I think I have a virus?

Question

I think I have a virus because I used my scanner (Malwarebytes) and it found like 4 trojan somethings. And just that day I tried something called Vuze (It's uninstalled now) I restarted my computer like it told for me to, and then i scanned again, but this time a full scan but my computer found nothing. But like I still can't log into some websites and do stuff I normally do so I'm confused? I don't have any pop ups or any strange program on my computer... well actually after installing Vuze it came with some sort of scanner stuff, which I uninstalled immediately because I already had a scanner, but there's nothing lingering from that program... If you tell me to get a new scanner, can you find me one that is free and isn't a trial? Because trials usually don't remove the bad stuff. Thank you so much!

Answer 1

www.vuze.com/ is a safe website. It has a 5 star rating from CNET which tests and assesses software and hardware.



Here is CNETs report on Vuze:



http://download.cnet.com/Vuze/3000-2196_4-10295479.html



If you downloaded Vuze from www.vuze.com/, you did not get a virus from that site.



You are open to viruses since you seem to only use Free antivirus programs.



Free antivirus programs:



Many Free antivirus programs are good but not the best protection. They only allow one signature file update every 24 hours and these signature files are untested. They do NOT give you any technical support. Always update your antivirus program everyday and every so often run it manually to do a FULL SCAN.



You are correct about most Trial versions of antivirus programs but Free antivirus programs are just marginally better than the Trial ones.



If you have a legal version of Windows XP, Vista, or 7 installed on your computer, an exception to Free antivirus software using untested signature files and limited updates is Microsoft Security Essentials which is completely free to download , use, and update.



Your PC must run genuine Windows to install Microsoft Security Essentials. Internet access fees may apply while downloading.



Minimum system requirements for running Microsoft Security Essentials



Microsoft Security Essentials is free* and easy to download. Here's what you need to run it:



Operating System: Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)*; Windows Vista (Service Pack 1, or Service Pack 2)*; Windows 7*

•

For Windows XP, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 500 MHz or higher, and 256 MB RAM or higher.



•

For Windows Vista and Windows 7, a PC with a CPU clock speed of 1.0 GHz or higher, and 1 GB RAM or higher.



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VGA display of 800 × 600 or higher.



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200 MB of available hard disk space.



•

An Internet connection is required for installation and to download the latest virus and spyware definitions for Microsoft Security Essentials.



•

Internet Browser:

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Windows Internet Explorer 6.0 or later.



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Mozilla Firefox 2.0 or later.





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Microsoft Security Essentials also supports Windows XP Mode in Windows 7. For more information see the system requirements for Windows XP Mode in Windows 7.





CAUTION:



Remember, you MUST uninstall completely any previously installed antivirus program from you computer bewfore installing another antivirus program. Go to the website of you antivirus software and download the proper removal tool.



Link to Microsoft Security Essentials:



http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials



If you do uninstall Malwarebytes, read the information in the following link (Take note of what "Forum Deity" has written - very good step by step procedure):



http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=60069



There is a link to Malwarebytes removal tool (mbam-clean.exe) in the explanations

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

SpyBot and Norton are two totally different programs for two different things!

SpyBot is an anti spyware scanner that has to be manually started, Norton is an active anti-virus program.



The key words here are SAFE MODE with Networking!!!



Download, (if you can't get on-line, have a friend download and copy to disc/flash for transfer) install, update and then in SAFE MODE* run full scans with these programs...



** http://www.malwarebytes.org

http://www.superantispyware.com

http://dl.surfright.nl/HitmanPro36.exe



**Note: Malwarebytes should be run in 'Normal Mode' unless that isn't possible!



*** Important, when downloaded/installed/updated disconnect from the internet ***



Then re-start.



Try running a couple of on-line scans afterwards to be sure...

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/uk/

http://go.eset.com/us/online-scanner

http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/solutions/activescan/



*Note: On start up (before Windows loads) keep tapping either F5 or F8 (be aware that some manufacturers use F8 for system recovery!) then use arrow keys to highlight 'Safe Mode with networking' and hit Enter/Return, click on a user account, enter the Administrator password (if you don't know it, there probably isn't one so leave it blank) and hit Enter/Return.



©Techno

Answer 4

If you need to, start the computer in safe mode or safe mode+networking. (Repair if need too).

A restore point will not remove a virus, you still got to scan and remove the infected files.

Reinstalling windows is a last resort option.



Always have firewall on (check exceptions), and close any ports that are open.



I recommend avast or avira free antivirus programs.

or

I recommend kaspersky or bitdefender paid antivirus programs. (May have trail or free version).

- Run a full custom made scan, after scan you can remove/isolate,repair/ infected files.

(Do it manually if you need to).



I recommend malwarebytes and superantispyware.

- Run a full scan on all drivers, after scan you can remove/isolate/repair infected files.

(Do it manually if you need to).



I recommend google chrome and firefox internet browsers. (Tweak options/settings in tools).

- I recommend ad-block/ad-block-plus and noscript/scriptno add-ons. (Uninstall any add-ons/toolbars you don't know/need or how to use........).



I recommend ccleaner and system tools on your computer.

(Uninstall?)

- I recommend a learning how to use tutorial before using.

Answer 5

Spybot: Search and Destroy is a good FREE virus remover that works quite well. I'd suggest getting it until you can get something more official like Norton.

Answer 6

Try Avira, Malwarebytes isn't useful unless you really know what you're doing.

Possible visit a pirate cove to get the full Avira, *wink wink*