Expert: Lorry - 1/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: I had a problem with some spyware - RapidAntivirus and Darksma seemed to be the culprits.  Besides annoying popups and taking over the browser, I was alerted that my Symnatec Autoprotect was not on.  I was unable to turn it on.  I also was unable to use Live Update and could not conect to the symantec website.  I finally found, downloaded and ran Stopzilla - this solved most of the problems, but I can still not turn on the symantec autoprotect, nor run Live update, nor can I connect to Norton.com or symatic.com.

Any ideas?

ANSWER: Hi Cal,

Try going to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

Click "Continue to Symantec Security Check", in the next window click No when asked if you want to close this window, that will bring you to a window where you should click Virus Detection.

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.

I would also suggest downloading Spybot from:

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

Check for updates before running a scan.

Hope this helps!
Lorry

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

QUESTION: The same problem occurs - When I try to go to http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp
I get the same message - that the browser cannot connect to the website

Is Spybot any better than the spyware I ran from Stopzilla?


Answer
Hi Cal,

As far as Spybot being better than Stopzilla, couldn't say, never used Stopzilla.

Your best bet might be to try using System Restore and restore Windows to a time when it worked correctly or to do a clean install.

Since you have Norton installed, have you tried running a scan in Safe Mode?

Hope this helps!
Lorry