Question:
I have virus protector so how do I have a computer virus?
LittleMermaid
2006-09-25 19:42:36 UTC
When I logged on tonight, I had a screen come up that said that 81 viruses had been detected in my computer. It gave me a list from the least threat to the most threat. The little yellow triangle at the bottom of the screen has been flashing tonight, saying that my computer is infected with a back door Trojan. I have only had this computer for about 3 months, and I have had Norton basic virus protection since then. I have been getting a popup from Norton for the last 30 days warning me that my anti virus was going to expire by October 4 and asking me if I want to renew now or later. I finally today chose the renew now button and am currently downloading the new 2007 edition, but what I am confused about is: Do I have a virus, since I keep getting this balloon coming up at the bottom of my screen? and Why didn't the Norton basic virus protector take care of that? Please offer any advice you can.
Twelve answers:
Doc
2006-09-25 19:53:25 UTC
once your scanner is out of date, your odds of getting a virus go way up. Especially if you surf dangerous web sites.

Updating your scanner won't work at this point because the virus has the upper hand, and won't let it happen.

You need to boot from a clean disk and then go after the infected disk with the latest scanner update. It is too complicated to explain the details here..
Oicu812/Gelf
2006-09-25 20:03:03 UTC
I used norton for 1 year and contracted more virus's than I ever wanted to. Just because you have a virus protection does not mean you will not get a virus. That back door trojan is more than likely a result of the Internet explorer virus outbreak that has been taking people by storm over the last week now. Do you use IE as your internet browser? IF you do then this is where you picked up your 81 virus's. Norton will not get rid of these I can assure you. Norton is a huge resorce hog on computers also. Personaly I just don't like Norton or McAfee. They get more virus's than any of the other Virus blockers I know of. My suggestion is that you switch to useing Mozzila firefox for your web browser untill microsoft puts out the patch for windows internet explorer. They are schedualed to release this update on Oct.10th. I will leave you alink so that you can read about this vulnerability.

I hate to suggest this but personaly I would wipe your computer clean by reformat. you can get insturctions for doing this yourself on line. Google "how to reformate windows XP" and you will get many good articals explaining how. There is one with step by step pictures of what you will see on your screen as your doing it also. Once your computer is in fact clean I would look into one of the less popular virus blockers. In fact there is a great free one called AVG. Google AVG and you'll find it. This has worked far better for me than Paying for Norton ever did. I am sorry you just bought it. Anyway to get your money back and get something else?

Also if reformating isn't an option for you then I suggest downloading Ewido. That is a german program that will ride you of your virus and trojans for the most part. It is not a virus protector but rather a removal tool. It will pick up alot of stuff, mostly adware and Malware but also those trojans that are causeing you greif. Do not download the pro version of this program and look at it when you install it and do not let it run in "real time" disable that if its an option. Do not take the "Free trail" either only download the free version of "Ewido" you can find this program at http://www.ewido.net

Good luck
TuyoMio.com
2006-09-25 19:55:29 UTC
1/ If the scree you saw did not explicitily came from your antivirus program... there you have an ugly but legal way to try to have you do something in your computer or buy some stuff.. Only trust your different antivirus tools.



2/ Did you ever did any updating of the virus firms and database_? Thats something you shoud do almost dayly.. most antivirus progamms do it automatically if you choose that option.



This is a need because hundreds of viruses and trojans appear EACH DAY on the net.



3/ If you coud not remove it with an outdated antivirus, pleae let me recommend you 2 things.



+ Visit antivirus.com, in the search space, write housecall, then let the aplication be downloaded and run in your machine, it may take a couple hours, but is worth the time. There are also another programs that do online testing of your machine, try to use yahoo.com or google to find them.. just write ONLINE VIRUS...



+ Before your antivirus limit is reached, decide if you want to pay for the one you have, if not... just go to paces like avast.com and download a free home version.. that will do.



+ Most antivirus are good but no great at trojans, so try to add one, this is a matter of taste and understanding, so just go and visit this link:



http://www.anti-trojan-software-reviews.com/



Nice Day
Trixie D
2006-09-25 20:10:54 UTC
For over 6 years, I have been advised by IT professionals to use AVG Free. In those six years I have only gotten four viruses (none of then were debilitating.) I HIGHLY trust and recommend AVG Free.



