Expert: James Filmer - 1/7/2009

Question
I have a laptop that is issued by my school, so I am not the administrator. I think I picked up multiple viruses from some websites such as online gaming sites. I can describe the symptoms: When I first log in it gives me an error message that it is unable to load a certain file or program (not sure exactly what the message is but relates to the folder C:\windows\temp). I am getting many pop-ups while using the internet and often. Sometimes when typing online such as entering a password for my e-mail, the keystroke doesn't work. I sometimes have to hit the key more than once before it will work. Most pop-ups are about virus scans telling me that I need to update my virus protection program and it shows me a list of viruses (trogans) that are supposedly deleted. Please help. I am afraid that the school will expel me from the program.

Answer
Daniel,

Unfortunately, if you can't update the anti-virus protection, download/install one or more anti-spyware applications, and can't remove viruses, I don't think it's possible to fix your problem (unless you're in the admin group). However, if you're able to perform any of the above, let me know.

It's easy for beginners and intermediates to become victims of malicious links/sites, especially if the system permits certain links/sites to be accessed. For future reference, the site I administer has some basic info that may help you now or later.