Could someone possibly give me an idea of what virus this could be?

Question

My computer takes 5 minutes to load its' taskbar, and another 10 to load all the icons on the system tray. Meanwhile I cannot run any programs or press the start button.
Quite frequently, my MSN (actually I'm using Pidgin at the moment) decides to disconnect and not connect until I restart, and at the same time as this, my internet browser (Firefox) doesn't wish to load any webpage except my homepage; It won't let me Google something through my taskbar, or use my Bookmarks, or even click links.
And also, my computer is relatively slow.
I am running Spyware Terminator, Spybot Search-and-Destroy and AVG to try and catch the viruses in the act.

I don't want this turning into a debate on program choices, neither do I want answers saying 'its a virus', 'its a spyware'... I'd like links and information to specific ones if possible please.

Thankyou,
Bex x

Answer 1

I didn't see anything in your question to lead me to believe that you are infected. First you have three security programs that all run in real time. That not only can slow down your computer but can give you other issues. Spyware Terminator can slow down a computer, you don't need 3 programs doing the same thing at the same time. Next over time, as you add more programs you have to many programs loading on startup. You need to turn some of them off. You need a start up manager, if you turn off programs from running at start up. They will still work you just have to click on them to open them. I'm giving you a link to a very good tune up program that also has a start up manager. Make sure when you install and it gives you an option to create a restore point that you do it. Also Get Malwarebytes Anti-Malware from download.com. After tuning up your computer install, update and do a full scan. This should give you an idea of how good your current protection is.

http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-SystemCare-Free/3000-2086_4-10407614.html

Answer 2

running a program called Combofix may help a computer in your state. Also, sometimes (depending on infection) you may need to run Malwarebytes a second or third time before it removes ALL of the infection Good Luck, Xmetalfanx

Answer 3

Follow the instruction on the link below, its step by step howto using free tools to clean your computer of virus and spyware

very very effective guranteed!



10 easy steps virus and spyware removal using free tools

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