I think I have a virus, but how can i find out for sure?

Question

I have a Windows Vista Home Premium computer and Norton 360, and I'm 99 percent sure i have some sort of a virus because windows explorer says "not responding" a lot, my computer is really slow, i keep getting these warnings by the taskbar, and it says there's a java update (but i went to the java website and downloaded it and the thing that says "java update available" still pops up), and Norton used to say "Online storage used up, Please buy more online storage" or someting like that, and the little Norton thing had a red mark on it, but now it says there's nothing wrong. Is it possible that someone messed with my Norton thing so it says there's no virus? If so, how do i find out if i have a virus, and how do i delete it?

(P.S. I'm what some would call "technologically disabled" so it would be great if you could break down step-by-step how to get rid of the virus i think i have.)

Answer 1

ok first thing you must do is start your pc in safe mode (keep pressing F8 when pc is booting and choose safe mode) and run a FULL virus scan using an antivirus like AVG 8 or kaspersky for example.

if you find any viruses heal them or do the recommended action. then restart windows normally and see if the messages keep appearing. if they do, then all i can say is, backup all your important files and format your C drive and reinstall windows with your cd.

Answer 2

I believe the problem may be Norton 360 itself.



I have heard that Norton use a lot of computer resources and it is a resource hog.



Some people have switch to AVG / Avast / Avira.



You must see how much resources your PC have before you consider Norton 360.

Answer 3

I really don't use Norton.



The best you can do now is to have online scan.



Trend Micro™ HouseCall is an application for checking whether your computer has been infected by viruses, spyware, or other malware. HouseCall performs additional security checks to identify and fix vulnerabilities to prevent reinfection.



http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Answer 4

Hi,

If you click here on the link you can download for free Firefox http://bit.ly/1xTyQZI

Try it out

Hope it helps.

Answer 5

uninstall any security program you are using and install these free programs



1-Anti-virus



a-avira personal classic edition(free)



http://www.download.com/Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10322935.html?tag=lst-3&cdlPid=10831109



2-Anti-spyware



a-super antispyware free



http://www.download.com/SUPERAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html



b- a-squared free



http://www.download.com/A-squared-Free/3000-2239_4-10262215.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10832180



c-spyware terminator(free)



http://www.download.com/Spyware-Terminator/3000-8022_4-10468541.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10855161



3-firewall



a-comodo firewall pro(free) (after installing it go to firewall tab then stealth port wizard and set it to block all incoming conections)



note:this won't p2p propgrams(limewire,bitcomet and etc)



http://www.download.com/Comodo-Firewall-Pro/3000-10435_4-10460704.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10849947





4-browser



a-firefox 3.0



http://www.download.com/mozilla-firefox/?tag=lst-3&cdlPid=10854845



5-browser add-ons(firefox)



a-mcafee site advisor



http://www.download.com/McAfee-SiteAdvisor-for-Firefox/3000-11745_4-10493671.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10663377



b-Adblock Plus



https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1865







6-pc utilties



ccleaner:



http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10315544.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10837066



eusing free registrycleaner:



http://www.eusing.com/free_registry_cleaner/registry_cleaner.htm