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Computer Security & Viruses/Questions Answered by Expert Keith Davis
| Subject | Date Asked |
| problem | 1/13/2012 |
| Q: all off suden i have a problem with my internet. A page has trouble loading and then this pop-up ... A: Not sure what OS you are running but running scripts can be a security issue. Do you have adequate ... | |
| tracking cookies | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: I have Norton 360 and Windows Vista. almost every day when Norton does auto-scans, it finds Tracking ... A: If you surf the internet you are going to have tracking cookies. I believe they should be illegal ... | |
| Virus/Malware Help? | 11/29/2011 |
| Q: I just got rid of a horrible virus called "XP Internet Security 2012" for the second time. Well, I ... A: It sounds like you definitely still have some kind of infection. However, I have never heard of the ... | |
| registry / possible virus | 11/5/2011 |
| Q: While doing a 'Find Now' in my registry for something called "websearch" that got down loaded with ... A: It's a part of Spybot's Immunization or the bad download blocker. Spybot holds a list of known bad ... | |
| Need Help Please Read | 11/4/2011 |
| Q: I think I have the winlogin.exe virus so does this virus record my computer screen or anything like ... A: It is very doubtful that someone copied your computer screen using that virus. Are you behind a ... | |
| Anti-virus programs | 10/14/2011 |
| Q: You're a nice person to do this volunteer work. I have AVG free that I've set to scan my system ... A: The cursor thing could be many things. Are you using a laptop? If so there are certain keyboard ... | |
| Anti-virus programs | 10/12/2011 |
| Q: You're a nice person to do this volunteer work. I have AVG free that I've set to scan my system ... A: You have too much protection. You really should not run two anti-virus programs at the same time. ... | |
| history | 9/25/2011 |
| Q: i have heard that i can view the pages that ive visited with my PC even after ive erased the web ... A: This explains recovering deleted history: http://www.wikihow.com/Recover-Deleted-History-in-Windows ... | |
| sound not working | 9/21/2011 |
| Q: I don't really think it's a virus but my sound of my computer is not working at all. I've tried so ... A: What does it say in the device manager for sound devices and audio codes? I don't think combofix ... | |
| PC Viruses | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: I just Downloaded a file about a week ago and it came up as a virus with Microsoft security but when ... A: I believe you are fine. Formatting a hard drive will wipe viruses as well as everything else. Not ... | |
| Antivirus Removal | 7/22/2011 |
| Q: I have Kaspersky internet security on my laptop but it is due to expire tomorrow and i want to ... A: First of all, I have never used Kaspersky. However, one thing struck me in your question when you ... | |
| Alternative to Norton AV | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I need an alternative to Norton for an anti-virus package. I don't really know which product to ... A: I have been using AVG free edition for approx. 8 years with no viruses. I have used it on XP, Vista, ... | |
| Belladonna Virus? | 7/7/2011 |
| Q: Someone seems to have posted the same problem that my Uncle seems to have right now a couple of ... A: This is very perplexing for me. I guess that is one reason I volunteer here. I like solving ... | |
| Anti-virus for XP | 7/1/2011 |
| Q: I was using Avast Anti-virus program with Windows XP. The computer starting rebooting by itself ... A: Usually you can download the .NET framework updates separately. If it as you say and the latest will ... | |
| Anti-virus for XP | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: I was using Avast Anti-virus program with Windows XP. The computer starting rebooting by itself ... A: Yes. I would try AVG free. You can get the no-hassle free version here: ... | |
| Belladonna virus | 6/24/2011 |
| Q: When ever i start my PC it get message 'BELLADONNA - CODE 21910 ACTIVATED' This message i also get ... A: I have never heard of this before. There is no such thing as the belladonna virus in computers. It ... | |
| wireless security | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: I have four computers in my house, 2 laptops running windows 7, one pc running xp pro and one pc ... A: Log onto the Netgear router and set up the wireless security. You can do WPA or WEP. It will be ... | |
| Ad Aware slowing me down? | 6/22/2011 |
| Q: Amazing how a slow computer can slow down your life! My computer has gotten SUPER slow, to the ... A: If it is still slow and Malwarebytes only picked up 3 problems, maybe it could be that you just need ... | |
| Ad Aware slowing me down? | 6/18/2011 |
| Q: Amazing how a slow computer can slow down your life! My computer has gotten SUPER slow, to the ... A: You need Malwarebytes. It is free. Sounds like you have some kind of trojan. Malwarebytes will ... | |
| hijack search | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: hijack but can seem to remove it can you please help Thanks A: Have you tried Malwarebytes? If not you can get it here: ... | |
| Is this a virus? | 5/24/2011 |
| Q: I was on the internet until my sister pushed random keys on my Mac OS X (Version 10.6.7) - A small ... A: I am not too experienced with MAC but I did find this: ... | |
| What Is The Best All Around Freeware Anti-virus Program? | 5/16/2011 |
| Q: I'm coming to the end of my "free trial" of AVG and I'm not a huge fan. It seems to take up a lot of ... A: Get AVG from this link: http://www.filehippo.com/download_avg_antivirus/ Uninstall the version you ... | |
| avg rescue cd offline update problem | 4/26/2011 |
| Q: I can't update my avg rescue cd offline.I have a usb with with the update file on it.It always says ... A: Could be a format problem due to the USB being FAT and your hard drive most likely being NTFS. I ... | |
| XP SECURITY VIRUS/HIDDEN PROGRAMS??? | 4/24/2011 |
| Q: I have this XP Security alert virus that seems like it won't go away even after SuperAntiSpyware ... A: You have one of the fake anti-virus programs. It will make your machine do all kinds of crazy ... | |
| Managing Firewall | 3/25/2011 |
| Q: How do I add: Versions 7.0 and above (for Webroot AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper): I want to allow ... A: Doris, I have never used webroot. I really could not give you a good answer. The only thing I can do ... | |