Now, the truth: NO anti-virus software can stop / kill ALL the viruses impossed on your computer. Each software company views these pieces of code differently - some see one as a virus where the other sees it as something to watch for. Name brand viruses (usually) get equal attention across the board.



Though Norton is a big name in anti-virus software (and one to be trusted) I didn't like the pay-to-play feature. AVG -- made by Grisoft.com -- is free to use, customizable schedule and is updated 4-6 days a week. I have mine update every night and scan my computer imediately. I can scan any media that inserts into my computer, even compressed files. It has an email scanner (which I think is for Outlook-type email programs) and a very user-friendly help guide.



I use this in conjunction with Spybot (to keep the spyware and adware at bay) and a hardware firewall to keep my distance.



Many people I know also like ZoneAlarm for its all-in-one package. I have never used it, but it gets high ratings in the magazines (for whatever that's worth.)



A more expensive addition to the virus fight is the new lineup of AMD processors that have a built-in anti-virus feature. Keeps an eye on processes and looks for uncontrolled actions that start from within (or something like that.)



Again, viruses are going to happen. You just have to stack up your defenses.



Do you have a virus? Well, after the Norton is done updating, restart your compy and scan it for viruses. Try and kill the bad ones. if Norton can't kill them you might want to break out the recovery disc and reformat your harddrive to start over from scratch. Reformatting your drive is the sure way to get rid of all the bad juju. Sucks, but until they find something better...



OH, and I HIGHLY recommend you get off of Internet Explorer and onto Firefox!!! Way better, period.



**UPDATE: That Ewido program recommended above WORKS!! Just tried it out, plus it's compatable with AVG! (Better be, since it's a Grisoft company.) Cool.
2006-09-25 20:01:51 UTC
Make sure to watch out if it is an IE box, and not your anti-virus, this happens alot in the sale of illegal products.



Technically your computer isn't protected against Trojans because of anti virus, YES anti virus can sometimes remove Trojans but it doesn't necessarily stop them. They are built to protect against virus's not Trojans (this is why we have firewalls,) Trojans are generally pieces of malicious software that attack your computer from a different perspective then Virus's which destroy your computer. The key goal of Anti-Virus is to search for suspicious programs and virus's which it does using a general wild key library. It can stop and remove virus's instantly however, some Trojans (which come and go so fast) require an actual computer update or perhaps even special software to remove them. Your anti-virus might be able to remove it but it can really stop it. I would recommend getting a better firewall, and if your anti-virus found it, it did its job correctly, the most you can do from there is what your anti-virus program recommends. Your virus-protection does come equipped with the basic of Trojan removal which is Spy-ware removal, however, the most advanced of Trojans cant be stopped by your everyday anti-virus program because Trojan development is considered a full-time job to some of the major researchers because Trojan development requires a lot of dedication.
supernova
2006-09-25 20:15:12 UTC
Depends on how you configure your a/v software. May be is waiting for your action. Have in mind that some viruses can disable your a/v!!!!. Also none a/v software is 100% succesful. Latest viruses always will infect you, because need to be detected by the companies first that will make remedies for it and then is up to you how often you update your a/v product.
jigvesh b
2006-09-25 19:46:25 UTC
Well....there are anti virus softwares which cant delete some viruses perhaps coz they are not the latest ones...but with norton i dont think that can be a possibility...



but still for ur satisfaction, u can download some other anti virus softwares from download.com and scan ur computer...perhaps that may help
2006-09-25 21:07:27 UTC
Since you have a Trojan you want to use the best Trojan removing program. This procedure uses this program. You can also use your Nortons by simply using it instead of the Ewido. This procedure is standard and should be used anytime you have any type of infection. Once you are finished removing your infections I recommend you read this site.



http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/computer_privacy_and_security.htm





Trojan Removal Procedure.



Malware is a general word for all form of Viruses, Spyware etc. This procedure works for all Malware. Replace the Ewido program with the appropriate program.



You might be unable to access the Internet after removing the Malware so you will need to run LSPfix or Winsockxpfix (as appropriate). Download one and save to desktop, run it later.



