slow pc/spyware?

Question

I would like some assistance on my pc that seems as if every second that goes by it goes SLOWER and SLOWER and I know pcs Their is not that much stuff on this pc to make it go slow I DO have Norton internet security but the pc went faster before i scrubbed it which had Norton on top of over 100 games I believe I either have some serious viruses or spy ware Id like a scan that actually picks this up and don't require eight hours of making and account. I believe My cousin used this pc for porno the last time he visited as well.

Answer 1

The porn would do it. download Firefox if you're not already using it http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/. Then download Blocksite which is a Firefox add-on that can, as it's name suggests, block websites https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3145 .



And I suggest that you stay away from online anti-spy scans. As it is not hard for a cracker to hack it, and insert some malicious code into the program which after scanning will give you even more virus's. (That's how my computer got infected once, and after that I have been advising people to stay away from them).



I have not had Norton for 2-3 years. As I feel that it is bloatware (and many other's feel the same). The reason I say this is because Norton wasn't catching things that Ad-Aware was, and on top of that you have to pay for Norton.



If you want very good protection. I would recommend that you purchase Kaspersky http://www.kaspersky.com/. (From a store like Future Shop, or Staples. So you have the physical copy of the program). From what I have heard about it. It seems to be one of the best protection programs out there.



Here's some free Anti-virus programs, that I use myself, they are very effective.



1 Ad-Aware 2008, Much more effective than previous versions and faster, does not suck up system resources like the previous versions, also there various skins to suit your preferences.

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2008/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?hhTest=1



2 Spybot - Search & Destroy, its a little out of date but it works.

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html?hhTest=1



3 SpywareBlaster, blocks potentially damaging applications and programs from running.

http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/3000-8022_4-10196637.html?hhTest=1



4 Simple File Shredder, it isn't an anti spy, but it shreds unnecessary files including cookies and it speeds up system performance.

http://www.download.com/Simple-File-Shredder/3000-2092_4-10301332.html?hhTest=1



5 MRU-Blaster, detects and cleans MRU (most recently used) lists on your computer. By looking at these MRU lists, someone could determine what files you opened/saved/looked at, what their file names were, and much more! (And, in many cases, the lists are displayed in drop-down menus automatically.) (From website.)

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/mrublaster.html



I personally don't like AVG, it screwed up my computer after I Un-Installed it, and avast didn't work for me.



Hope this help's

Answer 2

There are MANY reasons for computer slow downs:



a] not enough memory

b] too many programs starting up with windows at boot up time

c] spyware

d] too many junk files

e] too many restore points



Routine maintenance the will definitely help restore your PC's speed to what it could/should be...

1. Increase your Virtual Memory, then

2. Download and run PageDefrg (free tool from Microsoft).

3. Run MSCONFIG and deactivate any startup programs that you DON'T want/need to run at boot time

4. Uninstall any unwanted programs

5. Ensure that you have more than 500 MB's of free space on your C: drive. (if not, it's not IF your PC will crash...it's WHEN your PC crashes). If not, move your Music/Videos offline to DVD's or CD's.

6. Purge all temp folders and internet temp files

7. Run defrag again after all the cleanup you just did.

8.install Registry cleaner and run daily

Use the tool: <>http://downloadlk.net/themosteffectiveregistrycleaner.htm [if you do not have one]

9. install Antispyware and run daily

<>http://toptenantispyware.com [if you do not have one]



Learn more about "Why Is My Computer Running so Slow?" and "How to Speed it UP":

<>http://downloadlk.net/WhyIsMyComputerSlow.htm

Answer 3

AVG or Avast for free anti-virus software now to deal with Spyware below are some of the free options Lavasoft Ad-Aware Spybot - Search & Destroy Windows Defender SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition SpywareBlaster

Answer 4

There are several primary reasons could cause your computer to be slow and also some softwares you can download to speed up it.

First,Corruption and Errors within your registry.The registry is a main part of your computer's Operating System. With time, as you use Windows and install and uninstall programs, your registry will get congested and full of errors. So your computer could slow down. So, if you can clean it up this problem can be solved.Sometimes you can speed computer up by 300%. To clean up registry,You can download a software called regsitry cleaner---Clean registry,remnant,corrupt files and temp files,history,cookies,etc.. This site:

http://www.make-pc-fast.com

lists top 5 registry cleaner,you can download and scan for free.

Second,Your computer is loaded with spyware/adware.spyware/adware hamper your computer's performance.It use system resources and slow your computer down.



So, to speed up your slow computer, use a registry cleaner software and clean your registry files first. It will make all the difference, and provide you with the immediate fix you need for your slow computer.Then,download a good anti-spyware to get rid of spyware/adware in your computer.

