Question:
This is for computer gurus only, PLEASE HELP ME!!!?
1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
This is for computer gurus only, PLEASE HELP ME!!!?
Fifteen answers:
snvffy
2007-03-28 04:00:07 UTC
Shame on you for not having backups of critical data and for not actively searching for virus and spyware. Sounds like spyware or adware to me.



Download these immediately and run scans 1 at a time.



AVG Antivirus

Ad-Aware SE

Spybot Search & Destroy



Good Luck
2007-03-28 07:22:01 UTC
Lady, have you setup your Firewall on your Router? Are you using a Fire Wall and anti virus program on your computer?



These things you MUST do!

You must create BACK UPS of your data files at least on the hour! NO EXCUSES! Imagine your position if you lost two hours worth of transaction and inventory data! How would you recoup that information!



You should have a second computer set up just like the one you are using. The only thing that should be missing is your data files.

By having Removable drive bays in the front of both computers, you could hot swap your data files and keep running! The Hot swap is less than 2 minutes.



One computer should be off line until you need it. You need to identify where your customer data is, your inventory data, and your productivity data. This data you should copy to a DVD or to another hard drive. That becomes your back up!



Too, you do not want to connect your work computer directly to the Internet! You should have a small system that connects directly to your router, and it should have fire walls and anti virus! Your work computer connects directly to the computer connected to the router! This hides your IP address.



Lady, you need network help!



Clean out garbage: START - My Computer - Click on the C drive. Open the folder Documents and settings. On the menu Bar go to TOOLS, Folder Options - View



Check show hidden files, check show system files, click on YES, Apply, OK



Open the folder COOKIES delete all files.

Open the folder RECENT. Delete all entries

Open the folder local Settings

Open the folder TEMP, delete ALL entries

Open the folder Temporary Internet Files, Delete all entries.

Go back to the MENU TOOLS TAB

Set the Views back to their original settings.

Review how you set the settings to show hidden files.



Empty the recycle bin. Use the software DISKEEPER, latest version to defrag you hard drive! You should do this at least once a week!



Last, you would be way ahead and in a much better position if you have hard drives just for you customer data, not writing to the same drive as your operating system or your stores software is on!.
2007-03-28 04:21:23 UTC
Popup blockers, such as the Yahoo and Google toolbars, will only stop web based popup advertising. They can help somewhat but will do nothing to stop popups on a computer that is badly infected with trojan downloaders that are contacting other computers to download and deliver the pop up ads.



Try a full cleaning and dis-infection routine, if you are getting excessive popups, or are getting popups even when you are offline.



This is the one I use (it will take some time).



1. Scan for virus and remove (free online scan) with BitDefender

http://www.bitdefender.com/site/home/



2. Scan for trojans, adware and spyware and remove (free online scan) with Ewido

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



--------------------------------------------------

And after your computer is fully cleaned of spyware I would suggest IE-SPYAD to prevent further problems, if you are using IE browser:



"IE-SPYAD adds a long list of sites and domains associated with known advertisers, marketers, and crapware pushers to the Restricted sites zone of Internet Explorer. Once you merge this list of sites and domains into the Registry, the web sites for these companies will not be able to use cookies, ActiveX controls, Java applets, or scripting to compromise your privacy or your PC while you surf the Net. Nor will they be able to use your browser to push unwanted pop-ups, cookies, or auto-installing programs on your PC."

http://www.spywarewarrior.com/uiuc/resource.htm



------------------------------------------------------

And if your popups say "Messenger Service" at the top Title Bar. Read Here:



Older versions of Windows (pre XP-SP2) can get "Messenger Service" popups which are caused by Microsoft leaving the almost never used Messenger Service enabled by default. These type of popups will have the words "Messenger Service" up top in the title bar. This was corrected in Windows XP- Service Pack 2.



Understand that the Windows Messenger Service is completely different from, and not in any way related to, "MSN Messenger", "Windows Live Messenger" "yahoo Messenger", or any other well-known instant messaging system. Therefore, disabling the Windows Messenger service will have no effect upon your use of any other instant messaging applications. They will continue to work without trouble.





To disable this service in older versions of Windows use the free, Shoot The Messenger from:

http://www.grc.com/stm/ShootTheMessenger.htm



Good luck.
Sean W
2007-03-28 04:11:43 UTC
i have found spybot search + destroy works really well, but by the sounds of it, you could have viruses as well, in which case i would recommend Trend Micro Pc-cillin Internet Security 2007. It costs $99, but it is well worth it, and picks up viruses that AVG, and even nortons, doesn't.



hope this helps.

ps. if system files are infected, or documents that you need to keep, then you may need to reload windows anyway.
2007-03-28 04:07:18 UTC
If you have lots of customer data stored on the PC you should be doing regular backups. If you don't, you almost deserve to lose it.



However, you need a decent anti-virus program and a decent anti-spyware program. AVG provide both of these for free (see link below). After installation (of any anti-virus, -spyware software) do a full scan with the highest security settings you can. There is also a commercial version with more stuff.



