Restore computer problem!

[IamFogHat]

I'm trying to restore my computer to an earlier date cause I have a virus (don't worry, you won't get it) but it won't let me. I keep doing it on different dates, it shuts down, restarts, then says it couldn't restore and no changes have been made to my computer.
Please help, this is driving me insane!!

[JPMNICK]

where is the virus, meaning which file is it in?

windows has a nasty habbit of saving virus for you. You need to:

1) download virus software
2) have that software remove the virus.
3) right click on My Computer, then properties, then find the tab System Restore
4) Click to turn off system restore, i think it tells you all the resore points will be gone
5) it will churn for a few minutes
6) re-run virus scan to make sure virus is gone

turn back on system restore

what happens is the virus gets saved in a restore point, and becomes a pain the in the ass to remove.

if you can, before you do all that, show me the file location of the virus, and what the virus name is.

a lot of time rolling back with system restore is NOT going to get rid of a virus, it usually only helps with drivers

[empulse]

A lot of viruses are now designed to protect themselves, they attack system restore functionality, disable Nortons / Other Anti Virus (by deleting or injuring key files), also establish an internet connection to download updates to defend themselves. Virus writers has gotten pretty tricky these days.

download and update an antivirus program.
download and update something like Ad-Aware.

try and do this on a fresh reboot, and try not to reboot after installing these things. The viruses of today will re-install and damage newly installed detection software. Once you are ready to start removing it/them (the virus that is). Disconnect your internet. Do it, don't stop and retsart, go all the way through. Scan for the viruses, let it delete or quarantine anything it finds. Once its done, run Ad-aware or something similar (sometimes it installs components that will re-install disguised as a an active x script, or java applet). Now, reboot. You may have some things not functioning correctly, running something like Registry Mechanic will detect a damaged registry, and possibly repair.

Scan your downloaded files folder, and quit going to porn sites.