Computer Virus (need help)?

Question

my computer has been infected. whenever i try to open orkut, an error message box is opened which reads," do not open orkut since it is restricted. -Sam" and the web browser window is closed automatically. if a try to open mozilla, sam says " try something better like ie or opera" and mozilla gets closed. i even tried to recognize the application responsible by opening task manager and process explorer,but again, sam closes them and says, whats wrong with the processes.

i have tried scanning by avast and trend micro, but it did not help. have even formatted the computer, (i use xp, sp-3) but the problem still persists.

i desperately need some help.
please....

Answer 1

It may not be a virus but a spy ware. You don't need to reformat to remove a spy ware. Reformat should leave to last resort, when your PC cannot start up anymore.



Try to run a scan with spybot software.

If it cannot detect.



Run Hijackthis to see what is the suspicious programs running on your PC. Use HiJackthis to remove it.

Answer 2

It sounds like you're trying to do this at work, or on a network which isnt at your home, in which case the websites seem to be restricted and the domain admin has limited access to the programs you arent supposed to use. Since mozilla is commonly used to get around sites that are blocked with a little plugin called TOR, I'm guessing mozilla.exe is blocked all together. You're most likely joined to a domain and sam is the name of the domain admin. Goodluck.

Answer 3

Well reloading your OS doesn't even touch your MBR and most rootkits hide in the MBR of your hard disk. To rule out a rootkit download a cleaner. For more on rootkits go here:

http://www.hollandcomputerrepair.com/computerforum/showthread.php?t=6721

Answer 4

Follow the instruction on the link below to clean your computer



10 easy step virus and spyware removal using free software

http://www.review-ninja.com/2008/08/10-easy-step-virus-and-spyware-removal.html

Answer 5

By "Sam", do you mean Microsoft Sam?