Could I have a virus??

Question

So here's what has been going on:

I bought a Dell comp. (Optiplex gx260). Seller on Ebay guaranteed a fresh Windows XP with COA and worked fine when I first got it. I'm thinking I could have gotten a virus before I installed an anti-virus software (which I put off for about a day an a half). I only went to a couple of trusted sites but I don't know if that helps in not getting a bug.

Anyway about 4 or 5 days ago I installed Nortons 360 security package and noticed that my comp. started acting funny. Some sites I go to I click the links and nothing happens. Other sites are fine. Sometimes my browser Firefox will have a pop-up window that says "encountered an error. Will have to close". Same with IE. Very slow acting .

And also something strange: When I click on Internet Options...I notice that my cookie level is set at "accept all cookies"..I'll change it back to "medium high", and then 2 minutes later. it's back to "accept all". Very strange. PLZ HELP!!

Answer 1

OK, that sounds like adware. Install free Microsoft Windows Defender (not too great for spyware but it's pretty good at preventing bugs from changing cookie level, homepage settings, and programs accessing the Internet it will always ASK you) and then go here http://onecare.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm and do the FULL SCAN. It takes a LONG time, be patient. it will also check and fix registry items, useless files, do a port scan and other nice stuff. It if advices defrag, say yes. It's a Microsoft site, obviously 100% safe. At the end DO NOT accept to download or "protect" with the full OneCare thing. Just do the online scan once in a while.



Also, FF popup blocker lets some windows slip by. Install the google toolbar for FF, it helps. If you use IE7, install the new Google toolbar (beta) it's really good, AND the Yahoo toolbar (it's got a totally new Antispy scanner). With this combination NO popups will get through IE7. Guaranteed 100%.



Hope this helps!! ☼



Oh, yes, McAfee is not too great either, try free and legal AVAST http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html (must uninstall McAfee AND reboot before installing Avast)

Answer 2

If I were you I would re-do it all.

Take off all the programs and reinstall them.. When you buy a computer online from a second party this is the first thing you MUST do.

Otherwise it isn't yours 100%.

Especially when you don't know if that person was the only one who used it and didn't download any viruses..... One can never be too safe?

If you don't want to do this then do a System Restore.. In otherwards, go back in time when the computer was working at its best if this is even possible.

Why did they sell it? Really? I am always carrying a ? when a newer computer is being sold by a private party.. ......

After this,be sure to set everything that has to do with security at a level where you can trust in and out going mail.. Scammers have been coming up with ways to hack into your private life with just an email...Just by opening an email leaves you a bit vulnerable and I have heard it is the easiest way to get into your files... Accepting forwards isn't safe either.

The best thing to do is to "ONLY "allow what you yourself would send.....

Answer 3

While it doesn't seem like you have a virus from what you say is happening. What is seems to me is you might have a RAM (memory) problem or you have too many little programs you don't know about running. Some programs could be auto started at the beginning of your power on and you wouldn't know it.

What I would do is... (1) Make sure it's not a bunch of spy-ware or ad-ware on your computer. Here are two programs that are real good, if you have not used them already

(a) 'ad-aware' by Lavasoft just go to http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

and see is that helps

(b) go to download.com and serach for 'spybot-serach & destroy' and grab that



(2) Try this even if you have scanned with those two programs. Just sitting at the desktop, hold control+alt & press 'delete' (not backspace) and then let go. a menu should pop up, go to 'task manager' in this menu you can see what processes and programs are running. if you see ones you do not like/want, you can end them in here.

(3) Check how much RAM you computer has. you have Win Xp so you can go to 'start menu'>settings'>'control panel'>'system'. Here you can see on the 'general' tab how much memory you have. I would say if you have less than 1GB you might want to get more.



but thats just me.

hope this helps

Answer 4

Due to the origin and history of your system I would highly recommend a clean install after a FULL Format. By that I mean a hard format of the entire disk, NOT a quick format.



If you did not get the original install disk from the seller than contact them and demand it. Since it is a Dell the disk should be a OEM copy from Dell.



I see no other choice.



It is only hard the first time, ( seriously ) and it will clear up all the problems and make your system run like new.



If you want instructions, their are multiple sources on the web.



Good Luck

Richard

Answer 5

As another user has written.. given the highly suspect origin of the computer you should consider performing a complete reformat and reinstall of windows.. running windows updates and upgrading the browser to IE7

I would skip the firefox bs it is not a safer browser it is merely more crap on your computer.



I would then figure out which solution you want to use McAfee total protection or Norton 360 ... whichever one you've paid for would probably be the best bet. Then you need to install it and get it completely configured properly and up to date.

I personally like mcafee but its a personal choice.



Do these steps before you go to other sites and setup other accounts. Whatever you do .. do NOT listen to this idiot who is telling you to go to a link that will surely infect your computer.



Good Luck

Answer 6

You definately have malware, it doesn't have to be a virus, it is most likely adware or spyware.



Try the 30 day trial of Nod32, it provides MUCH better protection than McAfee.



Here is the site:

http://www.eset.com/download/index.php



If that didn't find any thing, try the free version of Spyware Doctor in the Google Pack, you only need to install that, the other stuff are optional...

Here is the site:

http://pack.google.com/



Also try the Trend Micro Online Scan (Housecall



Here is the link:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/



Add Details if it didn't work.

Answer 7

Try deleting cookies and internet files first,

It could be Nortons causing the trouble as it all started when you put Nortons on, I had to shut off my firewall as nortons also have their own and so they clashed try either shutting nortons firewall off or the one on the computer. If all else fails do what finger 22 suggests.

Oh there is something else If you had a virus and you have managed to run a Nortons scan it would have picked it up..Good Luck

Answer 8

If you're just starting off with the computer and have yet to save anything substantial to it, you might as well wipe the drive and start fresh.



You could have had a bad install, it could be spyware causing this, who knows.



The safest thing would be to do the reformat yourself, so that you know 100% it's been erased and reinstalled.

Answer 9

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is a free anti-virus protection tool developed by GRISOFT for home use. Get it here > http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?d



Ad-Aware 2007 Free continues the Lavasoft tradition and spirit by providing a no-strings-attached, full powered free anti-spyware product that is safe, thorough, and easy to use.: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?d...



SpyBot-S&D searches your hard drive for so-called spy- or adbots; little modules that are responsible for the ads many programs display: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?d...



Download run all these aps > Reboot > No more problems!

Answer 10

This has happened to me too, i went to google, looked up "Internet explorer 7" and downloaded it, then immediately delete Firefox.



if not:



RETURN IT



Good luck!

Answer 11

probably call geek squad or it could b that your comp is crappy but its most likely a virus

Answer 12

you might...........!!!