AboutKeith Davis Expertise Advice on how to avoid viruses and spyware. Suggestions on what software to run to avoid viruses and spyware. Identification of spyware, trojan, or virus infestations.
Experience As a PC tech, removing and identifying many viruses and trojans from customer's PCs.
Education/Credentials Currently studying for the Network CompTIA certification.
I have a virus on my computer that disables task manager, regedit, the feature to see hidden files, etc. (It doesn't disable MSconfig...) It also messes with the start menu making it where I can't see control panel, my computer, etc. without right-clicking and going to properties so that I can customize the menu and re-add the things that were previously disabled. I've deleted quite a few executable files (Yes, my computer does still run. :)) that I made sure weren't important and/or viruses. (Another thing, my internet access is disabled and I found that when it rarely does work, the virus(es) delete the contents of any files that I download.) I have the browsers internet explorer and firefox. I eventually came across a file named "boot.bak". You may not know, but is this a virus? I have boot.ini, and when I try to remove this, EVEN in safe mode, it gives me an error message. Additionally, when I don't boot into safe mode the computer runs much slower. I also found that some of the startup items I've edited in MSconfig are checked back when I reboot! They aren't vital files, and their names consist of random letters and numbers. I think that's it...
My real question is, how do I fix my computer? :) Thanks in advance.
ANSWER: First of all, what kind of anti-virus and anti-spyware software do you run? What OS are you running?
boot.bak is one of the boot files. With boot files it is hard to find out if they are corrupted by a virus because the virus hides itself in boot files so they will run every time the machine boots. You need something like AVG anti-virus which will scan boot files for viruses.
If you have the ability to do so, you need to download and install a good anti-spyware program that will scan your system and get rid of what it finds. I have used Malwarebytes with much success. You can get it for free at www.malwarebytes.org.
I don't want to sound negative, but if your machine is so bad that you cannot even install and run an anti-virus or anti-spyware program, it may be time for a complete reformat and re-installation of the OS. This may be the only way to rid your system of the problem. Get back with me with the answers to the above questions and any other details you can think of.
Keith
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QUESTION: I run Windows XP home edition. Also, I had norton antivirus and ran it in safe mode but never really did a finished a scan. Should I run a scan with that? And, all the browsers that I open up just say that they can't find the server. The internet has worked before, but just a little. I was thinking maybe I could run some antivirus software from and external source, although I don't have access to one right now. I tried downloading AVG free when I had access to the internet, but I get an error message every time I try to install it. Thanks.
Answer I don't know of an anti-virus program that you can run from an external source. My first action would be to do a complete scan with your Norton's. According to what happens you are going to need a updated anti-virus program. I still say go with AVG. Try this link: http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html .
I'm not sure how to help you on your internet. I understand some of the technologies used in the US but not abroad. I did not notice if you were from the US or not.
