Expert: Lorry - 2/9/2011

Question
QUESTION: I just got I virus and I recall my computer saying something about trojan. The symptoms are: random pop up when I am not online and extreme lagging. The third might just be my computer, but my computer has randomly just shut off without warning. (it's been doing that for about two days now.)
Anyway, I don't have money for anti-virus software, so I am trying to do it manually, but I can't even identify the stupid thing. Can you help me!

ANSWER: Hi Ashley,

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.

Microsoft has a great and free program to keep viruses off the computer, check it out at:

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Hope this helps!
Lorry


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Unfortunately both techniques you gave me didn't do anything. They could neither get rid of or identify the virus. Any other ideas for me?

Answer
Hi Ashley,

If running the scans mentioned didn't find anything, the odds are there isn't a problem as far as threats are concerned. Did they find anything at all, if yes, please let me know.

In the meantime, go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp and run that. Remove anything not needed, especially temporary files. As to the computer turning off on its own, it could be that the BIOS needs to be updated. If you have a brand name computer, you can go to their site, and get the information there. It could be that under the cover, there is dust. the following site explains how to clean with pictures:

http://www.technibble.com/how-to-clean-the-inside-of-a-computer-case/

Hope this helps!
Lorry