Got a daggum virus/malware on my laptop

steveinaz

Thanks TMI Hotel for the virus. Danggit. I think it's that "redirect malware/virus" thing. I keep getting bogus search results, and re directs on websights I've gone to for years. Ran SpyBot and Ad Aware---still doing it.

Willow

how about Malware or Superantispyware/ both free.

EndersShadow

Malwarebytes is another I use to clean. Hijackthis is another GREAT tool, but its not exactly user friendly, although there is a big following of folks that can help you look at you results and get rid of the bad stuff.

I also have Avast installed on my computer (the free version) in addition to Microsoft Security Essentials. Those two puppies keep my system clean in real-time good enough for my liking.

Gadabout

After you find it and get and get it removed you might try Norton Power Eraser: http://security.symantec.com/nbrt/npe.aspx

It's free and does a registry search and cleanup. Nice little standalone program that I carry on my thumb drive.

I got a virus last month. Zone Alarm caught it but didn't quite stop it from running.
- I got the computer shut off and into safe mode and did a restore point.
- Ran a Malwarebytes deep scan
- Zone Alarm deep scan and then finished it off with Norton Power Eraser.

I'll also pass on this article from Gizmo's
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/how-clean-infected-computer.htm

Hope that helps a bit,
Scott

steveinaz

I found a good youtube video that recommends Malwarebytes, CCleaner, and TDSS killer while in safemode. Hopefully that does it. I'll have to watch the vid on Bev's laptop, while I "doctor" mine. Effn hackers, I'd like to crush their fingers in a vise.

steveinaz

Thanks guys!

gimpod

Got a virus and the first thing you think of is to jump on CP and give it to the rest of us. :razz:

wayne3burk

some redirect viruses put a proxy server setting in your internet explorer setup thingy.... more sophisticated ones put the proxy server setting in your wireless router if you haven't changed the default password....

MajorGeeks is a very helpful website for virus/malware removal tips and tricks

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=230267

good luck

wayne3burk

duplicate post

bmbguy

BleepingComputer.com also has a very good virus/malware removal team, if it comes to that. Like MajorGeeks, these guys know of tools that don't get a lot of public attention -- trying to keep up with the bleeping attackers.

transmaster

I can vouch for Melwarebytes. If you have to load it from the internet in safe mode then restart to regular mode Malwarebytes will start before any other windows process.

read-alot

TDSSKiller may work. I had the same "rootkit" virus that eventually caused me to format my hard drive. One tip I can give you is do away with any passwords till you get it fixed. The virus will eventually change your current one and you wont be able to get in at all. It was a pain.

laotzu61

as has been mentioned, malwarebytes. you can also download the norton security suite for 90 days for free. just type it into search. it works like a charm!!

tonyb

gimpod wrote: »

Got a virus and the first thing you think of is to jump on CP and give it to the rest of us. :razz:

Yeah, kinda like the kid in high school who had the clap but kept sleeping around. So I guess Steve has the digital version of the clap ? :eek:

steveinaz

Got her FIXED. Repaired hosts.txt, downloaded and ran TDSSKIller, Malwarebytes, and CCleaner while in safe mode---virus gone. (Exit from Ad Aware/Spybot S&D before proceeding).

bmbguy

Glad you got it cleared up. It's because of things like that I do regular image backups of our machines. It's a hassle, but worth the peace of mind. You can always restore to a 'pre-infected' state if you have to. And it has saved our bacon once or twice...

falconcry72

Congrats on the fix.

FYI for anyone looking for a good, free anti-virus/spyware/malware program:

Avast! is awesome.

I've been using the free version on (3) different PC's for 4 or 5 years, and I haven't had a single virus or problem since.... and I download lots of stuff. It's lightweight, free, and very effective.

EndersShadow

Yup, I concur with Falcon. Been using it on my 2 home computer and installed it on about 5-7 personal machines I have worked on for folks in the office and havent got one of those machines back for virus's yet....

michael1947

My personal opinion: spybot is the virus/malware. I have run into it in the past and the fix is almost impossible. A friend with an on-line company recommended Kasperski, It's a Russian company and his rational was: they write most of the virus/mallware so they are in a better position to head it off before it strikes. It cost a little more than the rest but I'm on year 3 with no problems...just saying.

steveinaz

Kasperski makes TDSSKiller. I just used the free versions of the 3 software pkgs mentioned.

rromeo923

Avast free for me!

pitdogg2

michael1947 wrote: »

My personal opinion: A friend with an on-line company recommended Kasperski, It's a Russian company and his rational was: they write most of the virus/mallware so they are in a better position to head it off before it strikes. QUOTE]

Well I have seen where Kasperski is one heck of a ram hog and tends to slow PC down. So if you have less than 4-6gig ram it may be a problem.

Msabot1

Malware bytes, AVG,Panda Cloud, all will quarantine that crud that mucks up Windows before it gets into your op system,all are free but go to MAC,you won't have that prob.

goofyGAguy

rromeo923 wrote: »

Avast free for me!

+1000. Boot scan FTW.

steveinaz

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll try Avast.

Jimbo18

I started out with McAfee but it slowed down the PC badly. Went to Trend Micro and it speeded up quite a bit and I never had a problem with it but it was getting relatively expensive, considering there's so many good free programs available.

Now I am just using Microsoft Security Essentials and CCleaner and haven't had any trouble with those.