My computer caught a virus.... Now what?

[demilleraly]

I ran Norton 360 which removed everything I think.  How can I be for sure?  What do I look for.  Also, I can't use the MSN software that I typically use to get on the Internet.  Its not connecting.  Also when I try to run Mcafee, it can't get onto the net.  Only Netscape can.

Can anyone give me advise on what I should do once you belive you've been infected.....UGH!

[Happy Wrapper Karen]

What was it doing initially that made you think your computer was infected?

[demilleraly]

I was using MSN as my browser and all these bells went off and said that there were viruses on the PC.  So I started up Norton 360 and ran it and it  cleaned up risks but didn't define them as viruses.   Now when I launch MSN as the browser it doesn't connect to the internet.  Also, IE and FIrefox won't connect.  Only netscape.  I am using a netbook right now until this can be figured out.  UGH!

[Happy Wrapper Karen]

Ugh!!!  Computers can be such a pain!  I hope you can get it all straightened out.  Maybe go on-line and google it and see if anyone else has had the same problem and what they did about it.  Good luck!

[suezeeq12]

Hi Denise - Don't worry, this is all fixable stuff!

No one antivirus is going to get everything so my suggestion is to load another one (which you can do and just delete when you are done) and run some FULL scnas and run them in safe mode.  I would suggest Avast free and/or AVG.  These all have free versions:

AVG:  http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition-2011/3000-2239_4-10320142.html
Avast: http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html

Don't forget to do FULL SCANS on these programs.

Also run these:
Ad-aware Security:  http://download.cnet.com/Ad-Aware-Free-Internet-Security/3000-8022_4-10045910.html
Malwarebytes Anti Malware: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html
Super Anti-Spyware: http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=mncol;4

This will take some time to do but I'll bet you that you'll be amazed at what you'll find.

Let me know how you make out and then we can get to cleaning up your registry and junk files next.

BTW - I'm a network engineer and do IT and systems modifications.  I figured you would probably want to know that because I'm new to the forum and have never posted to you before. 

[Hearts]

Wow - suezeeq12 - thank you so much for helping.  And, a big WELCOME to you.  Glad to have such a computer brain aboard the forum.  You will probably be getting lots of questions.  Thanks so much for your help. 

[demilleraly]

Thank you so much suzzeeq12 and welcome to the forum.  I am sure glad you are here.  I am installing the softwear now.  Hopefully it will help.l

I had touble with the avg software.  kept getting an error in trying to install.  I moved on to avst.  Will keep you posted.  Thank you so much again.  If ever I can help you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Hugs,
Denise.

[suezeeq12]

Thanks ladies!  I've been here for I think 3 days now and I've pretty much ignored my family for most of them    What a great place!  I'm happy to help out where I can, I'm def a big nerd so whatever techie questions you want to ask it's no problem.

Denise - sometimes some antivirus programs conflict with others so the AVG not installing isn't a big deal.

I forgot to mention that whenever you download one of the programs, update it if you can.  For example, most of them will say "there's an update available, install it now?" - yes, do it.

[nksiefert]

thank you for all the help sue, much needed...
I'm going to move this to another forum instead of here in Members Protected.
Printers/Paper/Ink is where it will go...
Thanks again for the tech help!

[Ryan Sawyer]

Malware bytes is a great free software for mal ware which is what your problem sounds like.  It is a pain, but I have saved many friends computers with that program.  If all else fails, I just snag all the files my friends need off their old computer, do a double format and reinstall windows..

[suezeeq12]

I've got the link for Malware Bytes right there in my post - def agree with you that it's a great program.

Have to absolutely disagree with formatting and reinstalling windows though!  I'd be a failure at what I do if I had to resort to that (and it's a big pain in the butt too).  I can help you if you run into that situation again.

Another suggestion I would highly advise is to NOT use Internet Explorer as your browser.  Use Chrome or Firefox instead.  Much faster, less bloat and they don't use ActiveX which is a hotspot for malware and viruses.

For those of you looking for a free Antivirus / Internet Security Suite another good one is Microsoft Security Essentials.  It's not heavy on memory (like any Symantec/Norton/McAfee product is) and is surprisingly effective.  It's on the Microsoft website for a free download - if you are running 64bit Windows then scroll down a little more on the page and you'll find the link to the 64bit version.

[pooknboobooks]

When I had a virus, it wouldn't even let me get to start so I could log off, I had to manually shut down my computer then turned it back on in safe mode with network connection, then I ran all my virus protection.  After running everything and it seemed it was all clear, for good measure I just did a system restore to a point prior to my computer getting infected.  Just remember to run the updates again on all the virus protection you have.  that worked for me.

Welcome aboard  Sueseeq12.   

[Karen Stegent]

Also the best way to run a virus scan to be sure you remove everything, is to turn off your internet connection. I heard this from a reliable source. Something to do with the virus immediately reinstalling itself if you're connected, not allowing it to be completely removed. Or even running it with your pc in safe mode, if your virus software allows it.

[Arlene Langa]

Well, I for one, am keeping this post right on my desktop to be able to refer to the instructions if needed and of course, Suezeeq's direct line!  Thank you for the informantion and helping Denise! 

[nksiefert]

Sue...you are coming on as Guest. Can you pm me your username or email so I can get you fixed?