Is this a computer virus?

Question

Ok, so I'm not really a computer expert, but I feel as though my laptop has an underlying problem.

Recently, it contracted a virus known as rambnit.b. I was recommended various anti-virus software, which seemed to work. It apparently removed all trojans, spyware etc. But ever since, it hasn't been running in the same way.

My anti-virus software, Microsoft Security Essentials, isn't able to update.
Sometimes when I used Google in Mozilla Firefox, I am redirected to some random spam page.
Just a few minutes ago I was sent to a fake anti-virus software website.
My sound randomly disappeared for one evening and returned the next.

I really don't know what's going on. Is it even worth attempting to get rid of - if it is a virus - or should I consider throwing my laptop away? :(

Answer 1

Is this your Toshiba?

If so I would try a restore to factory settings.

Don`t throw your laptop away just because of virus problems, they`re always solvable.

If you`ve any personal files you need to save, copy them to external or cd/dvd first.





1) Hold down the power button for 10 (ten) seconds to switch off your machine.



2) Press and hold the 0 (zero) key and at the same time, tap the power button once to switch on your notebook.



3) When the machine Starts beeping; release the 0 key.



4) When prompted by the warning screen; select Yes to continue with the system recovery.



5) Select Recovery of Factory Default Software; click Next.



6) Select Recover to out-of-box state click Next again.



7) Click Next to Start recovery.



EDIT.

If you`re going to try this, make sure your laptop is plugged into the mains.

Answer 2

You can download ccleaner for free here: http://bit.ly/1Bk5V5C



First open CCleaner

Go to the Cleaner tab and you will be confronted by a very confusing lineup of checkboxes.

To make this brief, below is my recommended setup:

Under internet explorer check temporary internet files, cookies, and last download location. Most users don't really need this stuff. keep history and bookmarks unchecked, history is a maybe, but you don't want to lose bookmarked sites. You can normally leave Windows Explorer, System, and Advanced alone.

Run CCleaner and it will start deleting files.

afterward it will present you with a list of the files deleted, you really don't need to go through it as it will be several pages long.

The registry cleaner is recommended for slightly more advanced users. Use it after uninstalling programs as they will often leave behind incorrect registry entries.

If you decide to run Registry cleaner then review the items detected and always back up the registry (I keep a folder aside for this)

The Tools tab lets you uninstall programs and set startup programs. Why do you need this if Windows has all of these features? Especially with Vista Home Ed. The windows defender software explorer( startup programs) doesn't pick up some entries (however software explorer is easier to use).

Using CCleaner to uninstall programs and then check for leftover registry entries takes less time.

Under Options you can determine how CCleaner cleans your files. I leave this alone.

Answer 3

You definitely still have a virus. The combination of symptoms you describe could realistically only be caused by a virus.



Were you recommended the anti-virus software by people you know, or by the computer itself? If the computer recommended it, then you have been caught out by a fake antivirus scam.



Definitely don't throw the computer away. The worst case scenario is that you will have to wipe it clean and re-install the operating system from scratch, but that's not always necessary. The physical hardware will be perfectly fine.

Answer 4

You definitely have a virus. Unfortunately, quite a nasty one. The virus infects exe files and corrupt programs and system files.

If this is active, I am surprrised you are not suffering much worse problems.Also this virus tries to take remote control over the pc , usually to a hacker.An active Ramnit virus will show hundreds of infected files.

I would strongly advise you to visit a professional anti malware forum

There is absolutely no need to throw it away.Worse case senario, is you may need to re-install windows.



Here is an excellent trusted forum http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/forum/37-virus-spyware-malware-removal/

Answer 5

Do this, it should tell you if you are clean

System restore doesn't usually remove all bugs

you may not have to erase everything, its worth a shot

this is safe, free and easy



Reboot

tap the F8 key until you get to the safe mode options

go into safe mode with networking

be patient, its slow

open internet explorer, go to tools, internet settings, connections, LAN settings and make sure use proxy server is UNCHECKED, save and exit

Do this: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-tdss-tdl3-alureon-rootkit-using-tdsskiller

scroll halfway down the page and follow the automated removal instructions



download rkill and run it

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill



download install update malwarebytes free

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

let it run a scan

see if the report says it cleaned everything



Run your antivirus and let it do a scan



restart back to normal mode

If these scans say you are clean, 99% chance you are clean

hope this helps



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Answer 6

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Answer 7

If you have a car and it needs an oil change and tune-up; are you going to scrap the car or invest in an oil change and tune-up or scrap the car?



Check this Microsoft link:



http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/support.aspx?mkt=en-ca&s=1#mainNav





Purchase a legitimate Anti-virus program and keep it updated.



Kasperby, Norton, McAfee, Webroot, Bit Defender, etc.

Answer 8

Use System Restore (which will be running) and roll back your system to the date before all this happened. Problem solved.