help virus??

[Giggsie]

Hi my son has just phoned me. He said this spyware thing keeps coming up on his computer and he can't get rid of it. It is saying he has spyware threats trojan spy etc download this scanner costs $50 he manages to close it but goes to taskbar and flashes your computer is at risk. If he tries going on to internet it comes back up and he can't get page to open. How can he get rid of this anyone help?

[vehelpfulguy]

The most important thing DONT pay any money to these scam artists.

Try downloading an anti spyware program (free) and see if they can locate it and deltee it.

Try adaware from here:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_f ree.php

Also spybot search and destroy:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,2226 2-order,1-page,1-c,alldownloads/description.ht ml

Also try Windows Defender from Microsoft:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spywa re/software/default.mspx

I suggest you use more than one because not all programs can "fix" all problems so by using a few you should be able to isolate it.

[vehelpfulguy]

A useful program to run is Winpatrol (free).

http://www.winpatrol.com/

This is a small programs that runs on your computer ALL THE TIME.

If anybody tries to install a new program, or update your browser settings, or do anything else without your knowledge, then WinPatrol will ask if you are happy with that.

You have the option to say No and it will stop the installation and delete the files.

The problem with most anti spyware programs is that you run them AFTER you have got the problem, WinPatrol is running all the time, so it often stops the problem before it gets hold.

(Some anti spyware programs do run in "real time" meaning they are monitoring your PC all the time looking out for spyware programs, but not all do)

[Giggsie]

thanks guys I have copied and pasted all answers to him in an email he is going to try and sort out thanks so much for your help