Virus, Spyware.. Need Help? Here it is

If that's all a person does is download stuff and surf the internet mostly they should seriously consider using Linux because you don't have to worry about viruses or malware.

reply to post by chissler


download malwarebytes and run a full scan in safe mode with system restore turned off (make sure to update it first) then remove everything it finds

reply to post by chissler


I just tried getting Windows Oncare. The site says that it's no longer for sale.

There is also AVG Free Rescue CD www.avg.com... you can download the ISO there. Its for if you can't get a anti virus program to run do to a deep system infection. Just run the CD and it will remove viruses, malware, etc on your hard drive. It runs in it's on self contained Linux environment on the disc. Great to have just in case.

Thoughts on Microsoft Security Essentials virus/spyware/malware protection?

Very informative. This is the stuff any PC Repair dude would do. If you use this guide to any extent and do-it-yourself you can save a ton of $$$ for costly repairs and virus removal. For experienced PC users you can go with hijackthis.

reply to post by LadySkadi


I actually do have thoughts on Microsoft Security Essentials....

After having made the mistake of downloading this resource hog of a program, I have discovered that those who write malware could learn a thing or two from Microsoft, as once you install this, it's nearly impossible to remove. I still have to open task manager and kill this process, three or four times, each and every time I boot my system.

~Heff

reply to post by LadySkadi


I used it for awhile before switching to Linux and liked it a lot. I tried several of the popular 'pay for' products and about all of the free ones and it seemed to work just as well if not better and there was a lot less user involvement. Some might like getting warnings every 5 mins and manually setting everything but I'm at the opposite end of that bell curve. I still have it installed on a Windows machine I use sometimes for various reasons.

Ya, guys - I'm finding this difficult because I use Linux too, but am trying to convert my old laptop for my parents to use and Linux (though I continue to try to convince them) is not something they are ready for yet. So, I've just installed that laptop with (Windows 7 professional) and am trying to get it dialed before they pick it up. I'm lost on the virus/malware protection piece... I suppose it's a better option then, to go with:

*malwarebytes
*ccleaner
*avg

reply to post by LadySkadi


I've been happy with a combo of Avast and Malwarebytes. But I am not on a Win7 machine. I run XP pro.

~Heff

reply to post by Hefficide


Is there a difference between the needs of XP and Win7 with regards to protection needs?

Maybe a daft question... Lol. I'm not going to stress too much about this, just trying to get a basic understanding and then send it on its way. Thanks for the info.!

reply to post by LadySkadi


The only security/maintenance progs I've used for years:

AVG
Ccleaner
Spybot

That's it. Nothing more. Nary an issue and I purposefully navigate some of the 'darker alleys' of the Internet to stay abreast of the 'latest threats'.

Those programs and Google Chrome for browsing since it came out.

A great program to keep and have handy is ComboFix.

[ETA]
The majority of customers who bring in the 'puters for virus-related issues are typically those connected directly to their modem as opposed to those having a router in between, with it's firewall turned on.

reply to post by LadySkadi


Listen to 12m8k. He knows his stuff far better than I!

~Heff

Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated!

reply to post by 12m8keall2c


What about zone alarm mate?
Always need a good firewall

Also, for those troublesome rootkits, combo-fix is a great option...

reply to post by budski


I've tried zone alarm, but to be honest I don't care for it.

perhaps i should have mentioned that i have a floppy firewall box inline between my modem and router.

if someone wants to hack into a floppy drive, they're welcome to it.

reply to post by 12m8keall2c


FAIR ENOUGH - ALWAYS FOUND IT PRETTY GOOD MYSELF

oops. sorry for shouting

reply to post by LadySkadi


no matter what protection software I might be considering for Windows, I always like to research about problems with removal of the program. A few of the favored ones might as well be considered malware themselves in this respect. but that's the nature of the beast.
One good piece of hardware is better than any combination of software for my peace of mind
Unfortunately, there's no cheap hardware available to prevent borking a system by way of the dreaded HID's
although a good, regularly updated hosts file is hard to beat for protection against those kind of "security issues"

no matter what protection software I might be considering for Windows, I always like to research about problems with removal of the program. A few of the favored ones might as well be considered malware themselves in this respect.

*cough.... McAfee.... cough, cough..... the McAfee Agent.....

Some of you have helped me in the past, so, here I am again.

Is System Mechanic 10 a good buy?

I am using XP home edition, 5.1 2600 service pack 3
Explorer 8

I do use ccleaner with the windows firewall. I also have for anti virus, Ad-Aware Pro.

Right now I am having problems with my system shutting down and then the report that it shut down because of a serious error. I am not technically inclined, but have tried to follow some of their instructions:

Do you think that using System Mechanic would help me get back on track?

Thanks for listening..
Mahree