Expert: Lorry - 11/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: Boy, I really got nailed today with a nasty virus, i can only run in safe mode, i bought norton but can't get it loaded, can you give me some advice.? thanks.

peggy

ANSWER: Hi Peggy,

Do you have an antivirus program installed? If yes, run a virus scan in Safe Mode. If not, what error are you getting when installing Norton AntiVirus (NAV), am assuming it is NAV2008.

Is there anything on the computer that needs to backed up? Asking that just in case you have to reinstall Windows.

Hope this helps!
Lorry

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

QUESTION: Hi larry,
unfortunately i let mine expire but i just bought norton but it just wont complete the scan in regular mode. im scanning now in safe mode via stinger. i read where i should undo system restore but i get an error message in safe mode and in regular everything is so slow there that i cannot get to the system restore.  i do need to back up some files.

Answer
Hi Peggy,

The Norton that has expired, is that still on the computer? If yes, run a scan in Safe Mode with that.

On a working computer, download AVG, put it on a CD, install it on the ionfected computer and then run a virus scan - that is, if Stinger cannot find anything or give you the name of the threat.

Once you know the name of the threat, either do a search using Google or you can let me know and then I'll do the search for you.

If the above doesn't do the trick, you might have to take it to the local repair shop, have them backup anything of importance, including the Address Book - many people overlook that when backing up info. After doing that, they could reinstall Windows for you.

Once you get it running again, make sure that you update Norton once a week, then run a scan afterwards.

Hope this helps!
Lorry