Expert: Carolyn Meinel - 9/3/2004

Question
Hi I have Road runner on computers through a LAN. One of my computers has a virus. First of all i run on Windows XP Professional. My connection is not workin ever though internet is detected. It worked for a while but now it wont. I tried Aol Dial up and it worked for like 2 days but then it was blocked too.  

Answer
You might be infected by a virus, worm, adware or spyware. Poorly programmed versions of these sorts fo malware can wreck your Internet connection. There are some free programs that will probably be able to fix the problem for you.
First, uninstall any antivirus program you are running as it might be itself infectred. Instead, install the free version of Grisoft antivirus.  http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

To make sure Grisoft eradicates all copies of any viruses or worms on your computer, you will need to disable System Restore. Windows XP uses System Restore to restore damaged files. If a virus, worm, or Trojan infects a computer, System Restore might have backed them up. Windows will not let antivirus or adware/spyware removal programs clean up System Restore. Later, if you use System Restore, it might also restore viruses, worms, and Trojans. In order to get rid of nasty programs hiding in System Restore, you first need to disable it.

How to disable or enable System Restore in Windows XP:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001111912274039?OpenDo...

After scanning your system with Grisoft, it should be safe to turn Windows Restore back on.

If everything works now, then you could safely uninstall Grisoft and reinstall your regular antivirus program, or stick with Grisoft if you like it better. I would advise getting the paid version of Grisoft so you could get updates for it.

If this did not work, try running some anti adware and anti spyware programs. The add/remove programs feature of your computer usually cannot remove Adware and spyware.

For instant free help, try Ad-aware,
http://lavasoft.element5.com/software/adaware and Spybot, http://www.safer-networking.org You can use one or both together, as they are compatible. In addition, if you are more of a power user, you can install BHODemon. It is free from http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm It enables you to control the "browser helper objects" of Internet Explorer (IE). Adware and spyware and some viruses and worms exploit IE.

If this entire hassle is getting you fed up with IE and Outlook, here is how to avoid infection by most of the upcoming versions of viruses, worms, adware and spyware. Simply install a browser and email reader that is far safer. You can get Mozilla free from Mozilla.org, or Opera free from Opera.com.