Expert: Lorry - 10/7/2009

Question
Hi,  I have Windows XP.  I was on the Google searce engine today, and all of the sudden my screen was filled with "Your computer has been infected with the Trojan virus".  I believe I have no antivirus except for my MSN email, but my screen said to click on something to stop the virus.  I tried to get off the internet, but couldn't, so I had to turn my computer off.  I haven't noticed anything wrong with my computer.  I don't know how to check to see if my computer really is infected.  If it is, will my paypal password still be safe?  I am worried.  Please help.

Answer
Hi Connie,

Am assuming that there isn't an anti-virus programmed installed, not good. Anyone who goes on-line for eamil and/or the internet should one installed. AVG or Avast are both good free programs. Check them out at:

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

http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Home-Edition-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223....

In the meantime, using Internet Explorer, go 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 Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.37 from:

http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

Hope this helps!
Lorry