My computer is badly infected with viruses and is barely functioning. I need advice on what the best way to fix it is. I don't have the money to buy an antivirus system and am about to just completely reboot it (or whatever that's called). I could really use some help and figured there's enough honest and computer literate people here that I will probably get some great answers and help.
THANKS!
[question posted by foxyfire33]
responses and comments:
you can make a system restore to overcome the effect of that virus....if that failed then i think formatting is the best way! for sure that if you don't want to install any antivirus [Milanovich]
you can use nod32 it is quit good and can help you:) [Milanovich]
I would download a free trial of an antivirus - McAfee has one available http://us.mcafee.com/root/downloads.asp?id=freeTrials or try to find a free service. I was using AVG but they recently went pay only. I think AVAST is still free though. I wouldn't wipe out your HD and start from scratch unless you needed to - and you know where all of your software is. I am really starting to think that MyLot is the source of some viruses. I had stopped mylotting for a few days, no viruses, I started again and I have gotten a few viruses. [sedel1027]
Hi Sedal1027, I suggest you some antivirus software .( try only one at a time .It will really short out your problems 1. Awast download free from searching by on google.com . Install it on your system and see the result . Within a week you will get an Activation code for continue use of it more that it evaluation time. 2. AVG free download . use evaluation version 3. Trend Micro - www.trendmicro.com/download/ Also try for virus [amitsh8888]
Well, if you're computer is so badly infected, the best thing to do is format all your disks and re-install windows..I don't think a system restore will do any luck for you now anymore.. The best thing you can try, is using ESET NOD32, one of the best antiviruses in the world. Just PM me if you want it free. [slot100]
http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html AVG is still free and is really good! I have the free MacAfee from comcast. http://www.freeantivirushelp.com/ I have no idea who sponsors this one, but it said Norton and they are good! And this one from PC Tools looks ok too. http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/ [Trace86]
Go here http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ and run their scan. it will take a while. It is slow but worth the wait. It will find every virus that your computer has and then show you how to delete them so that your computer is back to normal happy Oh, and it is free! [fwidman]
Try CCleaner and as said before AVG. You should also try Spybot search and destroy. But yep if its thats badly infected just reformat everything. But before you just reformat make sure so you can find/got all your drivers. Else there can be some problems. [degger]
have you download a free anti virus and ran it, you also have to update the anti virus. If you have done this with a couple of free anti virus trails and still have problems then i would suggest system restore this will get ride of the virus but also some of the file on your computer. Here is how you system restore in windows xp. 1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore. 2. on the welcome screen, click restore my computer to an earlier time, (before you started having problems) and the click next. 3. on the select a restore point page, select the date from the calendar that shows the point you'd like to restore to, and the click next. 4. Click Next 5. The computer will shut down automatically and reboot. then you are done after it reboots. let your computer reboot and don't shut it down your self this could cause the computer to crash. [churchofphilosophy]
the best way is to format your system. then before connecting to the internet, see to it that you have some sort of virus installed in your system. after that go to torrentz.com and download Mcafee antivirus and install it in your system. as far as I am concerned mcafee is a nice antivirus software, and after this be very careful when you are downloading or visiting any sites. Know the proper usage of sites and visit each site carefully. Install also spyware doctor which is available for free at download.com. these will probably solve your problem surely. Make it a point to delete the cookies and cash stuff in your computer regularly, after delete the unnecessary temp and prefetch files on your computer. [gayathrigs]
I'm not a computer genius but hopefully I can help. You don't have to pay for an antivirus, there's plenty of free ones to download. I use Avast myself and it's very good. You can download it here http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html You should also download a firewall. There's plenty of free ones available. I use Comodo myself. You can download it here http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/ You should also scan for spyware (which is different from a virus). There's also plenty of free anti-spyware programs. One that I use is a-squared free You can get it here http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/ The only problem with this program is that it can sometimes detect innocent programs as spyware. If it detects any spyware it will ask whether you want to delete the program or put it into quarantine. Make sure you put it into quarantine. That way you can get back any programs that you actually need that have been mistakenly deleted. You can also download a useful program called ccleaner (crap cleaner). This will remove any files that aren't needed and might make your computer run faster. You can get it here http://www.ccleaner.com/ Last but not least you could try defragmenting your hard drive. Click on "start" on the bottom left of your computer. Then double click on "Control Panel". Next double click on "Administrative Tools" and then double click on "Computer Management". Finally click on "Disk Fragmenter" and click the box that says "Defragment" and your computer will start to defragment. This will take a while, you might even have to let it run overnight. [crispeater]
I disagree with that comment that your not a computer genius at all. The things you listed was about I was going to suggest. And from that, you actually know more than you think :D [scaplusrevenge]
You have to format your hard disk first. There are anti virus progams that are free and you can download online. AVG and Avast are the best in my opinion. You can download both of them from download.com. [ronaldinu]