| Is it real? | 3/22/2011 |
| Q: yesterday i was on the computer and i was look for a picture on Google images, i clicked on an image ... A: Sounds like many of the fake anti-virus trojans that are out there. Most anti-virus programs do not ... | |
| Online game | 2/5/2011 |
| Q: I have been playing Spider Solitaire via WorldWinner for a long time and for the past couple of days ... A: I have not heard of any malware having this effect. How long has it been since you updated your ... | |
| Virus | 1/18/2011 |
| Q: I just removed a virus using avast and i'm not sure whether the virus can still hack into accounts ... A: Your level of security depends on a few different things. The way you connect to the internet ... | |
| Need a solution for multiple hard drives virus problem. | 1/11/2011 |
| Q: i am using 2x1tb hard disks on my pc. on with win XP & another with win 7. the win XP hard disk is ... A: If you haven't you need to try AVG. It is free and you can get it here: ... | |
| streaming | 1/8/2011 |
| Q: if streaming a video is the safe alternative to downloading it, then how safe is it to download a ... A: In my opinion it is just as dangerous to download a streaming video as a pirated or "free" one from ... | |
| I keep getting anti virus messages | 1/5/2011 |
| Q: A few days ago my computer started getting pop up messages saying it was infected and now when I try ... A: You have one of the fake anti-virus trojans. I have removed many of these infections using ... | |
| Computer check | 1/1/2011 |
| Q: I usually work with Brian, but I see he is on Vacation! So I was wondering if you could please help ... A: It is my pleasure to be of help to you. My guess is Malwarebytes took care of most or all of your ... | |
| Computer check | 12/31/2010 |
| Q: I usually work with Brian, but I see he is on Vacation! So I was wondering if you could please help ... A: Before I go through an entire HijackThis log I want to start with a question and possible fix. Then ... | |
| slow computer | 12/30/2010 |
| Q: my computer is about 1 year old and has slowed down quite a bit. I have Norton security suite and ... A: If you have the funds you can purchase the entire AVG security suite. For me I have used AVG along ... | |
| slow computer | 12/28/2010 |
| Q: my computer is about 1 year old and has slowed down quite a bit. I have Norton security suite and ... A: Your question brings many answers to mind that could be slowing down your computer. I will just go ... | |
| win32 | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: .i have vista, and spybot caught but did not delete the win32.autorun.tmp trojan. my other anti spy ... A: There are two good ones I know of. Use them in the order I put them. If the first one fixes the ... | |
| odd web page happening | 11/2/2010 |
| Q: OK this was odd and so I had to ask if anyone has ever seen this before. I opened CBS in google and ... A: Not saying this is a trojan, but I will tell you the closest thing to this that happened to me. ... | |
| trojan | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: I have a dell inspiron 1545 with windows 7 home, my anitvirus is macafee. and it suddenly just ... A: First of all you will need the operating system disk if you want to reformat the hard drive and ... | |
| trojan | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: I have a dell inspiron 1545 with windows 7 home, my anitvirus is macafee. and it suddenly just ... A: First of all you should scan your computer with something other than McAfee. McAfee, Norton's, and ... | |
| computer disc drive quit working | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: I have an older computer that the disc drive has stopped working. Can I repair it and how? It is ... A: You cannot repair a hard disk. The best thing to do is get a new one that is compatible. More than ... | |
| internet | 9/2/2010 |
| Q: i was reformatting my pc last night, or at least trying to (had to use a "system recovery" disc for ... A: Windows has improved it's firewall but that is not to say it is impenetrable. Is there a typo in ... | |
| Mouse typing on its own | 8/28/2010 |
| Q: I am using Windows XP on desktop PC. When I open a Word document or text file, there are '+' ... A: This could be many things. Here are a few to check. 1. Mouse drivers- make sure they are up to date. ... | |
| computer security | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: windows one care not renewable now so what would you advise for security on my vista system ? novice ... A: AVG anti-virus. It is free and very good. www.download.com Malwarebytes- Anti-malware program. It ... | |
| viruses during very first dnld of updates | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: How new cpr on dialup get minutes or hours of first updates to security and Windows but no malware ... A: You should try Malwarebytes. It is free. You can get it at www.malwarebytes.org Scan your computer ... | |
| Help with virus removal | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: My grandma's computer was infected after she clicked on a link in a facebook message. I have ... A: See if you can boot to safe mode. Usually you do this by pressing F8 upon startup. If you get to the ... | |
| runtime error message | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: Keith this message keeps arrearing : runtime error 216 at 3cf8c365. when I rey to shut down I ... A: First of all you said you use Windows 7 XP. Windows 7 and Windows XP are two different operating ... | |
| trojan removal | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: Half the processes running in my PC memory, according to the program "Security Task Manager", have ... A: If you are speaking of the processes shown in the attached picture, I see nothing that is a threat ... | |
| ip address | 6/30/2010 |
| Q: i'm not sure if this is the right category to ask, but what is the ip address and is it unique to ... A: If it is off the connection is off so you should be fine. If you have a decent firewall and/or ... | |
| ip address | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: i'm not sure if this is the right category to ask, but what is the ip address and is it unique to ... A: On Vista you can go to the same place by clicking the start button and typing run. You then click on ... | |
| ip address | 6/18/2010 |
