calling all computer smart people (was forum=28)Follow

I seem to have broken my computer I contracted all sorts of ad-ware from somwhere and a win32 trojan ( think thats what it is). I have tried all I can think of to remove them and am at a loss I have come to the conclusion I will just purchass a new HD. Will the trojan have embedded its self on any other components or is there another way to get rid of it that wont cost me a new HD?

I was having the same issue up until about an hour ago. Make sure to send out an email telling people not to open any emails from you that have attachments for a while and if you want to be extra safe, change your passwords.

But, I kid you not, This Guide thing just saved my computer. Best ever. Try it.

not 100% true with viruses, but true enough to be safe.

visit http://www.trendmicro.com with IE, yes I HATE IE for its plethora of security flaws and the fact that it is the easiest way to corrupt windows in general but trendmicro seems to work best with IE over any other browser.

if you can not get to their site to load then you are FUBAR without knowing LINUX to save the day.

the above link is great if you know what you are doing, but messing around with hijackthis can be murder on your computer if you have no clue what you are doing.

i use it, but do not suggest that people who do not know what they are doing with computers to touch it. to easy to ***** everything up.

again, hit trendmicro, AFTER using that site to scan and clean your computer then you can muck around with other great tools like:

http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html

Ad-aware

http://www.download.com/3000-8022-10289035.html

spybot S&D

http://www.download.com/SpywareBlaster/3000-8022_4-10486084.html

spywareblaster

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#avg-anti-virus-free

AVG anti-virus

http://www.free-av.com/down/windows/antivir_workstation_win7u_en_h.exe

FYI, that is a direct link to download AntiVir an other anti-virus program if you do not want AVG

use and trust those apps, then go BUY the following application:

http://www.diskeeper.com/defrag.asp

diskeeper, the best defrager in the world for MS Windows OSs. keep your drive clean, and keep it performing fast. well worth the little cash for the basic vs. of $30 - $50 depending on what vs you buy, no need to buy any of the higher vs unless you have a LAN larger then 4 computers with a windows based server class OS (win2k or win2k3) running in a native domain using active directory.

here are 2 great links to read to learn about protecting your computer:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/07/technology/07tips.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/07/technology/07net.html

from the first link:



all basics there, but many people just dont have a clue:

from the 2nd link:



little side note about the OSx and Linux botnets, those are not infected by the user, but by choice in most cases to aid in generating more Windows based computers.

So to add to your issues, there are some other foods for thought.

if you know what you are doing you can use Knoppix (google for it) and boot with that to fun f-secure and clean out any viruses that way, i do not think the newest vs of f-secure can clean out spyware yet, but at least you can get rid of the viruses that way.

you will have to know how to unmount and mount your NTFS windows partition in order for it to be writable from Knoppix, but that is not hard if you know what you are doing.

on a totally unrelated note somewhat i guess why is it that new pre-built systems dont come with the windows install **** im kinda scared to make a back up of the one I have due to my infectious problem when I go to format my HD is there a number i can call to get a free disk I have the reg. key on a sticker on my case. BTW my comp is made by a comp. called lenovo it was free due to class I took.

The only thing I am worrying about is the fact that I have heard that certain trojans and viruses can plant them selves in the RAM an Video card is there a way I can check for that. I really dont wanna buy new components just yet.

Well... by looking at your avatar I suggest you first stop looking at ******* ****. Then buy McAfee.

Then buy McAfee.

Then punch yourself right in the balls to save time.

Funniest part of this entire thread, not one mention of nod32, the consensus standard for anti-virus/adware/rootkit/whatever removal among people smart enough not to spend $30 on Diskeeper. I'm still sick someone would pay money for that pos. It borders on fraud.

However, on some of them, there is a hidden directory on the machine that contains the setup files in case they are needed. 98 used to have a cabs directory and I have seen i386 on some of the client Dells and such I have worked on.