LSPfix: all Windows OS except 95.



http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm



Winsock XP Fix: Windows XP only.



http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html







Download and Update Ewido:



http://www.ewido.net/en/download/





-- If you have problems updating see here:



http://www.ewido.net/en/download/updates/



Once the updates are installed do the following:







Let's get cleaning



Part 1



• Temporarily show hidden files.



For Windows XP:



1.

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.



2.

Click Appearance and Themes, and then click Folder Options.



3.

On the View tab, under Hidden files and folders, click "Show hidden files and folders", and clear(uncheck) the "Hide protected operating system files" check box.







For older systems:



1.

Double-click My Computer, click View, and then click Folder Options.



2.

On the View tab, under "Hidden files and folders", click "Show hidden files and folders", and clear (uncheck) the "Hide protected operating system files" check box.





IMPORTANT: Files are hidden by Windows for a very good reason. It is not wise to experiment with these files. Unfortunately, to successfully remove modern spyware we must turn this protection off temporarily. Please turn the protection back on when you have finished cleaning your system.





Empty your Internet Explorer cache and your other temporary file folders:



1.

On the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options.



2.

On the General tab, in the Temporary Internet Files section, click the Delete Files button. This will delete all the files that are currently stored in your cache.



3.

Select the Delete all offline content check box in the confirmation dialogue box that appears, click OK.



4.

Click OK again.



Restart in Safe Mode:



To do this you need to hold down or repeatedly tap the F8 key while the computer is booting (when the computer is displaying a black screen with white text). When the boot menu appears, use your keyboard arrows to select "Safe Mode."



Safe Mode can look quite ugly. The color may look bad, and all of your desktop icons will be very large. This is normal.







Start Scan and let Ewido scan the PC





When the scan and removal are completed REBOOT COMPUTER. This will restart you in normal mode.



If you are unable to access the Internet after removing Malware you will need to run LSPfix or Winsockxpfix (as appropriate).





If you are using Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and are unable to access the Internet after removing Malware, there is a command that may fix the problem, removing the need to run Winsockxpfix. It works by resetting the winsock catalogue. Click on Start, then Run and type CMD in the dialogue box that appears. Click OK. Type "netsh winsock reset" (no quotes)into the DOS window that appears.





The last steps



If you are running Windows XP or Windows ME, and your computer has been successfully cleaned of Malware, there is one more thing that needs to be done.



Delete any old restore points and then create a new restore one. The old ones may, of course, be infected with the Malware and cannot be used.



First, start and then stop the Restore Service. This is done differently depending on what operating system you are running.



Windows XP:



1.

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.



2.

Click Performance and Maintenance, click System, and then click on the System Restore tab.



3.

Select the Turn Off System Restore check box, click Apply, then restart your computer.



4.

Return to the System Restore Tab and turn System Restore back on.





Windows ME:



1.

Click Start, click Control Panel, click System.



2.

Click Performance, click File System, and then click Troubleshooting.



3.

Enable the option Disable System Restore, click Apply then restart your computer.



4.

Return to the Troubleshooting tab and turn System Restore back on.





To set a manual restore point complete the following steps:



1.

Click the Start button.



2.

Point to Programs, then navigate to Accessories, then System Tools, then click System Restore.



3.

Choose Create a restore point, and then click Next.



4.

In the Restore point description box, type a name for your restore point, and then click Next.



5.

Click OK.
apinkfreak
2006-09-25 19:54:04 UTC
I had the same issues with Norton and I switched.



I've used AVG Anti-Virus for years and... I'll never use anything else!

http://www.avgantivirus.com/

Download a trial and see what you think! it's definitely worth it!
Balu
2006-09-25 22:12:22 UTC
Noe you download the update and scan pc. HAAve one more AV.

and have anti Spyware also. You can get free stuff frome here:





for further computer help

http://computerhelp-downloads.blogspot.com
heartzz_ablaze
2006-09-25 19:53:08 UTC
sometimes the messages come form other virus protection cpmpanies to sacre you into buying their product...or its just to new of a virus your soft ware was out dated by now.
2006-09-27 08:37:02 UTC
try spy bot


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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