| Q: i'm not sure if this is the right category to ask, but what is the ip address and is it unique to ... A: IP Address- Internet Protocol Each PC has a different IP address. If you are hooked to a router, the ... | |
| DNS and certificate problem | 5/6/2010 |
| Q: My pc keeps popping up a message of "your dns settings have been modified, please update or restore ... A: You have some form of malware. It is trying to redirect searches and redirect your web activity. It ... | |
| viruses | 5/5/2010 |
| Q: once I have removed viruses from my computer and they stay in the virus vault of the anti-virus ... A: I have never tried or heard of anyone being able to use a virus after it is detected and quarantined ... | |
| Re: Cookies on site | 5/2/2010 |
| Q: So I run the website www.ithp.org. Recently someone told me that when they visited the site they ... A: It could be from anywhere. It could be from Google Analytics if it says in the EULA. Visit the site ... | |
| Anti virus installation | 4/29/2010 |
| Q: Rayan, My computer does continuous repairing again and again when an Anti virus software is ... A: Unless there are details that I do not know, I can't see how it could be the motherboard or any ... | |
| Decompression bomb | 4/19/2010 |
| Q: I was doing a scan with avast on my computer and it came up some files cannot be scanned when i ... A: Check out this link: http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=8943 To my knowledge Avast is a highly ... | |
| anti virous | 3/18/2010 |
| Q: i am using avg free adition at the momoent, but i clicked on a link i know know to be a virous, im ... A: Technically what you have is most likely not a virus. It is some other kind of malware such as a ... | |
| Free real-time malware program | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: I have NIS 2010 installed. I would like to supplement Norton with a free real-time malware program. ... A: If you paid for Norton's, keep it. If you did not I would recommend you download and install the ... | |
| I'm SICK of this virus! | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: AGAIN I had to rid myself of the F'N "AntiVirus LIVE" How do I keep the damn thing away??? It's bad ... A: First I would download and run a scan with Malwarebytes ( www.malwarebytes.org ). It is free and ... | |
| antivirus software | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a virus that has disabled my AVG software and told me it has expired. It will not let me on ... A: I do not understand "control7"? It is an Information security step in a procedure, but I don't know ... | |
| Trojan | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: I have Avira AntiVir Personal free program version 9.0.0.418 with latest version of Mozilla firefox ... A: In the malwarebytes program the opening screen is where you do your scans. When infected files are ... | |
| Microsoft Windows Security Essentials program | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: I am considering buying 2 new computers and installing Windows Security Essentials which hopefully ... A: I have never used Windows Security Essentials. I will explain why. For approx. 10 years now I have ... | |
| Trojan | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: I have Avira AntiVir Personal free program version 9.0.0.418 with latest version of Mozilla firefox ... A: More than likely you did get the infection from the medium. The way your software could not remove ... | |
| Malware software suggestions | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: I wanted to know which anti-virus, spyware and firewall software you would recommend. Preferably ... A: Here is what I use. All are free. Anti-virus- AVG free edition. ... | |
| kill a virus | 1/2/2010 |
| Q: i need to know how to run a virus kill because after i hit run their window(secruity tool) over ... A: I just had an encounter myself with security tool. My son got it on his computer. It is very ... | |
| Virus | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: I have got a virus on my pc. It's on service.exe process which I think is white listed, so I tried ... A: AVG 9.x will do that. You must set malwarebytes as a "safe" program in AVG. It usually detects ... | |
| Computer Virus | 12/26/2009 |
| Q: My computer (Dell - Windows XP Professional)will not allow me to Defrag, run a Scan Chck, System ... A: My first guess is that you picked up some kind of malware from one of the Frostwire songs. Although ... | |
| Virus | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: I have got a virus on my pc. It's on service.exe process which I think is white listed, so I tried ... A: The key here is to remember that services.exe is a process that your computer needs and runs on it's ... | |
| Persistent Trojan | 12/19/2009 |
| Q: I have a very persistent virus on my computer that I just can't seem to remove. I have run full ... A: This is a really bad one. Before we go any farther in trying to remove it, read this thread. It has ... | |
| question | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: I want to you recommend me a free nice antivirus also spam fliter noticed that I had AVG before ... A: I would recommend AVG. I think maybe you just had a bad installation of it. I have used it for over ... | |
| viri etc | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: My laptop only gets internet connection via a router hooked up to my desktop OR when I go to a place ... A: Everyone needs to worry about viruses and all types of malware. I recommend a 2 or 3 step approach. ... | |
| virus | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: My computer did not not antivirus or firewall. I downloaded a free pdf reader program and now the ... A: To start in safe mode you press F8 repeatedly immediately after turning the machine on. If this ... | |
| virus | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: My computer did not not antivirus or firewall. I downloaded a free pdf reader program and now the ... A: I would hate for you to lose any data but, with a virus that bad, a complete reformat and ... | |
| USB virus | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: I am facing a problem recently ,each time i want to delete a file from usb or paste a file into the ... A: These type of viruses run due to "autorun". According to what operating system you are running you ... | |
| visual basic | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: which one of following statements declares a fixed-length string variable named strName that can ... A: I'm not sure any of these is correct. I think the commands would be broken down into shorter ... | |
