Expert: Lorry - 3/16/2009

Question
Ok well hi i recently have had some computer problems. First i tried downloading a game and soon thought about security. I know it wasnt the best time but i wiped it off completely. Along with this i installed norton system works 03 which may have helped somewhat but after fixing windows problems then running the same test again the problems that were said to be erased were erased again as if they came back. After going through that i noticed that i could not restore my computer. I went through all them menus and when hitting restore now it says it needs to end the program. Im on xp and have no, and i stress no idea what to do. One last tid bit as i think of it is that when logging in(its password protected) i see a different screen with the old administrators name instead of the log in screen that has my name like normal. I dont know what to make of it please have an idea.

Answer
Hi Brian,

Even though you have Norton 360 installed, 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.

The important thing is to disable System Restore before removing any threats. If you don't, they will be back when the next time you start Windows.

I would also suggest downloading Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 1.35, a free program available from:

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

Going back to Norton 360 for a minute, make sure you keep it up to date and run a scan once a week.

The following site explains HOW TO USE WINDOWS XP: DELETING A USER ACCOUNT:

http://uis.georgetown.edu/software/documentation/winxp/winxp.deleting.accounts.h...

Hope this helps!
Lorry