The best fix depends on which virus has caused the problems. If you know the virus name, Google it and you will find forums that discuss the best malware removal tool for that virus and often they provide the link to download it for free. System restore does not always work as some viruses get into your restore points, meaning, that won't remove it. AVG isn't bad but it let a virus into my PC that disabled Spybot Search and Destroy. The only malware remover that could remove all the virus junk from my PC was Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which is free. You can download it here. http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html Although Malwarebytes did remove every trace of the virus from my PC, I still reformatted to be on the safe side. All three antiviruses that I mentioned are available free and both Spybot and Malwarebytes delete the viruses as well as quarantining them. [Piscesmoon]
Format your disks,then it is nessery to get a free firewall. [ourfff]
My computer was down too and I come against a discussion were some one introduces MALWAREBYTES.COM and I used it. It clean up 290 virus for me and now I am able to somework. It as also protected my computer. Give it a try and see. I have try numerous and this is the best I see so far. [kerriannc]
I hate to say this but I think buying a good virus software is a little like buying car/home/life insurance - you hate to pay for it but you are sure glad when you need it! I had so many problems and thought we needed a new computer,then I got antivirus, spyware and ran cr cleaner (that one is free) and everything is pretty good now. [kimberlylynn]
First thing you need to do, since it is being infected, I assume it is severely infected, is reformat your computer. But before you do, be sure to back everything up. Now to back-up using copy and paste be sure to use the command line (DOS prompt), this way virus cannot populate to your destination folder. With regards to your anti-virus software, money is not an issue. You can try using AVAST Home Edition, it is totally free of charge. You can use it for 30 days, and if you like the features, just register your email account and the admin will give you the free activation key. AVAST have 7 engines running to prevent your system, each have different phase of security. You can even restrict sites there. Now, you have reformat and install the fresh copy of your Operating System, be sure to install anti-virus first above everything else. Then restore you back-up files. [iceblizzard]
You can download kaspersky trial version. Probably your virus signature is included in the kaspersky, if that's the case kaspersky will delete the virus. But since you don't have license, you cannot update your anti virus. I'm using kaspersky and it's keeping my pc safe from malwares so far. [glechelle]
foxy download free 8AVG and put it to work, it will get rid of all viruses and does not cost an arm and a leg either. also I am sure there are sites on the web that will repair a messed up computer and you have to search google for them. [Hatley]
Reformat your computer and install free virus protection. I use AVG that I update everyday! You only need technical support to do this if you do not know how. Do not go to sites that are virus infected like video, music, porn and earning sites like ptcs, if you do not have firewalls. [everlasting]
Ya you can do one thing is that go to some torrent site, search for the antivirus you need, download it with torrent downloader, install and update. And then you are ready with your weapon to kill all of them.... [jay399us]
hi friend, i understand yourself. you just download a free antivirus in net and then install to your computer.take care. [vimaal]
If your computer is totally damaged by the virus, The only way to fix it is to re-format your hard drive to make it clean again! After re-formatting you hard drive I suggest that you install AVG 8.0 antivirus on your PC you can download it for free at download.com, and just to make sure you can install Zone Alarm for Added protection. I am using both of them for months now and my computer seems to have no problem.. [choiocampo]
there are sever good free computer antivirus software out there some require registration once a year others require nothing. Avast Comodo AVG There are also some good free full trial versions of spyware remover by t avg as well. you might also be able to use Trend oncall which is an online scanner. and doing a complete system restore is an option, but you would need to make sure that you backd up any files before you wiped it that is important. GL with it DM [damucci]
better install the operating system again and if you have problems after it too format your entire system so that you can make everything new after making sure that you don't have any softwares and install an antivirus software before you install anything else after installing os.and go for trusted antiviruses such as norton,avg,nod 32 .then start installing other applications making sure that the are safe and away from spyware,trojans,rootkit,viruses [lkvinodh]
Hello there my friend. I worked as technical support for dell before so I should this kind of stuff lol. Installing an anti-virus program at this point will not do you any good because it's already infected. The only thing you could do is re-format your hard drive. This will wipe it everything in it including the virus. Before you do this, you must have a CD/DVD burner to back up all the files in it. Reformatting the hard drive will take at least 30 minutes to an hour depending upon the performance of your PC (not including the time for backing up your files). After reinstalling your Operating System, that's the time you can download and install a free anti virus program. A few that you can try is Kaspersky, Nod32, or AVG. You can try to download it from http://www.download.com [yuna15]
Good Morning my MyLot Friend. This is a disscusion I can help you with. I use AVG on my computer. It has all the up to date virus and trojan ware. Go to its wed site. AVG.com and download the free version. I have no problem with this antivirus. It scans pages before you open and after you open and removes the virus. Also it scans all emails for viruses. I have downloaded this on to all my friends computers. Also our local cable internet company also uses it and askes that all its customers download it too. [carrieandjohn]
