Virus Issue

[Tenbatsuzen]

My wife's computer is infected with something that slows it down, creates re-directs, and random popups.

I've tried using malwarebytes and AVG but the problem isn't going away. I have really no idea what to do at this point... a little help?

(and by no idea, I really don't have that many virus issues... so I'm not sure what proper protocol is)

[HBox]

There's always the nuclear option (format, re-install windows) if you have backups of all data you want saved.

If you don't have backups you could try copying the data you want to save but with an infection as widespread as you described it might spread to any USB or external hard drive connected to the PC. It's not particularly likely, but very possible.

As far as what to do short of a format, it depends on what is infecting the PC. It might require some heavy registry editing.

[disneyspy]

try taking out the battery,waiting 10 minutes then putting it back in

then dl microsoft security essentials,its free and fast and will keep her protected

[Tenbatsuzen]

Hbox, is it possible to get everything onto a USB drive, then scan the USB from a clean computer?

[disneyspy]

Hbox, is it possible to get everything onto a USB drive, then scan the USB from a clean computer?

why the hell didnt you ask me?

[Tenbatsuzen]

why the hell didnt you ask me?

...because Hbox had suggested moving the data. Your suggestion wasn't registry based, which I believe the problem is lying right now.

[disneyspy]

i didnt know the answer anyway

did you try removing the battery?

[Tenbatsuzen]

So I went to Staples just to see how much it would be to remove the virus.

$170 dollars.

I looked at the tech guy and said, "I could buy a new HD and restore the OS on there myself for less than 80."

[HBox]

Hbox, is it possible to get everything onto a USB drive, then scan the USB from a clean computer?

You could, but the worst kinds of viruses will spread the second the USB drive is connected. But I'm talking worst case scenario, not most likely.

I'd try copying a free anti-virus program onto a USB drive and connecting it to the infected PC and see if you are able to identify what is on there.

[Snacks]

So I went to Staples just to see how much it would be to remove the virus.

$170 dollars.

I looked at the tech guy and said, "I could buy a new HD and restore the OS on there myself for less than 80."

Would it be best and cheaper to just do a complete restore?

[Tenbatsuzen]

Would it be best and cheaper to just do a complete restore?

The only thing that's preventing me from doing a complete wipe on this system and setting up the browsers and other stuff to be locked down (which I should have done to begin with, and is how my computers are set up) is that there's pictures on there and her work VPN is on there. And considering how my wife's company works so slowly, I don't know how long it would take them to put the new VPN on there.

[Death Metal Moe]

Malwarebytes. Get it and scan it in safe mode.

Superantispyware. Scan with it.

If you can't get the thing to behave after that, sit down for a couple hours and transfer stuff off it in 8 or 16 gig pieces with a thumb drive to another comp then wipe the infected laptop and start again.

Just get the photos, videos and other personal stuff. The rest can be obtained again.

[Death Metal Moe]

An of course, virus scan your thumb drive contents before you put them on the new volume too lol. Forgot to say that.

[Death Metal Moe]

Matty, do yourself a favor now and put Malwarebytes and Superanitspyware on all your machines BEFORE they become infected, that way they are onboard already. Some viruses I've had block installations.

[JohnGacysCrawlSpace]

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

Just get rid of windows once and for all. I'm about to over haul my crippled vista machine to Ubuntu 10.10 and bring my Quad-core processor back to life. Best part is, NO VIRUSES with LINUX!!!

[Snacks]

The only thing that's preventing me from doing a complete wipe on this system and setting up the browsers and other stuff to be locked down (which I should have done to begin with, and is how my computers are set up) is that there's pictures on there and her work VPN is on there. And considering how my wife's company works so slowly, I don't know how long it would take them to put the new VPN on there.

I understand but if the computer isnt working and she had to buy a new one they her company would be in the same situation. Tell her to tell them the situation that they need to do what they need to do asap or she cant do her job!

Hopefully you can get this fixed without losing anything!

[KnoxHarrington]

http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop/get-ubuntu/download

Just get rid of windows once and for all. I'm about to over haul my crippled vista machine to Ubuntu 10.10 and bring my Quad-core processor back to life. Best part is, NO VIRUSES with LINUX!!!

I'm not sure I can recommend using Linux, but you can create a Linux boot disk (same link as above) and boot the system from it, then have access to the hard drive to start getting shit out of there.