computer virus

Posted by yeriquo (347 days ago)

Hi. My laptop got infected by a virus. It receives a pop-up message every 2 seconds -- could be an advertisement, a reminder to install an anti-virus or an open window asking me to save my computer settings. It's weird and pretty nasty too because I can't type anymore.

Every time I type a letter, a message pops up, even if I disconnect my PC from the internet. And this happens too even if I switch from internet explorer to firefox. Can anyone help me how I can fix this?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by ldldjr (347 days ago)

You can try starting your computer in safe mode (press F8 when you see the msg on your screen about Windows starting, or start tapping it when your system finishes the memory test). If you get into safe mode, see if you can type. If you can, and the problem is temporary stopped, try clicking on start, run, msconfig, and look carefully at the various entries in bootup and on the other tabs to see if you can find an entry to disable the virus. IF you can disable it, restart the machine and go on the internet to see how to remove it permanently. Not necessarily an easy task.

If you can find out what virus it is, you should be able to use the internet to see how to disable and remove it.

There are some programs called "portable apps". Clam antivirus is one of the portable apps. If you can get that installed on a flash drive (from another computer) you may be able to use that to try and nail the virus - but it may not work. If you can log onto the internet there are online virus checkers - but if you can't type, it is kind of moot.

(I am based in Vietnam)

Posted by Starlionblue2 (346 days ago)

Idldjr has it right.

In your position I would just reinstall Windows from scratch, but save your data first.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by omaharrison (346 days ago)

If you dont understand much about computers i would siggest before doing all that try first scanning your computer with house call by trend-micro. it's a very good scanner, free and doesnt take hours to scan.
http://housecall65.trendmicro.com/
good luck

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by yeriquo (346 days ago)

hi ldldjr, thanks for your F8 tip. It was very useful since I was able to download and install a number of items -- although I've tried it again this time and it's not working anymore.

Anyway, I've just finished installing adaware and it detected malware, among other infections. I tried to remove and/or quarantine them but after a few minutes they're back again.

I now have spybot, adaware, avast and mcafee all installed in my laptop but the problem is still there -- although the pop-up messages are less frequent now. I'm not even sure if it's healthy to have them working all at the same time.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ringah (346 days ago)

May just be adware but need to be careful as if spyware may be sending passwords or allowing hackers to control your PC - think you either need to get a tech pro to sort it out or reinstall windows from scratch as the guys suggest...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Starlionblue2 (346 days ago)

Yeah. Deffo time to nuke the machine. Ouch.

(I am based in Hong Kong)