Get a decent firewall. Windows XP has one built in but it's not very good. ZoneAlarm is a good free one. You can also pay for a commercial version with more bells and whistles.



Stop using Internet Explorer, it is highly insecure and most malicious sites on the Internet are written to take advantage of its security holes. I recommend Firefox.



Lastly, if all or part of your livelihood depends on the PC and the data on it, become more aware of what you are doing. Ideally you should use separate PCs for business and private use - but this is not always an option.



PS. DO BACKUPS!
whatdoitypehere
2007-03-28 04:05:20 UTC
It's spyware.



Download, install, and update this program.



http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php



Turn off system restore.

Right click on MyComputer, properties, go to the System Restore Tab, check Turn off system restore on all drives.



Disconnect from the internet and run a full scan with Adaware.



Restart your computer and run another full scan.



You can now reconnect to the internet. You should run Adaware once a week. If you don't have antivirus, you should get that too. AVG is free and reliable.
2007-03-29 07:33:27 UTC
According you description,you have serious spyare problem, Your computer is infected with spywares ,Its on your computer and you need to remove it.



Anti-Virus doesnt get rid of spywares,adwares,trojans.The best way to get rid of spywares,adwares,trojans and is using a best anti-spyware to protect your computer.You must have 1 or 2 antispyware on your computer to protect your computer.Of course there are many solutions exist, all of them with their own strengths and weaknesses.So which anti-spyware is the most suited for your system? You can find out by reading in-depth reviews and comparisons of TOP 5 anti-spywares... some really great tips and links to Spyware removal programs.



Top 5 anti-spywares reviews,comparisons and download links on



http://www.************************



You can download and scan your computer for free.



Good luck!
2007-03-28 04:56:01 UTC
Back up all your data now while you still can.



You better develop a disaster plan and keep your data and records backed up and keep a copy at another location, or you may soon find yourself out of business.

-----------------------------

You currently have spyware installed on your system. I would not be surprised if you also has viruses on the computer as well. If you follow all the following steps it should get rid of your current problems and prevent most future problems. All programs listed are free.



The only way to be absolutely sure you remove everything is to securely wipe all the information from the drive, format it and then reinstall all the software and drivers.

---------------------------------------------------------

Your system restore files are probably infected. You should turn off system restore to prevent malware hiding in the system restore files and reinfecting the computer during removal.

Right click on "my computer"> Properties > System Restore Tab > Check box turn of system restore



After you are done removing the malware turn system restore back on.

------------------------------------

Update your antivirus and run a full scan.



If you do not have spyware protection install:

AVG Antivirus 7.5 Free Edition

http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5

---------------------------------------------------------

Install Windows Defender (full time spyware protection)

Perform a full scan.

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

---------------------------------------------------------

Install the following five programs and run weekly or at least monthly. You need all five. They are not a substitute for full time spyware and virus protection.

Install and run now.



Ad-Aware SE Personal (update + full scan)

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php



Spybot Search & Destroy (update + immunize + scan)

Do not enable Tea Timer and SDHelper

After installation: update + scan + immunize

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



SpywareBlaster: Update then open and click “enable all protection”.

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



SUPERAntiSpyware free version: (update + scan)

http://www.superantispyware.com/



CCleaner: Do not install toolbar and recycle bin options

Set to run when computer starts.after cleaning all malware off the computer.

Removes tracking cookies, unneeded files

Place cookies you want to keep in the save list.

http://www.ccleaner.com/



Note if a scan detects a problem but is unable to remove, start the computer in safe mode with the internet line disconnected and run a full scan.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Run this time



Install VX2 tool for Ad-Aware and run tool

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/securitycenter/vx2_cleaner.php



CWShredder: run

http://www.trendmicro.com/cwshredder/

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional run this time and as needed.



Microsoft OneCare Live, run “full service scan”

Updates windows, virus and spyware scan, disk cleanup, disk fragmentation (if needed), backs up registry and then cleans registry, and checks for open firewall ports

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm



Malicious Software Removal Tool (run “full scan”)

http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

-------------------------------------------------------

Rootkit Removal Guide

http://safecomputing.umn.edu/guides/scan_unhackme.html



Rootkits Removers (Pick any 2 and run)



AVG Anti-Rootkit

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/products-avg-anti-rootkit-update-app-art/?ver=1.1.0.29



F-Secure BlackLight

http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight/



Sophos Anti-Rootkit

http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/sophos-anti-rootkit.html

----------------------------------------------------------

Online Free Scanners: Run Trend Micro, Kaspersky, and Panda Scan.



Trend Micro: HouseCall Free Scan (removes what it finds)

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

BitDefender Online Scanner http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html

Kaspersky Labs Online Scanner http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

McAfee http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp?affid=294

Panda ActiveScan Free Online Scanner http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan?

