Help Computer Virus!

Hugh R · 07-19-2005, 05:13 PM

I'm running Windows ME and I think my kid picked up a virus. It runs really slow, and everytime I open IE, it goes to porn sites, I close them and it opens them again. Norton Antivirus can't find them, it also seems that it shut down and erased my system restore points. It also seems to have shut down my modem, and the computer is running really slow. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Hugh,

Sounds more like spyware than a virus. Try downloading, installing and running Spybot: Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware to clean it off.

If these don't get it, post back with more info and we'll give you some more things to try.

Randy

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Microsoft has an Anti-Spyware program that works pretty good, but unfortunately it doesn't run on Windows ME...only 2000, XP and 2003 Server.

Randy

Hugh R · 07:14 PM

Thanks Randy, I'll try it out.

Hugh R · 07-19-2005, 07:34 PM

Nope, didn't work. Did find one spyware file, which I removed, and restarted the computer, same problem.

artplumber · 07-19-2005, 08:17 PM

If you have NAV, maybe you can ask them what may have happened to your MSIE. It is possible that they have other solutions since they should be able to protect you against this type of stuff (assuming you're updated appropriately). The nuclear option is a real PITA.

Neilk · 07-19-2005, 09:15 PM

Download the latest updates to Spybot and Ad-aware. Reboot into Safe mode, usually F8 on restart, and run both programs. That might work. Otherwise, it gets really complicated.

While you are at it, check out this article.

EdT82SC · 07-19-2005, 09:46 PM

Many of these spyware/adware programs keep the anti-virus programs in the dark by intercepting any reads of the registry. They are able to do this by actually replacing part of the windows kernal. When this happens you cannot get rid of the virus using any program if you have booted off the hard drive. The only way to get rid of the virus is either:

1. wipe the disk, and reinstall windows
2. make a bootable windows CD, boot off it, and use Spybot S&D to clean up after that.

If you don't have anything important on the PC I would bite the bullet, and choose #1. I've done #2 for Windows XP, and was able to clean everything off but it was a lot of work.

Making a bootable windows CD is not real easy. Microsoft doesn't support it, but some resourceful people have figured out how to do it. I've never done it for windows ME, but I found a web page that describes how to do it:

bootable windows ME CD

Good luck, Hugh

HardDrive · 07-19-2005, 10:50 PM

All of the fixes above are valid. You may have a virus, but this sounds more like a spyware issue. A BHO, Browser Helper Object may be responsible. There is a free utility called BHO Demon that can be downloaded that may pick it up.

It is possible to clean up the box, but why bother?

For heavens sake get ride of ME. It is a legacy OS based on the 9x platform. Completely insecure. I DO HOPE you are not shopping online and using you credit card information using this computer. If you are, stop now.

If you are running at least a Pentium III 800Mhz, 512mb memory, erase the drive and install XP. Now you CAN do an upgrade install, but it is generally considered a poor idea since you are potentially bringing your problems along with you.

If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, call up Best Buy and have their Geek Squad crew take a look at it.

Regardless of what you do, back up all of your files before you do anything. If you have digital photos, make multiple back ups to insure that they are not lost. You can get an external USB drive enclosure, that is basically a hard drive connected to your computer using a USB cable. Another alternative is to simply burn the data onto DVDs (test the DVDS to make sure they work).

If you REALLY trusted one of your fellow pelicanites, and you have DSL or a cable modem, you could install a remote access program called VNC and we could take a look at the machine and attempt to clean it up.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 07-20-2005, 05:11 AM

Try Eset's nod32 for virus protection.

Spybot and Bazooka (www.kephyr.com) for SpyWare. Make sure you go to the correct sites. There are many copies that are nothing more than spyware enablers.

Do you have a firewall? NetPeeker (www.net-peeker.com) Works very well and has stopped all attacks my wife was receiving through the UT Online Campus Site (she is an MBA student on-line).

you can also try the following websites to download free programs to deal with attacks:

http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/tools.list.html

http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=vrt&cid=9446

RickM · RickM's Garage

Hugh, Is there any particular site it's going to? Any new application names on the tool bar? The name of the new app will give you a clue as to what to search for.

id10t · 07-20-2005, 05:37 AM

Or download a knoppix cd and make the kid use that to surf...

Hugh R · 07-20-2005, 11:45 AM

Hey Guys

Thanks alot! I'll look at it this evening when I get home, it may be time to upgrade to a new computer with XP. But I'll try some of this stuff first. Thanks again

id10t · 07-20-2005, 11:52 AM

Hugh - you don't need to spend the $$ on a new box. Just backup any files you've created (docs, pics, etc) and wipe the drive and install XP. Only cost is the copy of XP....

If you do decide to buy a new box, and aren't tied to Windows for a particular application, seriously consider a Mac. (I don't expect you to dive into using Linux). 99.9% of your spyware and virus worries will go away.

Hugh R · 07-21-2005, 05:57 PM

Hey Hard Drive, Thanks! BHO Demon did the trick. I'll think about upgrading to a new computer soon. Thanks everyone else who responded as well, Pelicanites are the best!

jyl · jyl's Garage

To save yourself from going through this again, consider a Mac for your next computer. Go to your local Apple Store and check out a iMac, or a Mac Mini for a tighter budget.

Work great. Easy to use. No viruses or spyware. Microsoft Office available. Virtual PC if you need to run Windows apps. I'm never going back.

I think the Apple Store will transfer over the files on your PC too (not positive about that).

Only thing you get shortchanged on is games.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 07-22-2005, 06:54 AM

Apple is a better machine!!!

That said, if you are stuck on windows then you could try and have a system built for you by Dell or Compaq. Order on the web and compare what they both offer.

Oh, I also highly recommend laptops if the kids aren't too young. The portability is great!!! The wife was out in the middle of our pasture last weekend working on the internet on her laptop. Finished a whole series of reports.