Answer 5

start your computer in safe mode with networking by tapping the F8 key while the computer is booting up...once you see safe mode in all four corners,download the free home version of avast anti virus from www.avast.com and run a boot time scan which is part of the set up....make sure you uninstall anything like norton or mcaffee before you download avast.....after you reboot download the free home version of super anti spyware from www.superantispyware.com and run a full scan with it as well...these two programs play nice together and you'll be amazed with the results..cheers

Answer 6

www.us-webs.com You will find every thing you need. Click downloads in the header and you will find all the antivirus, spyware, and regcleaners you will need. AVG 7.5 works well but it does take some time.

Answer 7

FINALLYFAST.COM!!! (sux) try CCleaner.

If you do CCleaner, go to the options tab, and make it so that it runs 35 passes. IT REALLY REALLY WORKS!! it takes awhile but it works. then after the first tab, go to the Issues (2nd) tab and scan for issues, and fix 'em ALL!!

Answer 8

I think you should have your PC online scanned for viruses. try googling for online scanners.



also try figuring out some ill named processes in Task Manager.

Answer 9

Check http://www.pc-optimizer-pro.com

With pc optimizer pro you can safely clean, repair and optimize your computer.

It will help improve your system performance without expensive hardware upgrades.

Answer 10

see if any of this helps



TOTAL CLEANUP



1:click tools on the menu bar

2:click internet options

3:click delete files and also tick mark clear all offline contents

4:delete cookies

5:clear history

6:click settings

7:click view files

8:delete the contents if available



be aware the most software will have 2 file names,others more. you need to get ALL the file names so that you can insure a COMPLETE removal [ norton-symantic--avast-alwil,ect ]



ok,the above is a partial answer. some software [ Norton,McAffie,AOL,ect ] leave bits and pieces all over the place. in both temp file folders [ what ! no one told you there are TWO ??? ],prefetch and even the registry.

start,my computer,disk drive (c),temp--open,click view,click select all,delete

BACK out and continue down to prefetch folder

open,click view,click select all,delete

let's check that cookie folder,ok,start,my computer,disk drive (c),documents & settings,your username,cookies

open,click view,click select all,delete

this next procedure is akin to BRAIN SURGERY SO PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!

PRESS WINDOWS KEY [ 4 PART FLAG ] + LETTER r ON KEYBOARD [ OR START--RUN ],ENTER

REGEDIT

GO

HKEY SURGERY



DANGER,DANGER,DANGER !

BACK UP REGISTTRY BEFORE ATTEMPTING DELETION/CHANGES



hkey_classes_root

subkeys:

run down the entire [ longgggg ] list for program key to delete



hkey_current_user

subkeys:

software

run down the entire [ longgggg ] list for program key to delete



hkey_local_machine

subkeys:

software

run down the entire [ longgggg ] list for program key to delete



hkey_users

subkeys:

default & 6 other S keys

run down the entire [ longgggg ] list for program key to delete



I'd also suggest you install Ccleaner & Registry Seeker [ google for these ] and run both those. both have program uninstall sections,check them to insure complete removal of offending programs.



MY SECURITY



Windows Defender

Windows Firewall

Avast anti virus

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html



Spyware Blaster anti spyware

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html



Spybot anti spyware

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html



Firefox 3.0 web browser

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-rc.html



Firefox Security Extentions:



Dr Web link checker

This plugin allows you to check any file you are about to download, any page you are about to visit with online version of Dr.Web anti-virus!

New menu item "Scan with Dr.Web" will appear on hyperlink context menu.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addons/versions/938



Finjan multi blocker

Finjan SecureBrowsing alerts you when any malicious content in a webpage

that proactively alerts when you encounter a potential malicious content hiding behind links of search results, ads and other selected web pages.

is a free service that proactively alerts you to potential malicious content hiding behind links of search results, ads and other selected web pages. Finjan SecureBrowsing accesses each of the URLs in its current form on the web, and scans the relevant pages in real time using Finjan's patented behavior-based technology. Finjan SecureBrowsing then displays a safety rating next to each link it has scanned.

is a security extension for your browser that scans and classifies web addresses to provide you with safety rating of URLs before you visit them. Proactively alerting you to potentially malicious web addresses in links of search results, ads and other selected web pages, SecureBrowsing protects you from webpages that could be used to compromise your privacy and identity.



in searches [ google,yahoo,ect ] there will be green [ safe ],yellow [ caution ] and RED [ DANGER ] icons on each link

PAY ATTENTION HERE TO THOSE RED [ DANGER ] ICONS !



https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addons/versions/4892



Blocksite website Blocker

* Privacy & Security



BlockSite is an extension, which automagically blocks websites

of your choice. Additionally, this extension will disable all

hyperlinks to these websites, by just displaying the link text

without the clicking functionality.

