Do you have any experience with a free virus scanner? I'm going to help a friend, his computer is all messed up with virus and all sorts of pop up windows appearing, and after like 10 minutes online the computer freezes / crashes. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it.
I am using free antivirus of Avira. Its really a good antivirus that can make your computer free from virus. Its scan your whole computer and finds out the disinfectant file.
I use Avast which is a free one. Also use CCCleaner which can fix registry problems. Lavasoft Adaware is another one to use, this doesn't run in the back ground but you can use it once a month. Then there is Trojan Remover which scans your PC at start up. Another good one is Clamwin which also sits and watches your PC. All these are free and pretty good. If you are not going to re-install windows, after putting in the software, start it in Safe Mode and run them then as they will pick up more problems that way. Good luck.
I came across a Lifehacker post on a computer repair kit, which packs awesome tools for troubleshooting infected computers. Here is the link to the Lifehacker post: http://lifehacker.com/5154441/computer-repair-kit-packs-dozens-of-tools-in-one-portable-package It includes standalone and portable tools to recover the system from all sorts of malware infections. Once the system is disinfected, I recommend using Microsoft Security Essentials as an always-on malware protection suite. Another good option would be Avast Antivirus. They are both available for free.
Thanks a lot for the advice. I haven't looked at the computer yet, but I probably will tomorrow. I told him that I wanted to do a re-install of windows, but he has a lot of pictures and videos he want to keep (and of course, he doesn't have a backup) So, do a virus / trojan scan in safemode is what I'll do.
Yes, you will hopefully and most likely be able to save the data. Those tools will allow you to scan and remove all the malicious programs without the loss of any data. And yup, you got that right...running them in safe mode is the best option. Good luck, it is always a pleasure to help.
Avira and AVG are both great free anti virus software programs, but for what you want to do I think you'll need more specialized tools. Download Superantispyware and Malwarebytes Antispyware, install, update then boot into safe mode and run them. If you're lucky they'll fix the problem. If not download this: http://vundofix.atribune.org/ and follow the instructions on the website. If the infection is detected successfully but reappears after rebooting then you most likely have some type of mbr virus in which case download a copy of Hijack This and head over to http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum103.html and explain the situation. They'll ask to run the Hijack This program and paste in the contents of the log file. From that log they'll be able to find the specific problem and advise you best as to how to remove it. You shouldn't have to format the hard drive, though be sure you have a Windows install disc handy as you may need to use it to fix system files.
Yep, in theory but once your system has been completely compromised as seems to be the case here it is probably a good idea to format the HD.
well this happen alot to me before i decide to use deepfreez. the best antivirus for me is avira. but, the logic is everyday new viruses are created. so you must consider to install that deepfreez stuff, or, you use sandboxed. its free. everytime you wanna run new programs always open them with sandboxed (a virtual system). btw, nowdays cleaning viruses with safemode is not help too much. they're still exist... hope this help
I use avira. its good and even its updates are of small files. Try and experience different anti virus
If it's simple virus exterminate it by killing his kernel links , running processes and registers . Then exterminate the files and restore the permissions . If you're to lazy to do that then get a demo of Norton 360 installed and let it rip any virus to shreds .
Use Trend Micro PC-Cillin to clean it up then download free trial NOD 32 they gives alot period of free trial