Recently I’ve learned that my automatic updates on my system are disabled and will not let me turn them on.In addition my computer is being bombarded by pop-ups.I run MSE(Microsoft Security Essentials) as my anti-virus and after a small inspection I found that it had detected a few new Trojans and quarantined them.But, I’m guessing that some spyware managed to slip by and infiltrate my system.I did a full scan and it didn’t detect anything else.
My question is,since I know the exact date that this happened,would the appropriate action be a system restore to a few days prior? Is there any risk to my ID by doing one?
Or is there a (free) spyware removal program that is effectual against such a tenacious infection?
(I use Windows XP)
Thank you in advance
[spammers will be reported]
Best answer:
Answer by heebus_jeebus
Since you believe that you know *exactly* when this happened, system restore may work in this case, but keep in mind that system restore is not the preferred method of solving this problem.
However, the infection may have gotten into your restore files and will likely restore itself.
I would suggest that you download, update, and run a quick scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, and a full system scan with Superantispyware.
> Malwarebytes Anti-Malware: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
> Superantispyware: http://www.superantispyware.com
If after scanning and removal the problem reappears, then you’ll know that the infection was in your restore files.
In this case, turn off your system restore, rescan and remove, restart your computer, and turn system restore back on.
> How to turn off system restore: http://www.pchell.com/virus/systemrestore.shtml
Additionally, a lot of new malware is messing with Internet Explorer, which is how your computer gets your Windows updates.
After removing the infection you may have to reset IE to its default configurations, like so:
Open Internet Explorer, then
Tools > Internet Options > Advanced
at the bottom of that page you will see “Reset Internet Explorer Settings”
click reset.
Good Luck
Edit: AVG suggested below is popular, but not very good.
I don’t know if MSE will conflict with another antivirus or not, but if you replace MSE, whatever you do, don’t replace it with AVG !
(I use and recommend Avast).
> Avast Free v5: http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Did you tried to scan your computer with Window defender? If not you scan with it.AVG free antivirus is excellent for these types of things so that is second option .Or you can try both one by one and scan whole computer.
System Restore wont hurt your files.
You will only loose files which you have made after that Restoration top/date, you may loose them but don`t agonize there is a solution for everything:)
If you are not in-trusted to spend any money on your PC then we have some limitations.
Still we can recover our Pictures and ID, but not Software’s.
What Giant Companies do in The circumstances like this… is to install “Recuva” Software, its simple and free to install and operate. http://www.filehippo.com/download_recuva
With the help of this software you can recover all of your pictures and ID which you ever had on this PC.
For spyware and stuff i would recommend to download Ad-Aware from lavasoft and its fee too.
http://download.cnet.com/Ad-Aware-Free-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?tag=mncol
and with that i would recommend to install avast which is free too to give full protection to your PC.
If you want best PC anti-virus which is free as well then i would recommend try avast antivirus free Home Journal.
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?part=dl-85737&subj=dl&tag=button&__utma=1.1820313906.1268100148.1268100148.1269065354.2&__utmb=1.3.10.1269065354&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1268100148.1.1.utmcsr=google.ca|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=avast%20antivirus&__utmv=-&__utmk=190167467
Once you download it then it will question you to register, you need to place any of your valid email address for free registration.
Double click on avast! Free Antivirus icon and click on Scan Computer Tab their you will see Boot-time Scan once you click on “Boot-time Scan” you should see Schedule Now Tab in this menu, click on it and it will question to restart your computer.
click on restart your computer on the right side of this menu window and leave your computer for a while and let the computer do what ever it is doing.
Basically it will run the scan in DOS mode where no other attention runs and antivirus have full access of your computer to scan and delete your infected files with out harming your vital files.
if you need further help i am here always
Excellent Luck!