Expert: James Filmer - 11/5/2009

Question
I just had a problem with getting my computer to start up. I had the computer totally shut down today, then turned it on. I kept getting a dos page that kept trying to open windows but would always revert back to the same dos page. DOS recommended to select an option for using last configuration (or something like that). I'm now on the internet but I keep getting popups for installing Personal Guard 2009 and Spybot keeps popping up too.

I already ran Spybot and SuperAntiSpyware in the last 24 hours. Today was the first time of rebooted since I ran those two.

I'm a little scared to shut down my computer and will not be able to get on again! If this happens next time (probably will have to shut down this afternoon soon)what should I do?

I have the Windows XP home edition reinstalation disk for Dell Tools System Software and for the Operating System. Should I reinstall these next time, if I am totally unable to get windows to load?

Thank you!!!

Answer
See: http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-personal-guard-2009.html

Personal Guard is a rogue, fake program that hijacks your browser. You could think you're downloading a reputable antispyware program from safe site but really be downloading the fake program instead. It definitely needs to be removed manually or using Malwarebytes free or full version (on enrgy21.com's home page) or Windows Defender.

If you have trouble going to the home page of either program, you may need Kill the processes:
personalguard.exe uninstall.exe first. (a Help link to how to do that is on the 2-spyware...page)

Also, continue to use Superantispyware and Spybot and let me know if you have any problems removing Personal Guard.