| Virus Problems | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: My computer recently infected by viruses, and the more serious problem is some of my Microsoft Word ... A: If the viruses are gone and the file is still password protected, it may just be a matter of ... | |
| Virus | 10/19/2009 |
| Q: How can i protect my machine from computer viruses A: I use AVG free edition anti-virus software. It is one of the best rated anti-virus programs and it ... | |
| Really bad virus. | 9/15/2009 |
| Q: Hey, I have a virus on my computer that disables task manager, regedit, the feature to see hidden ... A: I don't know of an anti-virus program that you can run from an external source. My first action ... | |
| Really bad virus. | 9/14/2009 |
| Q: Hey, I have a virus on my computer that disables task manager, regedit, the feature to see hidden ... A: First of all, what kind of anti-virus and anti-spyware software do you run? What OS are you running? ... | |
| Cannot finish AVG and Spybot downloads | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: I am in the process of removing malware from my computer. I'm trying to download AVG and Spybot ... A: Some malware will block the download or installation of some anti-malware software. Sometimes you ... | |
| Virus | 9/12/2009 |
| Q: I have a PC with Windows Vista. Just yesterday my computer would keep restarting. I have a user ... A: More than likely a virus would effect all users. I'm wondering if something is not right with your ... | |
| Removal of Kaspersky Antivirus | 9/3/2009 |
| Q: Could you please teach me on how to remove old Kaspersky 6.0.1.402 Antivirus from my laptop. I don't ... A: Without an administrator password I don't think you will be able to remove it. If this is still a ... | |
| virus detected! | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: I think iv come across a virus,i cant access my desktop to run programs,i can only do it by the task ... A: Marcus, You should try to boot the system in safe mode. According to what OS you have, most of the ... | |
| Never seen this virus before. | 8/3/2009 |
| Q: Okay, i have a toshiba with windows XP, it will turn on and go to a blue screen with icons filled ... A: Eliana, I'll just be totally honest with you. It sounds as if your system may be too far gone and ... | |
| clean up | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: I'm an experienced computer user and complete necessary maintenance often on our comp. But it has ... A: The programs you are using are very good. Probably what may help is to use something like Ccleaner. ... | |
| virus | 7/24/2009 |
| Q: i have zone alarm installed,whenever i try to connect 2 internet, this ?ÿÿÿèøC@, tries to connect ... A: Try and download, install, and update Spybot Search and Destroy. You can get it for free here: ... | |
| virus | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: i have zone alarm installed,whenever i try to connect 2 internet, this ?ÿÿÿèøC@, tries to connect ... A: I'm not a Hijack this log expert, but I don't really see anything in the log to be concerned about ... | |
| New horrible virus | 7/9/2009 |
| Q: I heard of a new very bad "C" disc attacking virus that is contained in a message attachment having ... A: More than likely (90% sure) if you delete the attachment before opening it you are safe. You should ... | |
| Restricted Domain Help - Blocked Virus | 7/7/2009 |
| Q: Whereveer I open IE, I get this message and it asks me to go to RestrictedDomainHelp.com where they ... A: I use AVG. It is rated as one of the top anti-virus programs and is free. You can download it from ... | |
| virus | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: in my xp 2005, when i open cmd, through run, typing cmd and enter, shutdown windown comes ... A: You have a trojan called Trojan.Shutdown. Download Spybot Search and Destroy, install, update, and ... | |
| virus | 6/29/2009 |
| Q: yes can you copy avg.8.5 the free one on the thumbnail and then down load it on a laptop with a ... A: Yes you should be able to do this. Just make sure you only put the installation file on the ... | |
| laptop security | 6/23/2009 |
| Q: .....I recently got a new laptop and it came with 60 free days of protection from Nortons....my ... A: I use 2 different programs for security. Both are free and excellent. For anti-virus I use AVG. It ... | |
| unknown files | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: I have found in the last few days the following process going: yiaasgi.exe with the corrispondent ... A: I have never used Ashampoo Firewall so I don't know exactly how it works. The yaasgi files may have ... | |
| unknown files | 6/19/2009 |
| Q: I have found in the last few days the following process going: yiaasgi.exe with the corrispondent ... A: Like you I searched everywhere I knew on the net, even f-secure.com (the largest database of virus ... | |
| Spyware | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: I just purchased a laptop with MacAvee protection. Yesterday I got attacked by Personal Antivirus. I ... A: Stopzilla is part of the fraud. Don't give them any money. You should download Spybot Search and ... | |
| anti spyware | 6/14/2009 |
| Q: hey, im a novice when it comes to spyware etc. im going to be buying things online with my credit ... A: For anti-spyware I use Spybot Search and Destroy. It is free. Here is the link: ... | |
| which is best | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: according to you which is the best free antivirus available today.. where i can get it A: AVG anti-virus is rated right up with all the good pay anti-virus services but it is free. In ... | |
| firefox | 6/13/2009 |
| Q: sudddenly here is what i get when i try to open firefox, which i have been using for a year with no ... A: In Firefox go to "tools", "options", click on "advanced", at the top will be "connections". Go there ... | |
| USB viruses | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: I have been dealing with the USB viruses found on my thumb drives and I can't seem to get rid of ... A: I use AVG free for anti-virus software. You can get it here: ... | |
| several viruses | 6/5/2009 |
| Q: My CA antivirus/antispyware program has recently detected several new viruses: Refpron BZ, Comsa B, ... A: Have you tried any other anti-virus programs? You can check to see if there is any specific removal ... | |
