Expert: Lorry - 10/19/2008

Question
 Last nite I looked at my laptop and it said VIRUS clean up this computer, apparently I had changed just enough internet settings to let some "mes " in. Symantec informed me that it was  afake virus {so I would order this IG internet security. I did all that I coukld but it ended up removing all my screen Icons after one the reboot suggestions from Windows/Symantec. I now dont have any icons and am just inexperienced to not know whhich keys to press to get even into a safe mode { I tried your suggestions to the previous person, about key F8 and didnt see the safe mode notch to catch and then try to do another virus scan...  What a mess.  Got any ideas? Thanks god at least I have the desktop also to be able to ask questions online. Thanks

Answer
Hi Linda,

Did you use Internet Explorer and go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Click the GO button, then under Virus Detection, click Start. You might be told that you need to download and install ActiveX Controls for the scan to work, answer Yes.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

If yes to the above, exactly what did Symantec report that it found?

To get to safe mode, please read the following:

If Windows XP is the only operating system installed on your computer, booting into Safe Mode with these instructions.

   * If the computer is running, shut down Windows, and then turn off the power
   * Wait 30 seconds, and then turn the computer on.
   * Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again.
   * Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected.
   * Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.
   * When you are finished with all troubleshooting, close all programs and restart the computer as you normally would.

You should be able to get the icons back by right clicking the desktop, Arrange Icons By, then click Show Desktop Icons.

Hope this helps!
Lorry