Computer Geeks Help!!!

[Robeson]

I have a computer at home, which is eaten up by trojan viruses. Printer functions don't work. Can't set a homepage for. It always goes directly to a spyware or seach site. I have had 3 different virus programs on it, and each identifies different trojan viruses, and says that they are deleting them, but they come right back within seconds. Its not even functional anymore.

Can I reformat the Drive C and just reinstall Windows XP on it? And if I do format it, will that get rid of all the viruses? I've got a lot of info on it already backed up on other computers so I don't mind if I have to wipe the whole damn thing out. Please help! My computer knowledge is about mid-level, so please don't get to technical on me.

Thanks anyone for help!

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

1. Yes, formatting will 'clean' it all up...

If you are comfortable doing this; go for it. But... be careful. As soon as you re-install Windows - FIRST install virus protection and firewall and then immedietly get all Windows updates (this will take a while). Do not go online until you get virus protection/firewall running and then the FIRST place you go should be the Windows updates.

On edit: Go Pack!

[Robeson]

6. That really bothers me....

...because I have to wonder, "a Packer fan just might be trying to sabotage me!!"

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

7. Oh stop...

I am more concerned you'll CHOKE in the process of fixing it...

BWHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! :evilgrin:

Seriously, PM me if you need help.

[Robeson]

9. Cyndee, I'm convinced, you're just mean.....

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

10. You are just asking for a good ribbing with that avatar!

Sorry... if I had a Packer avatar and the Packers lost last week, you'd be messing with me, too! It's all in good fun; the Vikings are our new Bears. It's just not even fun with Chicago anymore...

[Robeson]

11. Hey, we're going to blow it in Washington this weekend....

...no doubt on the last play of the game - as we always do - then we're going to back into the playoffs, and go ALL THE WAY!!! Vikings fans are always gluttons for punishment.

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

14. All loyal fans go through periods of sadness....

some more than others.

When was the last Minnesota Super Bowl victory again? OK, I am done being mean, I swear!

[Robeson]

15. Hey, but we went four times....

...and look how hard it is just to get there once...four times ought to mean somethin'! Doesn't it?....Doesn't it?.....

[Cyndee_Lou_Who]

16. ok, yes... I will stop being mean.

even though it's been TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS since their last appearance!

[48pan]

2. Try this first

Hold the F8 key down while windows boots. Go to safe mode when you get the logon screen. Run the virus checker in safe mode and see if that helps.

If not:
1. Reformat the disk
2. Reinstall windows
3. Use Internet Explorer to go to www.mozilla.org
4. Download Firefox 1.0 and install it. Use it as your browser (no more spyware).
5. Find a program named adaware SE and install it. Run it weekly. As long as you use Firefox as your browser, you should get no adware.
6. Install a good virus protection program.
7. Never click on anything you don't know again.

Good luck.

[Robeson]

8. Thanks....

...good advice. I downloaded mozilla as a browser just the other day. Wish I had done it long ago...

[benburch]

What do you use your computer for?

If just for web browsing, email, music listening, and word processing, you might be happier installing Linux on your machine. Linux does not get infected by trojan horse software like Windows does.

If you are trashing all of your files by formatting the drive, you wouldn't have anything to lose by trying out Linux.

And it's free!

[Dr.Phool]

4. I tried installing Red Hat a few years ago

And I couldn't get it to install.

[benburch]

5. Ease-of-installation is much better these days. nt.

[Solon]

12. I would recommend getting Kanotix...

excellent hardware detection and a Live CD, you burn, boot it, test it, and then if you like it, you can decide to install it on your hard drive. That's what I'm using right now.

http://kanotix.com/info/index.php

[Dr.Phool]

3. Yeah

Sounds like your only alternative is formatting. My computer is just so full of a lot of crap, I'm gonna blow mine out soon, just to clean it up. It's just so time consuming, re-installing everything.

[Robeson]

13. OK gang....

...I'm getting ready to wipe this sucker out. Well, looks like I'll be spending the next 3 to 4 days reloading everything I had on it, minus the Trojan viruses...

[miss_kitty]

17. If you are still around, or come back to this thread

look at this thread about tools for safely cruising the internet, from the computer forum:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=242&topic_id=447

It's got loads of good stuff, free stuff, you can download to be protected.

Good Luck!

:hi:

[Digit]

18. Have you been to the DU Computer Group?

Antivirus is not enough these days.
You need protection from spyware, malware, trojans, etc.
Ck out Spybot, Spywareblaster, Adaware