download the Avg 8.0 free.. its quite capable in bad viruses. maybe you were infected by backdoor, trojans, or worms, makes your computer slower.. [jm0911]
Hi I am not sure it can help but you go to google then type the virus name or the virus waning you get for example how to remove virus .......then if ur lucky enoug you will found the way to remove it either by manual or by automatic software best of luck and have a nice day. [dokaor]
format and then restore the system [cathy_human]
Hello :) I'm a student of Information Technology and in my Intro to Information Tech class we are going over the Internet and part of our chapter includes a part on Adware,spyware and malware. First i'm going to recommned a couple of FREE spyware removal tools, they are safe and free to download and they are recommended in my text book. First is Spybot-Search&Destroy which is available at download.com also Pestpatrol which is available for download at pestpatrol.com They are both free and easy to use. If this does not work you can restore your computer to factory settings. I noticed earlier you said your computer has no restore points..that is fine. Factory restore can be accessed right when you boot your computer by pressing a specific function key such as F1 and so forth. Each computer is different. If you do have to factory restore your computer please tell me what type of computer you have and i can find out what function key for you to hit. Factory restore should be your last choice because it wipes your computer and makes it as if you just bought it..nothing you've installed yourself, files you've saved will be there when your done..so i recommend a flash drive to store any files you don't want to lose. After you fix this problem and your computer is running normal again, if you have the money go buy an antivirus software such as Nortons, If you don't i'll help you find a free antivirus software on the web. Hope everything works out. [MissGia]
Well the best way to fix that Is you use The latest Nod32 because this software is really good for anti virus like Trojan or any other else.I really recommend you this but if it still not working by nod then you better reformat.:-0 God bless and have a nice day.:-0 [insulin]
AVG Anti-Virus is free and pretty good if you ask me. It does it's job and it'll fix it errors without asking you to buy the extra features every 5 minutes like the other anti-virus'. You should also clean your disk up using scan disk, defragment, etc. If that doesn't help speed up your computer, you should consider reformatting. I think it's a good idea to reformat every couple of months, it doesn't take long and you can easily back up your data before you do it. [Saiyan25]
Well once your PC gets infected with viruses, it is nearly impossible to cure it as virus nowadays spread really fast. So, you can do nothing but to re-format your PC. It will restore your PC to the previous condition. You will have to re-install all your drivers, programs and the data will be lost, so make a back-up of your files. Moreover, get a free virus program such as AVG Free, Avira Anti-Virus or Avast as soon as you re-format. Then use torrent to download Norton or some other anti-virus for FREE! This will keep your computer safe. Cheers! AJ Rox.lol [ajrox1810]
i have a few suggestions, you can try search and destroy anti virus, nod32 comando firewall [jerrymoore330]
Can I ask you what system you are using? XP, Vista...? My best advice is to do a FULL SYSTEM RESTORE.....This restore does NOT require you to have any restore points, instead it restores your computer back to the day it was bought. I noticed someone said NOD32...I personally think this is a terrible program...USE AVIRA!! No not AVG..just google AVIRA DOWNLOAD.....if this does not work then you need to do the restore...google "full system restore instructions". [veritas2888]
Your best bet is Spyware Terminator. It comes with everything free. google it nd install. It does everything.It is freeware. Then use spybot. Google it and install. That combined should give you the ability to remove the bugger and protect you in future.ninja [MH4444]
you can download a free antivirus program I would do this from a friends computer and copy it to a memory stick or CD or what ever. then go and install the anti-virus program on your computer and scan your system and clean it. AVG is a good program. I would recomend that you keep a good and updated Anti-Virus program on your computer at all times [mirage108]
If you are infected by virus then just go to free antivirus downloading sites and you want its address.Message i will send you the link [thegreatabhi]
You don't need money to get yourself a good antivirus system. There are several that are available for free on the internet (yes, legally). The one I use which seems good is the free version of AVG. I would also install Spybot also free) as well to take care of spyware. As far as fixing your current problem, you're going to have to reformat your hard disk and start from scratch. All of your files will be lost, but you can re-install them and have a running computer again, without buying a new one. [Uroborus]
Foxy, if you're able to, try downloading Avast Antivirus. It is completely free, and all you have to do is register. They'll email you a registration code. Then each year, you just register with them and they send you another registration code. I use Avast for myself and it's a great antivirus program. If all else fails and you don't or can't download Avast, then a complete reformat may be the best way to go for you. I hope it doesn't come to that though. It's a lot of hard work and stress if you're not sure what you're doing. I had to reformat last year after my Antivirus ran out without me realizing, and I got bombarded with Viruses, but it taught me a lesson. Never run a computer without antivirus installed! [angelwhispers30]
Download prevx csi free.Scan will take about 2 minutes. [generaldeejee]
You need to format your computer fully. Keep all your important data in one drive and format the other drive where all the system files are being stored. If you are really interested in doing what mentioned above, you have to tell me the details that do you have a pirated version of operating system or the original version? Which operating system do you have? You can ask me other questions if you have. Another option is that you can actually download the antivirus software with the key. If in your country p2p is allowed then you can search the anti virus software on isohunt.com. If you need any help contact me. [rizzu87]