Expert: Lorry - 9/2/2009

Question
Hi Larry,
     I have no idea about computer and lately mine has been doing some weird things. I hear clicks when I'm not touching it, The  start up screen (with my background picture and icons) comes on then goes black and comes back. I get windows telling me that a script is making my system run slow and may make it unresponsive and would I like to stop the script. If I close firefox and start up again it says firefox is already running and I have to log out to use it. When I shut down it says an app has been cut short. And it even outright shut off by itself and wouldn't go back on for a day.   

Are these symptoms of a virus or just a screwy old computer, maybe going a little senile?

Thanks for your help,
-Andrew.

Answer
Hi Andrew,

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