Possible virus shutdown problem

[wolf1]

My lad has it seems got a virus on his computer that keeps shutting it down within seconds of his desktop appearing, sometimes sooner. I've managed to get it running in safe mode but have no idea where to start with this one.

It's running windows xp service pack 2

Any ideas?

[hut49]

Assuming you / your son haven't loaded any new hardware or software that could be causing a conflict
1. Run a FULL system scan in Safe Mode (run AdAware/SpyBot while your in safe mode if you have them loaded)
2. Disconnect from the internet
3. Re-boot into Normal
4. Check Antivirus settings (which AV program are you using? - Obviously the settings didn't catch the offending infection, so it probably needs to be updated)
5. Check firewall settings (Control Panel/Security Center/check exception settings)
6. Reconnect to Internet
7. Go to Security Center and run a live update of Windows
8. Start AntiVirus program and do a live update - (also live update your AdAware or Spybot or whatever malware applications you are using, or if you haven't got any loaded, go to www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/300 and scroll to the bottom and click on download to get AdAware then install then run live update; then go to www.download.com/3000-2144-10122137.html and get SpyBot and install then run live update)
9. Re-boot into SafeMode and run a full AV system scan + AdAware + SpyBot
10. Re-boot into Normal mode and you should be clear of infections and rubbish

[aranell]

How do you know it's a virus?

Might be worth checking your event viewer too just in case it's a corrupt driver or something in start up which is causing Windows to crash? If so, it should log something to either the application or system logs...

[wolf1]

I only assumed it to be some sort of virus as the pc works in safe mode. Looks like i'm going to have to do the investigating as when I ask him I get the teenage "dunno it worked then it didn't. right i'm off out" I've not seen any new hardware so wasn't expecting that to be the problem, but you never know.