| Anti-Vir recommands | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: I appreciate for all of your last responses and your kindness in guiding me . If possible help me ... A: First of all what you have is a boot sector virus that is loading itself through autorun. It is safe ... | |
| transfer | 5/31/2009 |
| Q: i recently found a backdoor.trojan on my old pc and i can't seem to get rid of it. my norton ... A: I doubt both PCs are infected due to the precautions you take. You may want to try AVG free. Many ... | |
| Thank You | 5/29/2009 |
| Q: Keith, this isn't a question, but a thank-you and update for helping me. I had another issue ... A: You are very welcome!! You don't know how much it means to have someone let you know that you ... | |
| Unable to access McAfee | 5/22/2009 |
| Q: .. I can't access McAfee's website by any means. I keep getting this HTTP 501 Not Implemented or ... A: There are several viruses out that target McAfee. Although, what it sounds like you have is not too ... | |
| Mcafee | 5/14/2009 |
| Q: I have a question about Mcafee Virusscan 2009 edition. I bought this product but have not ... A: I believe if you have the trial version and it detects a virus you have to pay for the software to ... | |
| viruses | 5/8/2009 |
| Q: How do you know when a computer has a virus? A: There are so many different symptoms I don't know if I could name them all here. Many people get ... | |
| question | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: I want to ask if any antivirus is not working in computer then can we overright any antivirus on ... A: If you have an anti-virus program that is not working properly you do not have to overwrite it. You ... | |
| ESET Software NOD32 Trial Download Link | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: Yesterday I downloaded a free version of ESET Software NOD32 Trial Download Link... this has now ... A: Susan, I have never used NOD32, but in using many different anti-virus programs, I would say you ... | |
| antispyware | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: I have one pc with vista and one xp and our provider gives us mcaffee internet security for free. ... A: As long as you have the McAfee for free I would keep it for now and not have another anti-virus. ... | |
| Slow Machine | 4/23/2009 |
| Q: i have a p4 dell machine and running windows XP. but it seems to be running very slow. even after ... A: First of all you don't have enough RAM. Windows XP needs at least 256mb to even operate. With a P4 ... | |
| Running antivirus from safemode | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: I have read on several sites that it is a good idea to run your AV from safemode to be able to check ... A: The part about being able to scan additional areas when in safe mode is false. Safe mode in itself ... | |
| anonymous browsing | 4/2/2009 |
| Q: is there a way the webpage owner or internet site could tell that I visited - via some kind of foot ... A: Yes, they will know you have visited because of your IP address. I could go into a big long ... | |
| Virus Infections | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: I think I've got a reasonable defence (sorry, I forgot your an American) defense against virus ... A: Your learning curve does not sound very steep. What you may be getting is something such as trojans ... | |
| trojan.downloader.fakeav.ah | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: Keith: Hi! I need your help. My BitDefender Antivirus software gave me the following message: ... A: Try AVG anti-virus. Download it from here ... | |
| fraudulant security system | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: i don't know much about computers, so i was hoping you could help me with this. i have windows xp ... A: Laura, I'm not familiar with "defender pro" but I am familiar with the fake alert you are getting. ... | |
| Virus infected Pen-drive and DVD with important data | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: Sir, I just bought a new notebook PC of DELL Inspiron 1525 with Windows Vista Home Basic Service ... A: The first thing to do is make sure McAfee will detect and remove the virus (at least quarantine ... | |
| UNDER ATTACK HELP ME | 3/3/2009 |
| Q: Ask.com is trying to commandeer my browser. I do not like them mainly becuz they have come ... A: This is just in my experience of the last 6-7 years with no virus' or malware. I use AVG free- You ... | |
| Norton & Ad aware | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I have Norton Antivirus 2005 installed for my virus protection. I just downloaded the free edition ... A: They can co-exist. In the future I would recommend AVG anti-virus. It is free, will detect viruses ... | |
| My cpu is unblocking my "block popups" selection | 2/23/2009 |
| Q: Hope you're doing well and wondering if you can please help me out. I'm using Firefox 3.0.6 and ... A: It sounds to me as if you have some kind of trojan or malware. I hate to tell you but McAfee and ... | |
| spyware | 2/16/2009 |
| Q: I like to know what is the best free anti spyware ,that is safe to download. ANSWER: This is the ... A: Yes, click fix problems. Make sure it fixes all the problems. It will say if it does not. If it does ... | |
| spyware | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I like to know what is the best free anti spyware ,that is safe to download. ANSWER: This is the ... A: When you open Spybot, at the top left of the screen there will be a mode button. Click it and then ... | |
| spyware | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I like to know what is the best free anti spyware ,that is safe to download. A: This is the best anti-spyware program I have ever used: ... | |
| cause of missing excel data | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: We have an excel file that we frequently update. Recently we opened it to find that it is BLANK. ... A: That is very weird. I've never heard of this happening before. I've used spybot and adaware for ... | |
| SOLUTION: HPPDEVX.DLL LOG FILE | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: Keith: I thought you might want to know the solution I found to this problem, in case someone else ... A: I appreciate you getting back with me about the solution you found. I'm just sorry I could not help ... | |
| Hiding WEBROOT Pop-Up Alerts | 1/18/2009 |
| Q: I bought Webroot Spy Sweeper 5.8 four months ago. All of a sudden today, I started getting these ... A: Have you checked out this link ... | |
