freeware, shareware or stolen software. If you absolutely must go against this rule, then backup first.

I have 12 computers and 5 servers and have never had a virus that I wasn't prepared for.

If you ever get "Browser Stress" where you have visited a website with pop ups happening everywhere, don't panic, don't go clicking on things out of desperation. Just hit CTR ALT Delete and bring up your Task Manager and forcibly kill your browser.

 

[nomore4s]

While we're on this subject, I've been having some trouble with my email sending things twice. I'm not really that good with computers and have no idea where to start to fix this problem, any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[IFocus]

Whats your email program NM4