Expert: Lorry - 5/21/2010

Question
Hi Brian.
I've had my computer for the last seven years now. it was pretty  slow to start off with now its slower then ever. For The last few days i have been getting a pop up message saying 'virus detected or 'identity theft detected' and then shows a list of possible threats.

My computer doesn't have any anti virus protection. I am constantly being prompted to take action as its a matter of identity theft etc....

How can i rectify this issue?

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Rushna,

Using Internet Explorer, go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/WelcomePage.asp

Click on Continue to Symantec Security Check. Under Virus Detection, click Start, accept the End-User Agreement. It will ask you a few times to permission to install Active X Controls, answer yes. Once you see that the program is actually scanning, leave the computer alone until the scan is finished.

Once the scan is done, 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  from:

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

Check for updates after downloading Malwarebytes before running a scan.

AVG and Avast are the top two free anti-virus programs available. Check them out at:

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html

http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?tag=mnco...

Whichever you decide to use, be sure to keep it up to date and to run a virus scan once a week.

Hope this helps!
Lorry