Expert: Brian Benosky - 8/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Brian

My AVG antivirus said it found two viruses. However, it said it cleaned 0 and deleted 0. I then moved them to the virus vault. Did I do the correct thing?

I could not find a log with the name of the virus which I could copy the name of. I thought it would be an idea to find out some info on it to see how serious it was. Do you think I should find out more about it and how do I do so?

Your help will be appreciated
Regards Richard.


ANSWER: Hi Richard

Moving the file to the virus vault is the safest bet.  Here is the information from AVG:

"When you moved the file to the AVG Virus Vault it was deleted from its original location, coded, and then saved in a non-executable file in a hidden folder. Your PC is no longer infected then.
If you are not missing any data file and your applications are running, then you can delete these vaulted files from the AVG Virus Vault program.
You can do it selectively from AVG Virus Vault program -> select files -> delete. Or you can delete all AVG Virus Vault contents in one go: - Open the AVG Control Center program -> right click on "AVG Virus Vault" tab -> choose "Empty vault".
Note that files removed from your e-mails are also moved to the AVG Virus Vault. If you do not have a content filter set, then these files are infected and can be removed, as shown above. If you have set a content filter, then you should decide what to do with the vaulted files.
If you want, you can set automatic actions in the AVG Virus Vault. Please open the AVG Virus Vault program -> "Service" menu -> "Program setting". Here you can set any required automatic actions. "

Hope that helped.

Brian


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Brian

Thanks for the letter.

It sounds like it is safer not to delete the files from the virus vault then because one day I may realize I am missing a file.

My computer with Windows 2000 has been running very slow lately. What I did was run the Ad-Aware program to remove spyware and then I ran the virus program. However, the computer was still running slow. I also closed out the some of the programs icons down near the clock. There are other program icons near the Start button. However, I assume these are just short cuts and do not have to be closed. Is that correct?

What I also plan to do is run the scan disk and then run the defrag. Do you think that could make much difference?

Is there anything else that I could do to make the computer run better?

Your help is appreciated,
Regards Richard.


Answer
Hi Richard

Yes, the icons next to the Start button are quick links, or shortcuts, and do not need to be closed.  Besides running scan disk and defragging, you should clean out the temporary files and other junk using a program like CCleaner.  Most of the time for older computers, adding more RAM will return the best results.  Memory is cheap and easy to install.  Good luck.

Brian