PC Virus
 

Can viruses turn off Windows Defender and Avast?

Our PC has them turned off. Had to to do a Safe Mode start and uninstall Avast, trying to install it now. Defender may be starting up, tough to say, the computer is working glacially. Clicking on things is in the minutes range for getting a response.

Assuming I have a virus or something. Was surprised that both Defender and Avast were nullified.

Is there a good PC-fixit program?

If you can get it downloaded, Malwarebytes is probably the best fix-it program ..

+1

Haven't found anything better.

down load on another computer to a stick
and load from that to the infected unit

like Malwarebytes but if it fails
try hi-jack-this
Trend Micro HijackThis - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Yes.
To clean your machine you will need to do it in Safe Mode. It will take forever but otherwise the virus will kick right back in. As me how I know. :mad:

While you are trying the repairs I would suggest unplugging the network cable from the infected PC. If you are connected wireless then unplug the router or turn it off to prevent any unwanted programs coming back.

I would also suggest, once you start in safe mode, start the task manager to see what is running and using all the CPU time since generally when a PC runs slow something is using all the CPU power. Make sure you have the choice to show all users selected in case there is a login besides yours, system and possibly network. If there are any above 1 or 2 percent please post what they are.

Good point John. I guess I forget that most folks don't know how a virus can work. With that in mind, I've had to use an clean machine to download the software needed to clean the infected on. A jump drive is all you need to get the download onto the sick system.

For cleaning Window boxes I use a Live Linux Distribution on CD or USB with the latest malware/virus tools on it.

Problem with a lot of todays malware is they are designed so that as long as the OS boots, in pretty much any mode, they can defend against removal tools.

Kill Windows Viruses With An Ubuntu Live CD

Linux-based Anti-virus rescue CDs - and the alternatives!

yes, this is what's happening. I'm ready to buy another computer. This one the HD isn't so great.

What would you recommend for a box that only needs to run MSAccess and QuickBooks?

I downloaded and installed a clean version of Avast. It won't launch. Downloaded Malwarebytes, it won't install. Have wasted an entire day on this and still isn't close to done.

How hard is it to find a virus programmer? I don't need the one who made this virus. Any one will do.

Those Linux boot CD's look like a good tool to keep on hand but I'm noticing that the article was written in 2011. Is there anything more current?

Shaun: did you download from a different machine and attempt to install those things from Safe Mode?

Sure, just need to do a search.

But they'll still work since AV relies on latest definitions that will update on first run.

Yes, Joe I did, thanks.

Here's the net-net. I got everything newly backed-up to DropBox. It's amazing what 2 weeks can do...how much work there is in it, so I feel lucky. I have to look into an automated back-up scheme.

Ended up going to MicroCenter and getting a disposable PC. Wanted a nice one but they all had Windows 8 and the sales guys said not to get it. Got that set-up last night, it's been updating for the last 3 hours this morning, so should be ready to go by lunch time. Have Windows Essentials running, will download Malwarebytes when it's done.

Only fly in the ointment so far is it wouldn't recognize our Cisco USB wireless device, the PC has no idea what it is or how to install it. Downloaded the drivers but they just sit in the Downloads folder. Will figure it out, ethernet cable doing the job now.

For the future, you can do a repair install in Win7 that will do a system restore to a prior time that will allow you to boot in safe mode to remove the virus.

Thanks Brent, that is very good to know.

I'm using FF w/ Ghostery and NoScript for privacy and security.
I think there are loopholes as Pelican recognizes my id when reopening a page. Probably static IP.

I use Malwarebytes, but its been a bit buggy and intrusive at times.
No problems so far that I'm aware of.

I also use CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download for maintenance, which also has a registry cleanup feature.
There are probably better dedicated programs out there.

I stopped using MS Security Essentials because it no longer supports Win XP.
Win7 was a step backwards from WinXP.
Win8 was made for 8 year olds not business.