Cheapest and most effective way to fix my laptop?

Question

I don't have any antivirus software, and never have had any. Recently, within the past week or so, I have been noticing strange things on my computer. First one day on yahoo messenger I got weird messages form a buddy that I know he would never personally send me, such as "check out this pic" or "click this link to see us", etc. I didn't click those because I suspected otherwise. Then my computer starts showing random links to videos from pages like yahoo.com, such as a video of shakira before she was famous, or jessica simpson wet t shirt, etc. Then, I get these "love calculator" or "crush calculator" pop-ups. Now my computer is really slow and the desktop picture quality has gone way bad. These pop-ups and video links continue. This all happened within the past week and half. Now, what can I do? Will completely reinstalling my OS be enough? Or is there more? I am a computer dum dum, so please talk to me like that. I can't download anything, because my computer is so slow and the pop-

Answer 1

if you don't have any antivirus, or anti-spyware programs, you are just asking for trouble (nowadays).



if your really not worried about the files on there (pics, music, etc.), then your best bet is to do a total system restoration, which should make it like brand new). do you have your restoration disc(s)?, or is your restoration stuff on your computer? if your computer is that infected, this will be the fastest and easiest way to do it.



i've posted a link to a thread that i have answered (should you decide to try and remove all the spyware), without doing a destructive restoration. g/l, sos



edit: your recovery disc (more than likely), should have your restoration stuff (your OS) on there. what exactly does the disc say? anyway, when you run the disc, all your drivers should be on that disc. you shouldn't really have to do much, but sit back and watch. g/l



also, what is your os (is it windows xp)?

Answer 2

Thats serious trouble you got into!



If you don't have any important files onto it, yeah reinstalling windows is the best option.



But get your friend or yourself, download these free software to protect yourself against spyware/adware/viruses etc



Install windows service pack 2 after installing windows xp.



then install



1. Antivirus - Free - AVG grisoft

2. Firewall - Free - Zone Alarm (Very efficient!!!)

3. Spyware Removal - Spybot



I recommend Firefox web browser to Internet Explorer,

Reasons cause its safer/secure/less threats.....

Answer 3

go to friends house or internet cafe download free antivirus .. google it.. or look for AVG free, avast free ...whatever.. lots out there...copy to CD or memory card( on your phone or camera etc) go home and install on your pc. update virus definitions then do complete scan of system..

you could also download free lavasoft, adaware by the same method and update then scan complete system



it is a starting point ..see how your system is then

Answer 4

There are an ordinary strategies to regulate the overheating of your laptop. First you are able to desire to make helpful that the room the place your laptop is located could desire to be cool, like an airconditioned place. in the experience that your place isn't airconditioned, you are able to desire to make helpful that your laptop is an vulnerable place wherein the backside part of the laptop can breathe out the warmth that it produces. I even have been using that technique to maintain my laptop in solid state.

Answer 5

At this stage you should:

1) Backup all you files.. DO IT NOW!!!

2) Format the hard drive and reinstall Windows

3) Install all your drivers

4) Go to Microsoft update and run in Custom Mode. Install everything. Reboot and repeat until nothing is left.

5) Install full time (active) Virus and full time Spyware protection.



==================

Reformat and Reinstall



Run Belarc Adviser: Print out results.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html



Locate all your drivers and software disks and keys.



Read the following prior to reformatting:



Pre Flattening and Reinstall Checklist

http://blog.angrypets.com/2006/01/ultimate_prefla.html

http://www.thefuhrmans.com/reformat_hd.htm



Reformat and install. (Cleans drive. You loses all data)

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

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

http://www.whitecanyon.com/reformat-the-hard-drive-in-windows-xp.php

http://www.smartcomputing.com/editorial/article.asp?article=articles/archive/l0910/32l10/32l10.asp



Since you reinstalled Windows you need to install all the drivers for your modem, computer/motherboard; video card; sound card; network card; printer; scanner; mouse; web cam; etc.