| HPLaserJet and USB Cable | 1/16/2009 |
| Q: Keith: You recently advised me to replace the USB cable from the printer to the PC (to see if this ... A: I would do both (uninstall and turn off). If you have your printer instructions you may want to ... | |
| HPLJ P2055dn Printer Notepad Log File | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: I have a Dell Inspiron 530 w/WinXP. Bought this new printer & every time I print, I get a Notepad ... A: I know Windows does keep log files of every print job. They are usually hidden. Try going to Control ... | |
| PROBLEM | 1/10/2009 |
| Q: Keith Hi, hope you can help me out, when I first sign on a box pops up on my screen that states ... A: Is sereniti a legitimate program that you know of? If it is not, you have one of the common pieces ... | |
| Google Search | 1/1/2009 |
| Q: When doing a google basic search it takes an extra few seconds. All the search results show the ... A: It is definitely a hijacker. Have you gone to where you set your home page and tried to change it. ... | |
| web | 12/31/2008 |
| Q: I used allexperts for a phychic and I gave me whole name know when I do a google search for my name ... A: Once it is there I don't know how you can remove it except by contacting Allexperts admin. Here is ... | |
| question | 12/28/2008 |
| Q: i have an internet security question. there is a service provided by a cell phone service provider; ... A: I have never heard anything bad about any of the wireless internet formats as far as security. All ... | |
| Services and Controller app problem | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: Please see attached. I keep getting this error and when I choose one of the options my computer ... A: http://www.techspot.com/vb/topic58138.html Try the steps in this thread. You have a malware program ... | |
| "internet exsplorer" virus | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: My computer has been functioning poorly the last few days (Windows XP operating system up to date on ... A: I can't find anything about any viruses or trojans doing this. Have you tried to right click on the ... | |
| internet problems | 12/13/2008 |
| Q: .. when i go on youtube and try watching a video it says you need to download flash player and when ... A: It sounds to me like you are using Internet Explorer and maybe not using the latest version or don't ... | |
| Program | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: Can you give me a short and made anti-virus program using Notepad? A: I don't know of an anti-virus program batch file that uses notepad. I know of a fake virus you can ... | |
| xp virus | 12/11/2008 |
| Q: recently ive had some trouble with pc, when i start up it says error messages dll. I have ... A: Sounds like one of the new malware programs that pops up fake virus alerts. Can you give me the name ... | |
| antivirus | 12/6/2008 |
| Q: HEy my anti virus is blocked and i dont know why. when i search for viruses i found a virus but i ... A: What anti-virus are you running? If it is not AVG, I would download AVG free edition anti-virus from ... | |
| use of Zone Alarm | 12/4/2008 |
| Q: I recently downloaded Zone Alarm to my computer. However,I don't understand anything about granting ... A: When ZoneAlarm pops up asking if you want to allow a program to access the internet, you need to ... | |
| Spyware & Anti Virus Programs | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: I read one of you other answers regarding virus' & spyware. I tried downloading Spybot search & ... A: It is not uncommon for AVG to give the message that it could not connect to the server. It does it ... | |
| Trojan-KeyLogger.Win32.Fung | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: I keep getting a pop-up about this Trojan trying to get me to buy software to remove it. Do you know ... A: The software the program is trying to get you to install is bogus. It is malware and will even do ... | |
| resycled\boot.com | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: I recently got this error when trying to access my external hard drive. I searched this error and ... A: Actually you may fix your internet connection by uninstalling Norton's and keeping AVG. There are ... | |
| virus? | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: Hey, A friend recently got a virus on mhis computer and AVG told him it was removed, however, he has ... A: Sounds like malware or a trojan to me. Is he running any kind of anti-spyware program? If not he ... | |
| resycled\boot.com | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: I recently got this error when trying to access my external hard drive. I searched this error and ... A: What kind of anti-spyware program are you using? I use Spybot Search and Destroy. It is free. You ... | |
| virus remover | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I have spyware doctor and im just not real happy with it. Do you have a suggestion for a free virus ... A: I use 3 different programs and have been virus, spyware, and hack-free for close to 6 years. Believe ... | |
| virus ? | 11/18/2008 |
| Q: I was having malware / adware problems. Now when I sign on, the computer goes straight to a blue ... A: This sounds very serious. The first thing I would try is to get your Windows disk and run the repair ... | |
| possible virus? | 11/11/2008 |
| Q: my internet is running really slow,,, do you think i have malware?? if so how can i find out ,and ... A: David, I am just adding my tried and true internet security programs and procedures. You already ... | |
| virus software | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I had two software come with my computer when I bought it for virus. Trend anti-virus and spy ... A: Dennis, Did you pay for Trend micro anti-virus or Spy Sweeper? I've did some research on both and ... | |
| virus software | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: I had two software come with my computer when I bought it for virus. Trend anti-virus and spy ... A: You will never be a pain. You keep on asking questions and I will be glad to answer what I can. ... | |
| red circle with a white "x" in it | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: it keeps popping up saying "your computer is infected, anit was due to some spyware, please advise i ... A: Read this whole post on the Techguy forums. You maybe can remove the infection with one of the fixes ... | |
