Suspected virus

[Barmaid]

My FH clicked on a link from a friend's facebook page earlier. Now it appears he has a virus. Two different things are happening. Firstly, if you click on a link after a google search he gets up sites for viagra. Secondly a screen keeps popping up saying he has an infection and must click on the link to get updated virus software.

Unfortunately, his Norton was not up to date. Thus i have tried to download the free AVG software. That has got 95% done and is now just hanging there.

Any ideas how I can resolve this please?

[Buenchico]

Hi BM:

It sounds more like 'adware' (or similar) than a virus.

Run a full scan with the free version of Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, which will probably fix the problem:
http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Chris

[NazNomad]

^^ +1

[NazNomad]

... then download Avast http://download.cnet....37&subj=dl&tag=button

Uninstall Norton, then install Avast.
It's free, you do need to register it (and re-register yearly), but it's worth it.

[Barmaid]

I'll try that thanks Chris. Unfortunately, teh AVG installer is just hanging there (although the hard disk appears to be doing something) and it won't let me open a browser. I am thinking of jacking the AVG and starting again.

[Barmaid]

Didn't see you there, Naz. That's exactly what I'll do.

[Buenchico]

You can't uninstall Norton by the usual 'Add/Remove programs' method. You must use the special removal tool:
http://us.norton.com/...0710133834EN&ln=en_US

[AlBags]

That's because running processes prevent full removal. If you stop the processes in the Services screen, you can remove.
AVG will not stop anything more than other free AV software. Norton 2010 or 2011 should cope with that infection OK. What version was it?
Avast is one of the better free ones .. but best at the moment is Microsoft's own .. Security Essentials.

For proper removal .. you should AT LEAST switch off System Restore FIRST, as infections are backed up in the restore files .. which are often protected. Also should scan in safe mode.

You really should know better Naz to remove this .. add that .. install that .. etc. A system can get completely screwed up doing this.
I have played with PC's a lot since W98 was released, and playing with AV installs like this can ask for trouble.

[stevie m]

Just an idea there is a fantastic free online anti virus scanner that will not interfere with any installed virus checkers so no need to install or uninstall anything might be worth giving it a go,

http://www.eset.com/online-scanner

[NazNomad]

"You really should know better Naz to remove this .. add that .. install that .. etc. A system can get completely screwed up doing this. "

You really should know better than to think BM wouldn't have contacted me directly for a step-by-step walkthrough had she got really stuck. ;-)

[NazNomad]

"I have played with PC's a lot since W98 was released,"

... late starter huh?

[Barmaid]

Thank you all for your help - particularly Chris and Naz.

I uninstalled Norton and managed to get AVG to install properly. (I couldn't uninstall AVG until it had been installed properly - however, I use AVAST on my other lappy so I am going to uninstall AVG and put AVAST on).

Malwarebytes found 21 (yes twenty one) infections. AVG found 2 viruses and 4 corrupted files which it has now dealt with. I have then used disc cleanup and defrag. When i get a bit more time, I will sort it out properly because he has no end of crap on there that is totally unnecessary and slowing the whole thing down.

Lord knows what websites he has been on - my on lappy had no infections and nothing to worry about. His was a disaster area though.

Thanks though. Bm x

(And yes Naz, had i struggled, there would have been an email winging its way to you!!!! lol)