Expert: Carolyn Meinel - 11/17/2004

Question
hello Carolyn,

I've got a problem with my notebook running slow, I think because of the spyware and viruses on it.  Could you help me?

Thank you for your time

Answer
Your computer could be infected by a Trojan that is sending out spam, as well as by viruses and adware/spyware. See http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/technology/2004-09-08-zombieuser_x.htm
to get an idea of the kinds of nasty things that could be hiding on your computer.

In most cases, there are free programs that can solve these sorts of problems.

I'm assuming you already have an antivirus program, but that some viruses have gotten past it or disabled it. Normally a computer that isn't protected by both antivirus and a firewall will get invaded by all sorts of nasty stuff within just a few hours of being online.

In case a worm or virus that has evaded your antivirus program, first try this. First, make sure a firewall is enabled on your Internet connection. If you have Windows XP, click Control Panel --> Network Connections --> (your Internet connection) --> Properties --> Advanced to make sure the firewall is on.

Now you can safely but briefly turn off or uninstall your current antivirus program. Don't do anything else except install the free version of Grisoft antivirus, from http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php

To make sure Grisoft eradicates all copies of your viruses, worms and Trojans that may be on your computer, you will need to disable System Restore. Windows ME and XP use 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 ME:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001012513122239?OpenDo...

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

After running Grisoft, don't turn Windows Restore back on just yet.

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.

Next, try running some antispyware 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

Watch out for fake products! Some actually install adware or spyware instead of removing it! For reviews of anti-adware and anti-spyware products, see http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

If things are working now, you can safely reactivate Windows Restore.

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 are far safer. You can get free browsers from Mozilla.org and Opera.com. For email clients, you can get  Thunderbird free from Mozilla.org, and Eudora free from Eudora.com.