download anti-virus

[SKA]

I dont know whats wrong with my lap top, you computer may be at risk keeps popping up and then new windows with random webpages keep opening. It's driving me mad so I've stopped using it. Last night I tries downloading AVG anti-virus thingy form the internet but it says my security settings wont allow it.
Can anyone help me please?!?!

[vehelpfulguy]

Some dodgy companies download a program (which could be considered a virus) that keeps telling you that you have 300 viruses on your computer (or some such silly number).

They then say if you buy their program it will fix all these 300 problems.

So firstly DONT pay them any money.

Secondly, this type of program is considerd spyware and there are some programs that will find this type of spyware and get rid of it.

Try ADAWARE or SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY. Both are free.

Thirdly, you say you are trying to download AVG anti virus.

This leads me to believe you have been going to the internet without an anti virus program installed. This is VERY SILLY.

As a MINIMUM you should have an anti-virus AND a firewall. NEVER go to the internet without Anti-virus or a firewall installed.

Extra programs such as Adaware and Spybot should also be installed.

[squarebear]

Sounds like you've got spyware rather than a virus. Don't click on the windows that pop up or you will find all sorts of rubbish gets installed on your machine.

A good spyware cleaner is AdAware which I believe is at http://www.lavasoft.com Try running that and it should shift it.

[vehelpfulguy]

>Last night I tries downloading AVG anti-virus thingy form the internet but it says my security settings wont allow it.

What operating system are your using (Windows version ?)

Are you using it at home or maybe at a school or college (where there may be security limit on what you can download)

Broadband or dial up ?

[Youravonlady]

If these free antivrius things were any good Norton, Macafee etc would go out of business pretty soon. I know they are expensive but on the basis of there's no such thing as a free lunch I fork out for them. It pains me but I do it.

[squarebear]

I've always found the free service provided by http://www.antivirus.com more than adequate protection for my PC.

I really don't understand why people would buy something that is available for free.

[SKA]

Thanks for the replies I shall try lavasoft.com when I get home. I've been using the internet for the best part of a year with no anti-virus yes I know dumb but it was fine untill my mum started using it!! I've got a firewall (dont know what that is but I have one)

What shall I do about that Security setting that wont let me download the anti virus though?

[SKA]

I'm using my own lap top on windows and I'm sure its broadband

[Mac70]

A lot of malware will alter your security settings. If you have access to another computer download onto that and copy the program over.

[vpcsolutions]

Backup your personal data (to find out how see this page - http://www.malwaresolutions.com/how-to-backup_ files.html)

The first thing you will need is anti-virus software! Download, install and update AVG Anti-Virus - it's free and can be found here - You might need to get it on to a flashdrive or CD using another computer if you are having trouble downloading it directly - http://www.malwaresolutions.com/antivirus-soft ware.html

It's easy to install and use - to read about how to install AVG go here - http://www.malwaresolutions.com/how-to-install -avg-antivirus.html

Then start the computer is Safe Mode - (usually this is accomplished by tapping the F8 key on your keyboard while the computer is starting up) - read more about starting a computer in Safe Mode here - http://www.malwaresolutions/how-to-start-in-sa fe-mode.html

Then run AVG and do a full system scan, let it find and remove any viruses it finds.

One other thing too, if you are running Windows XP, you should also remove your System Restore files. Viruses love to hide in them. To learn how to temporarily disable System Restore see this page - http://www.malwaresolutions.com/disabling_syst em_restore.html

You might want to try using MSCONFIG as a tool http://www.malwaresolutions.com/how-to-use-msc onfig.html