How to update a Windows hardware driver

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial119.html



To find drivers:

Google the manufacturer's name and go to the manufacturer's site for you computer/motherboard; video card; sound card; network card; printer; scanner; mouse; web cam; etc. Each site will have a support section to find the latest drivers and download them. You will need to know the make and model number. If you do not know the make and model number run Belarc Advisor and look in Windows Device Manager.



Sites that analyze your computer for the requires drivers and charge a fee to allow you to download the drivers.

http://www.driveragent.com/?PHPSESSID=0507717b38e3398c6e71a415979a326c

http://www.drivershq.com/

====================

Securing a Personal Machine

http://safecomputing.umn.edu/studentchecklist.html



OS Reinstallation vs. Virus Removal

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



If you follow all the following steps it may get rid of your problem and prevent future problems. All programs listed are free.

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

Update your Full Time (Active) antivirus and run a full scan.



If you do not have active virus protection, install only one. All are excellent.



AVG Antivirus 7.5 Free Edition

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

http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10669237.html?tag=lst-0-1

or

Free antivirus - avast! 4 Home Edition

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

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

Update your Full Time (Active) spyware protection and run a full scan. If you do not have active spyware protection, install:



Windows Defender

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

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

Install the following four programs and run weekly or at least monthly. You need all four. They are not a substitute for full time spyware and virus protection. They will greatly increase your 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/

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

Install:



CCleaner:

http://www.ccleaner.com/

Do not install optional toolbar.

Removes tracking cookies, unneeded files, history

In options.

Set to run when computer starts.

Place cookies you want to keep in save list

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

Install either one not both:



McAfee Site Advisor: Internet Explorer and Firefox

http://www.siteadvisor.com/

McAfee SiteAdvisor helps protect you from all kinds of Web-based security threats including spyware, adware, spam, viruses, browser exploits, and online scams.



TrendProtect™

http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/free_security_tools/trendprotect.php

TrendProtect is a FREE browser plug-in that helps you avoid Web pages with unwanted content and hidden threats.

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

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.



In severe cases your system restore files will also be infected. In these cases you will need to turn off system restore to prevent malware hiding in the system restore files and reinfecting the computer during removal or during a future system restore. Turning off system restore deletes the system restore files.



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



After the malware is removed turn on system restore.

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

Run this time:



CWShredder: run

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

Shoot The Messenger

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





VX2 tool for Ad-Aware and run tool (Install and run)

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

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

Special Removal Tools

Run only if indicated



Roguefix.bat

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

SmitFraudFix

http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/How_to_use_SmitFraudFix-t109268.html

Vundo Fix and

VirtumundoBegone (if VundoFix does not work)

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic18610.html

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

Run this time and monthly:



Microsoft Update:

Run in "Custom Mode". Install everything, reboot and repeat until nothing is left to install.

http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us



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 Removers

Pick any 2 install and run one each month.



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/

Panda Anti-Rootkit

http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/antirootkit/

http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/downloads/register?Tipo=1&CodigoProducto=39&Idioma=2&TipoUsuario=1&sec=down&Country=US-en&TipoLead=2&Ref=WWEN-ROOTK-DES&track=36355

http://www.download.com/Panda-Anti-Rootkit/3000-2239_4-10717197.html?tag=lst-0-1



Sophos Anti-Rootkit

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

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

Online Free Scanners:

Run Trend Micro, Kaspersky, and Panda Scan now.

Run a different one each month.





BitDefender Online Scanner

http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html

CA eTrust® PestScan

http://pestpatrol.com/pestscan/index.htm

eTrust Antivirus Web Scanner

http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/virusinfo/scan.aspx

F-Secure Online Virus Scanner

http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml

Kaspersky - Free Online Virus Scan

http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

McAfee - Free Scan

http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs

Panda Software - ActiveScan

http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/activescan/ascan_2.asp

Symantec (norton) - Security Check

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp

Trend Micro™ HouseCall

http://www.trendmicro.com/hc_intro/default.asp