Expert: Lorry - 7/19/2005

Question
hi i have downloaded two programmes -winmx also karafun- one of them had a virus it first removed all my icons on desktop then would not let me enter anything -programmes, folders, start nothing. - now i cant get into the computer at all. turn it on it starts up slower than normal shows startup black screen with details then loads xp then comes up with the xp page but nothing it will not let me in also cant stop it on loading to get in that way.
i would like to get into the computer so as to try to clear the virus any ideas would be welcome
thank you

Answer
Hi Janet,

Have you tried starting the computer in Safe Mode? If you can do that, run a virus scan.

If that doesn't help and you want to hopefully save any information on the hard drive, I would suggest that you take the computer to a local computer store that does repairs. They should be able salvage the data.

If you don't mind losing the information, reformat. CyberWalker explains how at:

http://www.cyberwalker.net/columns/aug02/010802.html

If you have a brand name computer, you could use the Restore/Recovery CD that came with it.

Either way, once you get the computer up and running, install an antivirus program ASAP, update it once a week and run a virus scan afterwards.

Hope this helps!
Lorry