Expert: Lorry - 5/12/2008

Question
I got the CiD popups/Virus over the weekend and had done some reading about getting rid of it. I have Search and Destroy which had caught the virus and deleted them all, but I feel something was missed because my computer is running extremely slow during start-up. When the Windows icon pops up it usually is a matter of seconds before it opens up and you get the start up noise. Now it is about 3-5 minutes. I ran the scan again once this morning and it had found one more file to be deleted. I am not sure what else to do. I can't afford to buy a virus software and the Search & Destroy I put on this weekend seems to work well. Please help!

Answer
Hi Rachel,

Using Internet Explorer, 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.

Regarding an anti-virus program, AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0.1 is one of the best free programs available. Check it out at:

http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html

Hope this helps!
Lorry