Expert: Brian Benosky - 10/20/2008

Question
Hello Brian,

I have AVG8 Free Edition installed on my PC which is equipped with XP.  I attempted to update the software a few days ago (which I do frequently) and I was surprised to find out that I was unable to open the application.  When I attempted to access/click AVG website, Internent Explorer imediately shguts down. The same occurs when I try to access McAfee Avast, or Kapersky websites In fact, I tried to follow your instructions, but when I clicked on the Hijack This link that you provided, again, IE istantly shut down.  

To give you a little bit of history,a few months ago, the same situation occurred. I was advised to download F-Secure antivrus.  I followed that advice, and F-Secure remedied the situation and all antivirus websites were accesible without IE shutting down. However, after a few weeks, I realized that F-Secure slowed the PC considerably. That is when I decided to give AVG Free a try.  I loved it, and all was well until 2 days ago.  In summary, I have some sort of virus/trojan/malware that "knows" to close any websites that will eradicate the culprit.

I would GREATLY appreciate your advice. Oh, by the way, I tried a System Restore, but it failed.  My HP Pavillion a720n did not come with a Recovery Disc, or I would have probably resorted to that by now. Also, I even tried using a different brwser that IE, but the problem continued.

Thank you for your time and sharing your expertise.

Vince

Answer
Hi Vince

There are a few things to try.  I would first try accessing programs and scans from Safe Mode (keep tapping F8 when the computer first boots).  Also, open download links directly from your mail client (Outlook, Thunderbird, etc.).  This will bypass IE.  I can also send you the .exe for HijackThis directly in an email attachment.  Contact me at numbersix6@yahoo.com

Brian