allie181 said:
Hi Rick,
I tried scanning for viruses using AVG anti-virus but it was so slow that I
cancelled it. If I try it in safe mode will I avoid that problem? (I access
the safe mode by pressing that F.. button when the computer is starting up -
correct?)
I haven't scanned for spyware, so I'll install AVG anti-spyware when I get
home from work (in about 7 hours time - very annoying because I want to do it
now!) and do a scan. I'll report back when I've done it.
Since you haven't scanned for malware, instead of installing AVG
Anti-Spyware go through these general malware removal steps
systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
Include scanning with David Lipman's Multi_AV and follow instructions to
do all scans in Safe Mode. Please see the special Notes regarding using
Multi_AV in Vista.
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Multi-AV - instructions
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/sicherheit/35905/multi_av_scanning_tool.html
- download site
The site is in German but David's tool is in English so don't let that
worry you. Scroll all the way down to almost the bottom of the page and
you'll see a box titled "Infos Zum Download - Multi-AV Scanning Tool".
You'll see "Download von www pctipp.ch" and the live link to download
Multi_AV.
When all else fails, run HijackThis and post your log in one of the
specialty forums listed at the first link above (not here, please).
Not all tools used will work in Vista and you will need to run them
elevated. Since Vista is so new, it will be a while before removal
techniques and tools are developed. If you are unable to remove the
infection by following the general steps, register at one of the
HijackThis forums as suggested.
Standard caveat: If the procedures look too complex - and there is no
shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a
professional computer repair shop (not your local version of
BigComputerStore/GeekSquad). Please be aware that not all local shops
are skilled at removing malware and even if they are, your computer may
be so infested that Windows will need to be clean-installed. Have all
your data backed up before you take the machine into a shop.
Malke