Mega Computer Problem (again)....
Discussion
I have a major problem with my PC.
Its keeps shutting itself down, problems constantly performing illegal operations, files not opening properly, but the worst of all, when it is closed down OR restarted it doesn't boot into windows, the screen goes blank.
Its almost like the Boot sector is missing, yet windows doesn't repair it when I do the repair installation.
Its also VERY VERY slow. can't run more than 2 progs at a time, the internet is slower than Dial Up.
I'm at a complete loss.
Anyone got any ideas??
At the weekend, I installed Norton AV 2005, found 133 infected files, repaired or deleted them. Need to do LiveUpdate but don't want to hook up the modem until Its working properly.
Any help most appreciated
TIA
Stuart.
Its keeps shutting itself down, problems constantly performing illegal operations, files not opening properly, but the worst of all, when it is closed down OR restarted it doesn't boot into windows, the screen goes blank.
Its almost like the Boot sector is missing, yet windows doesn't repair it when I do the repair installation.
Its also VERY VERY slow. can't run more than 2 progs at a time, the internet is slower than Dial Up.
I'm at a complete loss.
Anyone got any ideas??
At the weekend, I installed Norton AV 2005, found 133 infected files, repaired or deleted them. Need to do LiveUpdate but don't want to hook up the modem until Its working properly.
Any help most appreciated
TIA
Stuart.
From the sounds of that you've had a major virus infestation, personally i would do a complete clean install (much safer!)
Before continuing, ensure you have a copy of all the software that you use already on CD/DVD. Don't burn/copy stuff off your system or you risk transfering the viri from your existing install.
And all serial numbers etc.
use a boot floppy (win98se disk will do) and boot the system from this disk.
run fdisk and delete the partition(s).
then run fdisk /mbr to clear the master boot record.
Then switch the pc off and leave for 30mins, this ensures that nothing was running in ram previously is retained statically in ram.
I'm guessing your running XP?
Change the BIOS settings to boot from CD, insert the CD and follow the setup.
Then install norton av and run a scan to ensure no issues, install a firewall before reconnecting to the internet.
Before continuing, ensure you have a copy of all the software that you use already on CD/DVD. Don't burn/copy stuff off your system or you risk transfering the viri from your existing install.
And all serial numbers etc.
use a boot floppy (win98se disk will do) and boot the system from this disk.
run fdisk and delete the partition(s).
then run fdisk /mbr to clear the master boot record.
Then switch the pc off and leave for 30mins, this ensures that nothing was running in ram previously is retained statically in ram.
I'm guessing your running XP?
Change the BIOS settings to boot from CD, insert the CD and follow the setup.
Then install norton av and run a scan to ensure no issues, install a firewall before reconnecting to the internet.
Don't delete everything yet!, you may still be able to sort the problem. All though a clean install can be a good idea.
What Firewall is it?.
Try Spysweeper, it widely know as the most comprehensive Anti-Spyware program, and can be run free for about 30 days I think.
I would also recommend you read this Article from Security Focus.
What Firewall is it?.
Try Spysweeper, it widely know as the most comprehensive Anti-Spyware program, and can be run free for about 30 days I think.
I would also recommend you read this Article from Security Focus.
annodomini2 said:
sorry was tying when you replied, if you can stabelise the system to backup your files, do so then clean install. run antivirus on all the backups before loading them onto the new system.
I managed to stabilise the system at the weekend, problem, explorer doesn't perform any illegals, just everything else!!
I'll back up to CD then clean install.
Thanks for your help!
Update:
Well, I'm now on my PC, I installed Norton AV and spysweeper. Spysweeper found 84 pieces of Spy/Adware, one of which was called
Securybank Phishing Trojan
A piece of software that collect personal financial details such as card number et al
I also installed ZoneAlarm which has successfully blocked 72 access attempts in the last 20 minutes.
The bottom line is that my PC is now working again and is relatively secure, is boots up no problem now and is running at a good pace, I think there is still some crap lurking but I keep updating SpySweeper and Norton so I should find it soon!
Thanks for all your help guys!
Stuart
Well, I'm now on my PC, I installed Norton AV and spysweeper. Spysweeper found 84 pieces of Spy/Adware, one of which was called
Securybank Phishing Trojan
A piece of software that collect personal financial details such as card number et al
I also installed ZoneAlarm which has successfully blocked 72 access attempts in the last 20 minutes.
The bottom line is that my PC is now working again and is relatively secure, is boots up no problem now and is running at a good pace, I think there is still some crap lurking but I keep updating SpySweeper and Norton so I should find it soon!
Thanks for all your help guys!
Stuart
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