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I have a virus on my computer...Security Threat and Update boxes popping up every 30 seconds. I have SUPER ANTIspyware and AVAST Antivirus which I have run at least 10 times each, with no effect. Anybody have a suggestion?
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Everyday Chit Chat
How do I get rid of this d@#m coputer virus?
[24 posts] [12 contributors]
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Rockmastermike
CORNspiracy HQ
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Here's how I handle these things nowadays. Works wonders if you can or know someone (there are lots of us) who can do this:
1) Reboot computer into linux with an ubuntu USB drive
2) COPY ANY IMPORTANT DATA OFF ONTO THAT USB DRIVE OR ANOTHER ONE!!!!
3) run data recovery tools if needed to recover damaged files (unlikely)
4) run clam-antivirus on both the system AND the backed up data.
This will allow the antivirus to run in an environment where the system files are not "open and untouchable", and also the virus code cannot run to "get around" the antivirus software, which is likely what is going on. It's kind of the "nuke it from orbit" approach.
this will also probably destroy a few system files, so you might need to find a friend with a similar version of windows you can copy clean replacement system files from (also very easy to do under ubuntu). If you're running XP I have mirror copies of a couple of systems that would work for that.
And yeah, I've done this before, it worked well and FAST. It's especially fast if you have a mirror copy of your clean system from before it got hosed.
I would offer to take a stab at doing that for you in exchange for pizza if you're interested.
Posted 1 year ago # -
johnwashere
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Get malware bytes. Download the free edition and update its deffinations. then do a full scan
http://www.malwarebytes.org/Also if that dosent work then run combo fix in safe mode:
http://www.combofix.org/This has worked 99% of the time for me and I work with a lot of computers.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Core_Models
Columbus
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If its the google redirect thing, I got so frustrated I bought a new computer.
Posted 1 year ago # -
johnwashere
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Again... Get MALWARE BYTES !!! Its free and will get rid of these fake virus scanners.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Core_Models
Columbus
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rus wrote >>
Core_Models wrote >>
If its the google redirect thing, I got so frustrated I bought a new computer.Kinda overkill... but you at least get a mac?
LOL...yeah, I wanted a new one anyway. And hell no on a mac ;)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229198
Posted 1 year ago # -
rus
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Core_Models wrote >>
rus wrote >>
Core_Models wrote >>
If its the google redirect thing, I got so frustrated I bought a new computer.Kinda overkill... but you at least get a mac?
LOL...yeah, I wanted a new one anyway. And hell no on a mac ;)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229198Hehehe.... not bad! Kinda expensive for a game machine though... I mean an xbox is what, under $400? ;-)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Core_Models
Columbus
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Xbox has a very limited porn selection.
Posted 1 year ago # -
rus
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Core_Models wrote >>
Xbox has a very limited porn selection.Yeah, but that brings ya right back to a mac...
http://en.vidivodo.com/6724/dave-chapelle-lost-mac-pc-episode
=)
Posted 1 year ago # -
ChrisSunami
King-Lincoln District
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If you would like a professional to look at it, ridding systems of viruses is one of the main things my company does. It's not my own area of expertise (I'm a programmer / web designer), but you can email info@nmpconsulting.com and one of the virus/security experts will get in touch with you.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Chance
Clintonville
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Microcenter should be able to help. I'd go to them before I went to any other commercial location.
I had something similar happen earlier this year. Ended up doing a full re-install (thankfully I run a terabyte raid array for backups), I ended up upgrading to Windows 7 and switching web browsers and adding an additional layer of security. No problems yet (*knock on wood*).
Just two weeks ago I had my laptop hard drive shit the bed so it entailed another full reinstall and all the fun associated with it...
In short: Learn from this experience. Backup regularly, keep your anti-virus up to date and be more proactive about threats.
Posted 1 year ago # -
hugh59
Aboard the ultimate power in Olde Towne East
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Once you get the virus off, you should think about how you will operate your system and protect your data going forward.
I have learned, through bitter experience, to keep all of my data stored on a separate drive. When I have a computer problem, I can pull out the operating system drive and put in one with a fresh installation of the OS. In fact, I prepared a ghost of my OS drive, complete with the major software I need, and have it sitting in the case already.
This is not an option for a notebook computer; but then, I treat the data on a notebook as disposable. Which reminds me, I have some unique data on my notebook that I need to get off.
Anyways, I would follow pretty much Rockmastermike's approach, though I would buy a new hard drive too. Use a linux boot to save your data and scan the data for viruses. Then put in the new hard drive and install your OS and software on the new drive. Once you have the OS and all your software installed, make a ghost image of this installation on your original drive.
If you have a notebook computer, I would make a ghost image of the OS, software, and all your data. If you have a desktop computer, I would just make a ghost of the OS and your software. I would buy an additional hard drive and keep all of your data on it. Having all of your data on a separate drive also makes backing up your data easier.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Rockmastermike
CORNspiracy HQ
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Snarf wrote >>
WOW. This thread sure makes me glad I switched to Mac. I'm not saying they're invincible, but really...reboot/linux/copy/save/usb/anti-virus/anti-spyware/anti-malware/re-install/fresh os/etc?? Crazy talk.it is. it really is.
It's kinda sad that so far the easiest way I've found for me to maintain the wife's windows laptop is by using another OS. But there ya go. No windows based antimalware software has worked as efficiently for FAST repair work without having to worry about which bullshit virus or whatever the problem is. No matter what the problem is, the solution is the same. Nuke from orbit, restore broken files, DONE.
The fact that I've also had to use this option for someone where windows own 'update' process destroyed their system without even needing a virus to help does not inspire confidence either. That was just pathetic.
I don't own a mac, either, but they're really just another UNIX variant at this point, and I have other variants that I like better. But I gotta give props to apple for at least adopting reasonable architecture instead of the kludge of bandaids that windows had become. I hear win7 is cleaner. I'll believe that when I have a chance to fix one and look "under the hood" for myself.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Rockmastermike
CORNspiracy HQ
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hugh59 wrote >>
I have learned, through bitter experience, to keep all of my data stored on a separate drive. When I have a computer problem, I can pull out the operating system drive and put in one with a fresh installation of the OS.This is sound advice no matter what OS you use. Windows, Mac, Unix Variants, whatever.
Posted 1 year ago #
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