| virus software | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: I had two software come with my computer when I bought it for virus. Trend anti-virus and spy ... A: My apologies. The AVG link I gave you has been changed and will only allow you to download the trial ... | |
| Security Center Antivirus 2009 | 10/31/2008 |
| Q: How do i get rid of this. I am running AVG 8.0 Free + Adaware + Spybot. Thank you Peter A: The instructions for removing this problem are in this link: ... | |
| More detail on thread on virus | 10/29/2008 |
| Q: Kieth, followiing up my own last thread I have found an article that is exactly what has happened ... A: I read a lot of stuff on the link you gave and did not find a fix. The only useful information it ... | |
| Virus deleted by control panel and task manager | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: a virus has deleted my control panel and task manager and also seems to have effected my norton ... A: I'm sorry I forgot to add the link. Here it is. http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=35407 ... | |
| Virus deleted by control panel and task manager | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: a virus has deleted my control panel and task manager and also seems to have effected my norton ... A: None of your questions are dumb. See if you can right click on the icons that were added and see ... | |
| Virus deleted by control panel and task manager | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: a virus has deleted my control panel and task manager and also seems to have effected my norton ... A: It is hard to even try and do a fix if we don't know what the name of the infection is or a name of ... | |
| Pop up message | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: I GET AN ONSCREEN POP UP MESSAGE THAT " the action cannot be completed because the other program is ... A: Sounds to me like a product of some kind of spyware, malware, or trojan. You should try to not click ... | |
| Viruses | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: I,ve been having problems with my pc for quite a while.I have been systematically trying to fix a ... A: The virus is most likely in your BIOS or CMOS. To clear(reboot) the CMOS find the round, coin shaped ... | |
| svchost virus | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: I was looking at pages through Google when my winpatrol asked if I would allow a svchost. I thought ... A: Check out this link from a very reputable source. ... | |
| svchost virus | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: I was looking at pages through Google when my winpatrol asked if I would allow a svchost. I thought ... A: If your computer will not connect to the internet at all you can try to boot into safe mode. This is ... | |
| Spyware | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: I currently use McAfee for viruses, but my computer runs very slowly. AOL in particular, but I no ... A: McAfee and Nortons are not only expensive but are also resource hogs. Below is my prescription for ... | |
| svchost virus | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: I was looking at pages through Google when my winpatrol asked if I would allow a svchost. I ... A: You still have the infection (whatever it is?). Although there are legitimate things that use ... | |
| spysweeper vs ultraview | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: I bought webboot spy sweeper, and the program found ultraview plus.I quarantined as suggested, if ... A: Is this your computer or where you work? As for as I know Ultraview (which is called something else ... | |
| best antivirus | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: Task Manager and Regedit is Disabled by Virus .ive tried 3-4 small softwares like RRT,diskheal,etc ... A: I use AVG anti-virus free edition. You can get it from here: ... | |
| best antivirus | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: which is the best anti virus software which doesnt need internet connection.most s/w's ask for ... A: The only way to get an anti-virus that does not need an internet connection is to go to a store and ... | |
| Keeping trackers off my computer and e-mails | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: com as the ending for their email address. I downloaded Lavasoft adaware and the 3 trackers were ... A: What email client are you using? Along with answering this question for me try my internet ... | |
| browser/internet | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: I have used Internet Explorer as my browser for years. I only recently learned that there were ... A: Yes, you can forward email and much more including transferring your whole contact list. Yahoo now ... | |
| browser/internet | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: I have used Internet Explorer as my browser for years. I only recently learned that there were ... A: Outlook is not as secure as using online email such as yahoo, hotmail, and google. I use Firefox but ... | |
| Virus infection!!! | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: Good Day sir, A virus causes Vista to constantly reboot. How to get rid of it (short of formatting)? ... A: This is a common problem of numerous viruses or trojans. The list could be endless. Instead try the ... | |
| Go-Google | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: I've read your previous answers about Go Google and have tried to download assistance via grisoft ... A: See if you can start your machine in safe mode (usually by clicking F8 on start-up: if you are on ... | |
| using Zone Alarm | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: Please give me some more information about using Zone Alarm. How do I know how to set this to know ... A: Right after installing it will ask if you want it to scan and see how you connect to the internet. ... | |
| virus software | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I had two software come with my computer when I bought it for virus. Trend anti-virus and spy ... A: The following is what I do for computer security (this does not mean what you have is bad. The ... | |
| Possible hidden virus | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I hope you can help me, because i've been trying to fix this problem for quite a while. My computer ... A: Ok, now we are getting somewhere. You have some kind of trojan and McAfee did not remove it. I'm not ... | |