Symantic Online Scanner http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/ssc_eula.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=ALUFRHYTINMHDKDCWLL&vc_scanstate=2

-------------------------------------------------------

Additional Information read:

http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Overview

http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Prevention:_Prevent_Re-infection

http://www.castlecops.com/f67-Hijackthis_Spyware_Viruses_Worms_Trojans_Oh_My.html

http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm

http://aumha.org/secure.htm

http://aumha.org/a/parasite.php

http://www.castlecops.com/t102301-Hijackthis_Guidelines_Read_Before_Posting.html

http://www.techsupportforum.com/security-center/hijackthis-log-help/15968-please-read-before-posting-

http://forum.aumha.org/viewtopic.php?t=4075&sid=901703d08c2ace31389ffef2d84b6607



I would also recommend you post a Hijackthis log to double check that all malware has been removed.

----------------------------------------------------

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0.html?forumID=5&threadID=194873&messageID=2115918

"You can find out the manufacturer of your HD and then attempt to download the formatting tool created by that manufacturer for their HD's. Most HD Mnufactuer have a Zero Fill Low level formatting tool available to erase their HD products. This will clean any existing OS files from your system as well as any viruses other files etc.."



Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN)

http://www.download.com/Darik-s-Boot-and-Nuke/3000-2092_4-10165154.html

http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=61951&package_id=58479&release_id=439240

DBAN will automatically and completely delete the contents of any hard disk that it can detect, which makes it an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction.



WipeDrive by White Canyon

http://www.whitecanyon.com/

Completely wipe and erase all the information from a computer before selling or discarding it. WipeDrive makes it easy.



Active@ Kill Disk - Hard Drive Eraser (Free version/ $29.95 enhanced version)

http://www.killdisk.com/

Active@ KillDisk - Hard Drive Eraser is powerful and compact DOS software that allows you to destroy all data on hard and floppy drives completely, excluding any possibility of future recovery of deleted files and folders. It's a hard drive and partition eraser utility.

----------------------------------------------------

Reformat and install. (Cleans drive loses all data)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313348

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/winxp/install.mspx



Repair install. (should not lose data) Backup files first.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

http://www.fujitsu-siemens.co.uk/rl/servicesupport/techsupport/software/windows/xp/Repair.htm
Vincent
2007-03-28 04:15:56 UTC
First, check with your internet service provider and see if they provide a security suite.....Most providers offer security software free.....

Backup any important files.

A couple free spyware scanners might be able to help until you get some sort of security software installed.



http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10639408.html?tag=lst-0-1



http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3003-8022_4-10401314.html?tag=tab_rev
pmccann1
2007-03-28 00:30:44 UTC
Ray provided most of the links I would have suggested, so I'll go a slightly different direction.

I'd suggest getting an external HDD, back up all critical and high value data.

Completely wipe your pc, install a small (40GB or so) HDD to hold your operating system. Install your OS to that new HDD, then all of your applications onto your other hard drive.

Install a good antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall, and do daily backups of your data to the external HDD, and don't leave it connected between backups.



Several people have suggested different av software, some pointing out the free versions. Those will work, but I'd personally recommend against using them for your business. They are given away to home users usually, and most are stepped on a bit.



If you're in the US, any business expense is tax deductable, including your software and licensing for it. I'd spend a bit and buy the full version of whichever you decided to go with.



My personal preference is Avast Pro, which I've been using for a good bit with good results. Partner that with a good firewall, I still like Sygate's best, and a good set of anti-spyware like Ad Aware Pro, and Spybot S&D and you've got a good basis to back your security policies on.



Some practises that I'd suggest implementing are NO personal use of business machines, individual user accounts, and log checks. It's a bit time consuming sometimes, but you might even be able to save a bit of time and get a local networking shop to monitor for you for a really reasonable price, which again if your'e in the US you get to write off.
SirCharles
2007-03-28 04:01:27 UTC
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to remove "spyware" once you become heavily infected like you appear to be. Programs like Ad-Aware and Spybot are free and can help, but most of the time they can't completely cure it. One you can pay for that gets rid of even more is called PestPatrol:

http://www.pestpatrol.com/



At this point, you're going to want to involve a professional since it contains customer data/software. Pay the $100-200 it's going to cost to have someone make a backup and help you reinstall what you need. I would buy a 2nd hard drive and load Windows on it. Make your old one the "slave". It will show up as a drive letter (probably D: or E:) in which you can pull information off of without all the popups locking you up.



In the future, be sure to separate private business workstations from personal use.
TameBeast
2007-03-28 04:05:58 UTC
First go to Tools>Internet Options and delete your cookies.



Then download Ad-aware:



www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad-aware_se_personal.php



Also, it wouldn't hurt to download Search and Destroy:



http://www.spybot.info/en/





Run them on a nightly basis too.





There are others out there but some programs have a tendancy to clash with others; although you could try them.
darlene100568
2007-03-28 03:58:58 UTC
Your computer is infested with spyware.Not sure what spyware program you have but it`s time to get a different one.
P-dud™®©
2007-03-28 04:00:47 UTC
hmm...i think the best way is : firstly, backup all of ur customer information or anything that is important to you on you removeable hard drive than u can send ur PC to the PC shop..Format ur computer..
«iTaChi♫
2007-03-28 04:11:01 UTC
use ad-aware...it get rids of diff. kinds of malware adware or spyware...



http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10639408.html



236,442,590 users cant lie!!


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