Expert: Lorry - 7/20/2009

Question
Can adware or spyware , trojans etc. be attached/infect to a mpg or jpg file? can I simply copy my files off the computer and then re-install windows xp?
What can i do to prevent additional adware in the future?


Answer
Hi Bill,

All three could be attached with a jpg or web site. If your computer is free of any threats, you could backup the files to a CD and then reinstall Windows.

To verify the computer is free of any threats, 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