Expert: Lorry - 6/3/2008

Question
My computer is infected. I need help getting it back to normal. I am not very good with computers, but I am pretty smart & learn fast. I am very technical minded & want to learn. any help would be gratly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Tony,

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.

After you remove any threats that Norton removed, you might want to check for spyware also. You can download the free version of Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.5.2 from:

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html

Check for updates before running the Spybot scan, this time and other time you run it.

If you do not have an anti-virus program installed, check out AVG, a free AV program available from:

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

It is a good idea to run a full AV scan once a month, no matter which AV program you use.

Hope this helps!
Lorry