This extension should by no means be used for parental control

or access control purposes, just because it isn't secure and

can easily be disabled or even removed.

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3145





Remove It Permanently

\Permanently hide content from web pages using the Context Menu.

Simply, click and "Remove it Permanently".

Now includes previewing of items before removal



I have found that MOST of my security problems were coming from sites like Washington Times,Salon,USA Today,ect.

they all have [ drive by ] flash ads that leave a pop UNDER when you leave the site.

R.I.P. when R.I.P. option remove from this domaim is used,those flash ads no longer are loaded.

you get a bar at the top of the page saying parts of the website were not loaded.

just click away and not worry about those flash tracking cookies anymore



https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/downloads/file/2546/remove_it_permanently-1.0.6.3-fx.xpi





Suggested Internet Options Security Settings:

control panel

internet options:



Advanced tab:



all unsafe/unsigned ActiveX disabled

unsafe authenticode disabled

Scriptlets disabled

File Prompting disabled

Access Across Domains disabled

Scripting Internet Explorer disabled

No Addressbar or status bar disabled

Launch Unsafe Applications/Files disable

Software Permissions high safety

Allow Statusbar update By Script disabled

Allow Websites Prompt for Info Using Scripts disabled



Privacy Tab:

advanced

override

allow 1st party cookies

3rd party [ spy/malware/tracking ] cookies BLOCKED



Firefox Options Security



Content:

check block pop ups

should pop ups get through [ and they will ],get the url and enter that in the load images section and choose block



Privacy:

Cookies:

put that same url into accept cookies and choose block





ZEDO POP UP TRACKING COOKIES



What are Powered by Zedo and URL.CPVFEED.COM Popups?

I consider myself a pretty good spyware removal expert, but I ALMOST was stumped the other day when a customer's computer was infected with these strange "Powered by Zedo" ad popups. They would popup in the middle of the screen without warning usually when I was trying to search Google or another search engine. Then they would take my search term and put it in the popup ad showing Ebay or a few other sites.



The javascript that was producing the popups had several ad networks that it was using including



http://c1.zedo.com

http://c5.zedo.com

http://d13.zedo.com

http://xads.zedo.com

http://upspiral.com

http://searchlocal.ws

http://aavalue.com

http://url.cpvfeed.com

http://zedo.biz

http://zedo.com

http://www.zedo.com

http://www.zedo.biz





How to Remove Core.sys



Follow the instructions below to remove core.sys and core.cache.dsk and rid your computer of the "Powered by Zedo" and other ads.



1) Boot into Safe Mode

2) Click on Start, Search, and choose All Files and Folders

3) In the all or part of file name box, type the following



core.sys



4) In the Look In box, choose local hard drives and click Search

5) When core.sys is found in the c:\windows\system32\drivers directory, right-click on it and choose Delete

6) Repeat steps 2-5 for the file core.cache.dsk

7) Close the Search box

8) Click on Start, Run and type REGEDIT and press Enter

9) Click on the Plus sign (+) next to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

10) Click the plus next to SYSTEM

11) Click the plus next to CurrentControlSet

12) Click the plus next to Services

13) Find the folder called CORE and right-click on it and choose Delete



*** WARNING *** If the folder CORE does not exist, dont do anything



14) Close the Registry Editor by clicking on the X in the right-hand corner of the window



15) Reboot your computer in Normal mode

16) Once the computer is rebooted, open your web browser and go to Kaspersky Online Scanner by clicking on the link below.



http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner



17) Scan your computer and delete any other files flagged as problems.



Your computer should now be free of these vicious popups.



BLOCKING ZEDO



FIREFOX:



tools

options

content

load images automatically

exceptions

enter the above addresses

choose block



PRIVACY:

COOKIES

EXCEPTIONS:

enter addresses above

select block



click show cookies and delete same and any cookie that begings with ad.



BLOCKSITE EXTENSION:



HIGHLY reccomend you add this extension and enter the above sites to be blocked

adds another level of security to your computer



I.E.:

tools

options

content

content advisor

enable

approved sites



enter addresses and choose NEVER



XP:



start

all programs

administrative tools

services



all services are listed in alphabetical order



find,right click:



Alerter

Messenger [ NOT related to instant messeger or MSN messenger ]



select properties

from drop down menu,select disable



Vista:

MS woke up and covered this gaping back door invasion.