Expert: Lorry - 2/21/2010

Question
Hello Lorry,

This is driving me nuts.  My laptop appears to have taken this virus on board and what has happened is that all my desktop icons have disappeared and I have a number of different messages flashing up every now and again - total pain in the neck.

I have searched online on how to disable this, however the virus will not let me open and run any other programme.  I have Malawarebyte's Anti-Malware loaded on the computer but can't open it to hopefully identify and destroy the virus.  Have similarly read about other things to download such as Rkill as part of a solution and have done, but similarly unable to open.

Not a computer expert myself, but if you could provide some simple steps to get rid of this, that would be great.  I also have a PC which is not affected so could easily read instructions from that with the laptop by my side.

As I say, the issue is I think I have the software on the laptop to get rid of this but can't get it open.  Can still access my desktop programmes via My Computer if that is any help but still the programmes won't open and can't seem to find any instructions which recognise this - they all appear to be based on the fact that you can access and open other programmes.

Would be great if you can help in any way.  These guys that put this kind of rubbish out on the internet are a real pest:-(

Best wishes
Neil

Answer
Hi Neil,

Seeing that you have Malawarebyte's Anti-Malware installed, the first thing I would try is to run a full scan in safe mode. To start Windows in Safe Mode, when Windows first starts keep tapping the "F8" key until you get a window with various ways to start Windows, choose safe mode.

Assuming that you have an anti-virus program installed, while in safe mode, run a full scan with that also.

Since you cannot open or run any programs, if running the scans in safe mode didn't get rid of it, the next thing I would do is try the trial ware of Norton™ AntiVirus 2010,available from:

http://www.symantec.com/norton/downloads/trialsoftware/index.jsp

You will have to give them your credit card information, just make sure that you delete it before 30 days are up - or you will be charged for it.

Download the trial ware of Norton™ AntiVirus 2010 on the PC, put it onto a CD, then install it on the laptop.

You're being nice when you said,"These guys that put this kind of rubbish out on the internet are a real pest:-(", I have other words for them but since this is a public site, cannot say. Seriously though, if they are smart enough to write a virus program, its a shame they don't put knowledge into something good.

Hope this helps!
Lorry