infected real bad

[Mombo323]

I have tried to d/l a file from Limewire ( I know, foolish) now I have several worms trojans and virus. I have programs starting up by themselved, etc. How can I fix this? Can I go to an earlier restore point like the restore point I created right after a fresh install of xp Pro? Can I restore the registry? Will any of this help, or am I gonna have to dump and delete partition, and re install XP pro? I have all or most of what I want saved to a separate hard drive. Ive tried avast, trojan hunter, system mechanic, etc. I have Limewire starting up by itself, 32.b Alcra virus, tried to remove it, no success, dont know what else to do? Also should I run Killdisk on my D: drive where XP Pro is after I format it or will that make a difference? I ask before I do, that way I save time.. thanks.

[EXreaction]

First thing, turn off the system restore...many viruses like to hide in there.

Update Avast(if it hasn't auto updated) then have it run a boot scan.

[CNU182]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mombo323

I have tried to d/l a file from Limewire ( I know, foolish) now I have several worms trojans and virus. I have programs starting up by themselved, etc. How can I fix this? Can I go to an earlier restore point like the restore point I created right after a fresh install of xp Pro? Can I restore the registry? Will any of this help, or am I gonna have to dump and delete partition, and re install XP pro? I have all or most of what I want saved to a separate hard drive. Ive tried avast, trojan hunter, system mechanic, etc.

Whoa killa, slow down!

-if you dont feel like taking the time to remove all the trojans and worms, a fresh install of xp should do the trick. Wipe the partition and format, and you should be fine.

-should you choose to remove the viri themselves, here is where you can start.

start--run--msconfig
Under the startup tab it allows you see all the programs that start up when your computer starts up. You can uncheck the boxes accordingly. If you're running XP, you should be able to safely uncheck all the boxes for diagnostics, reboot and work from there.

-I suggest first starting with the viri. AVG has a great free virus client.
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

-for a standalone client, mcafee has a program called stinger. you can try this if you're still having problems
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

-Once you remove the viruses, use spybot and adaware to take care of your spyware. im going to go out on a limb and assume there is going to be quite a bit. Both programs can be found at download.com

[quickoldcar]

Try going here and do their free online virus scan. It finds a lot that most antivirus programs do not and keeps updated.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

[elroy]

If the anti virus program identifies the virus then run a search on google to find out how to remove it. Formatting the drive is rarely necessary. Some viruses can be removed by an anti virus program but others require that you follow a specific series of steps to remove it.

[sweeper2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXreaction

First thing, turn off the system restore...many viruses like to hide in there.

Update Avast(if it hasn't auto updated) then have it run a boot scan.

agree.. run a "boot scan" from avast ... depending on what you choose... it might not take care of the problem... sometimes Avast won't repair or can't repair a file and will leave it... I usually set it to "delete" the file without confirmation... but be wary that it might delete a "system" file... but in most cases, it worked fine for me...

also run Spybot and Crap Cleaner.. they work good ....

Quote:

From: "CNU182"

start--run--msconfig
Under the startup tab it allows you see all the programs that start up when your computer starts up. You can uncheck the boxes accordingly. If you're running XP, you should be able to safely uncheck all the boxes for diagnostics, reboot and work from there.

[erhan28]

What I do when a virus that cant be removed with anti virus, I go to the registry and press CTRL + F and do a search for the name like for example 'hotget' find all traces and delete is But becarfull ! not to delete wrong items. Then do the same but in the windows search. I do this in safe mode. Also I dont Delete, I erase, When you delete it does not leve so I erase which overwrites it.
http://www.tolvanen.com/eraser/download.shtml
Dont Give up just yet on the viruses.

Also for the spyware try this program called counterspy that has a trial version that is Great, Much better than Spybot and Adaware which is nothing compared to it. Try the Trial which gets rid of it. Also for future if you want to buy it, its only $20
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/CounterSpy.cfm

[Mombo323]

Could not get rid of virus, trojan, and worms... used avast, Norton, Adaware, Spybot, CCleaner, deleted temp files and cookies, used System Mechanic 6 Virus program, etc, no luck. So I dumped it, formatted it twice, deleted partition, created new partation (NTFS), and re-installed windows. Runs like a raped-ape now. Lots of work. I will stay away from Limewire too from now on. Using Avast Antivirus now, any better ones out there, or should this one do the trick? Aslo, what firewall do you most recommend? I want this computer protected to the max...Kerio Personal firewall, ZoneAlarm, Norton Peronso Firewall,(althought Ive been told to stay away from Norton too!) Advise is always appricicated as I am still learning.. you never know it all, just when you think you do, you find yourself on this forum asking more experianced uses... thanks again..

[Martoch]

Merged threads

~Martoch

[EXreaction]

I reccomend:
Avast AV
Sygate Personal Firewall
M$ Defender