Sharpie wrote:
> Wondering if someone could help me?
> My computer re-booted itself and when it came back on it said "Your
> computer is infected" there's a red ball with an X in the middle on my
> task bar. When I put my mouse on it says: Your computer is infected!
> Windows has detected spyware infection! It is recommended us special
> antispyware tools to prevent data loss. Windows will now download and
> install the most up-to-date antispyware for you.
> Click here to protect your computer from spyware!
>
> I do not have an anti virus installed at the moment, I had to uninstall
> Norton 6 months ago because it slowed my computer to the point that I
> could not use it anymore.
> I'm running WinXP and several people told me I would be okay without it.
> One of the messages said I had a Trojan
Your computer is infected with a rogue antimalware program. It is called a
"rogue" because it pretends to be one of the Good Guys when it really is a
Bad Guy. Goodness knows what else your machine is infested with besides
that since you've been running without an antivirus. Even though I don't
like Norton products, I'm willing to bet part of the reason your machine
was slow was because of malware, not just because of Norton.
Probably you should just back up your data and do a clean install of Windows
but if you want to try and clean things up, here you go:
Go through these general malware removal steps systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
Include scanning with David Lipman's Multi_AV and follow instructions to do
all scans in Safe Mode.
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Multi-AV - instructions
http://tinyurl.com/yoeru3 - download link and more instructions
You can also check to see if there are targeted removal steps for your
malware here:
Bleeping Computer removal how-to's -
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum55.html
When all else fails, get guided help. Choose one of the specialty forums
listed at the first link. Register and read its posting FAQ. DO NOT POST
LOGS IN THE MS NEWSGROUPS.
Standard disclaimer: I can't see and test your computer myself, so these are
just suggestions based on many years of being a professional computer tech;
suggestions based on what you've written. You should not take my
suggestions as a definitive diagnosis. If you can't do the work yourself
(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 equivalent
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. If possible, have
all your data backed up before you take the machine into a shop.
Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ
Linear Mode