| antivirus software | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I am presently using Mcafee Virus Scan Plus. It has just recently expired, and I would like to know ... A: It should have automatically installed the update. Is this the Spybot Search and Destroy you ... | |
| Possible hidden virus | 9/12/2008 |
| Q: I hope you can help me, because i've been trying to fix this problem for quite a while. My computer ... A: Open IE, go to tools> internet options> security> and make sure everything is set to medium to ... | |
| Possible hidden virus | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I hope you can help me, because i've been trying to fix this problem for quite a while. My computer ... A: Have you updated IE to IE7? Have you did the MS updates? What anti-virus software are you running? ... | |
| antivirus software | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: I am presently using Mcafee Virus Scan Plus. It has just recently expired, and I would like to know ... A: To uninstall McAfee go to Start>control panel>add/remove programs> find all the McAfee listings and ... | |
| system antivirus 2008 | 9/10/2008 |
| Q: Recently I download a file suppose to be a patch for a game from the website. However it turn out to ... A: It sounds like a trojan horse rather than an anti-virus program. I would download AVG anti-virus ... | |
| Kaspersky | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I have just installed Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 on my single machine. I use Internet heavily. ... A: I have never used Kapersky but it gets good reviews. I use AVG Anti-virus free edition for ... | |
| sluggish computer | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: Thought maybe you could give me some free software or something to run on my computer to pick up ... A: Jennifer, I use 3 different programs and have been virus, spyware, and hack-free for close to 6 ... | |
| Constant Reboot | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: It gets up to where it gives me options on how i would like to restart my computer in safe mode ... A: Jennifer, The humming noise makes me first think it is one of two fans. Either the processor fan or ... | |
| antivirus | 9/6/2008 |
| Q: i have important data on my laptop, celeron m, 1.8 ghz, 40 gb hdd,255 mb ram, it has given no ... A: I use 3 different programs and have been virus, spyware, and hack-free for close to 6 years. Believe ... | |
| virus finding without antivirus | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: I read one documents about "how can we understand our computer has virus without anti virus ... A: No, that is not an acceptable way to find a virus. Viruses come in more ways than just .dll files. ... | |
| your opinion on a few products I use | 8/28/2008 |
| Q: My OS is XP and I would like your expert opinion on a few products that I use and, if you do not ... A: 1. I honestly have never heard of the anti-virus software you mentioned. This does not mean it is ... | |
| zone alarm internet security suite 2008 | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: I tried to install ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 2008 but the installation failed because of ... A: Make sure you disabled Windows Firewall, Windows Defender, and the other security programs included ... | |
| I have a very nasty virus | 8/20/2008 |
| Q: I am using now mozilla firefox 3.0.1 but i could not load any webpages involving antiviruses and ... A: This is weird. I have never run across this problem before. It would probably be best to go straight ... | |
| I have a very nasty virus | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: I am using now mozilla firefox 3.0.1 but i could not load any webpages involving antiviruses and ... A: It may not be a virus. Have you been able to connect to the internet since installing firefox? If ... | |
| Search Settings Notification/Settings | 8/19/2008 |
| Q: I use Windows XP Pro on a Dell 8300. I have the latest editions of Spybot Search and Destroy, and ... A: Did you install Dealio Toolbar? If you did not you should check this thread out ... | |
| avg8 | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: why does it take nearly 2 hours to run a scan with avg8 A: 1. You have a large hard drive 2. The settings in AVG are set to scan the whole computer. From ... | |
| antivirus software | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: what is the best anti virus software? I do a lot of internet searchs, I veiw pic dump, video and ... A: I assumed you would have Windows Firewall running. This will only be the case if you are running ... | |
| Search Settings Notification/Settings | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: I use Windows XP Pro on a Dell 8300. I have the latest editions of Spybot Search and Destroy, and ... A: If you can send me the link to where you found the exact problem on google as yours. You can do this ... | |
| virus tracing | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: when your computer has spyware is it possible to detect where it came from? A: Try downloading and installing spybot search and destroy, update it and do a scan. When detected ... | |
| Search Settings Notification/Settings | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: I use Windows XP Pro on a Dell 8300. I have the latest editions of Spybot Search and Destroy, and ... A: Have you checked for problems with Spybot S and D? Spybot should remove most spyware and trojans. I ... | |
| antivirus software | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: what is the best anti virus software? I do a lot of internet searchs, I veiw pic dump, video and ... A: I use 3 different programs and have been virus, spyware, and hack-free for close to 6 years. Believe ... | |
| SOFTWARE | 8/15/2008 |
| Q: Keith What anti hacker software would you consider to be the best, what would you reccomend, what ... A: I use 3 different programs and have been virus, spyware, and hack-free for close to 6 years. Believe ... | |
Computer Security & Viruses
Answers by Expert:
Keith Davis
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Advice on how to avoid viruses and spyware. Suggestions on what software to run to avoid viruses and spyware. Identification of spyware, trojans, or virus infections. Overall system security.
Experience
As a PC tech, removing and identifying many viruses and trojans from customer's PCs.
Education/Credentials
4 classes short of a Networking degree.
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