Expert: James Filmer - 9/23/2010

Question
Hello,
Im pretty sure my laptop is infected with malware. I experience additional Internet Explorer windows opening randomly with ads for "registry defender", or "work from home", etc.  These are not pop-ups but additional IE windows. This slows my laptop down substantialy. Also when using a search engine like BING and clicking on a relevant search topic I always get "redirected" to an unrelated website full of advertisements.

I have tried running MalwareBytes, SpyBot and Ad-Aware anti-malware programs with absolutely no success in eliminating these issues. Can you please help? I am running Windows XP, using only MS firewall and no anti-virus program (only because the programs I have tried in the past had slowed my laptop down to a snails pace). I just switched over from Comcast Cable to ATT DSL 2 days ago, but I have had this issue for about 6 weeks.
Thank you,
Ken

Answer
You must have an anti virus program. Either a free personal edition or Suite.

For now, you should get a stand alone version (no Suite that includes a Firewall).

Use the search box on About.com, or a search engine for the Top 10 (or Best) free anti-virus programs, or go to Enrgy21.com.

On the "Home" and "Tools" pages there are reputable help sites like Claymania, TechsupportAlert, Ask Leo...and several others that provide professional, independent reviews, advice and info about safe, light, high-quality applications. Basic info is also available on Enrgy21.com Computer Tips 1-25

Without an Anti-virus your computer is likely infected.

You should install, reboot, update, run a full system scan, reboot, run again, and reboot - to hopefully detect and remove all viruses.

Some free additions include anti-spyware, anti-keylogger and other protection, but make sure you choose a top 10 (or 12) reputable one to avoid the fakes.

If System Restore is enabled, disable first. Run updated Malwarebytes, Spybot, Ad-Aware again after anti virus scans. If no malware found, enable System Restore.

And, nothing's wrong with removing the program and trying another one, if it's hard to configure or something else you don't like about it.

Let me know the results and be more specific about pop-ups, if possible (if you still have any).

To make your system is free (and stays free) of all malware, private consultation is available, but will respond to another post.

Lastly, your computer may be slow also because it needs other maintenance - cleaning temp files, folders, or other forms malware that can only be detected in other ways. To make sure your system is free (and stays free) all malware, and is as fast as possible, private consultation is available.

However, a great deal of information may be obtained from the enrgy21.com site about security and maintenance, as well.