I think I've got a nasty computer virus

[PALADIN85020]

I'm writing this from my wife's computer, because mine is a hopeless mess. When I boot up, everything is normal for about 3-4 minutes. Then all applications, including internet, slow to a nearly dead crawl. I'm running AVG antivirus now, but even it is scanning about 1 file every 2-3 seconds. Anyone encounter a similar problem, and what can be done about it?

Thanks
John

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

That's why you should always stay away from "those" sites...believe me, I know

 

[Beauetienne]

Try this for an easy fix. Can you get to:

1)start

2)all programs

3)accessories

4)system tools

5)system restore

Then select a date earlier that that which the virus showed up.

This has worked (sometimes) for me in the past.

 

[cmort666]

Sounds more like spyware. You need to install Adaware and Spybot Search & Destroy. Run those. If that doesn't fix it, install Hijackthis and scan to a log file. Post the results here before you remove anything.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Try this for an easy fix. Can you get to:

1)start

2)all programs

3)accessories

4)system tools

5)system restore

Then select a date earlier that that which the virus showed up.

This has worked (sometimes) for me in the past.

My friend, you are genius, and have solved the problem. I took my system back in time to Nov. 11, and now everything is working normally! If you are ever in the Phoenix area, let me know and I'll definitely treat you to a cold one or more!

John

 

[Beauetienne]

No problem, John. Glad it worked for you.

 

[kennyb]

another to look for is the sophus virus...its new and nasty

 

[66TAS]

dont overlook the advice to get Adaware or some other spyware/adware spotter/killer. That is probably what got you.

 

[mjr]

That's why you should always stay away from "those" sites...believe me, I know

Unless you're using a Mac, of course.

 

[JcMack]

Backup, Backup, Backup. Drives are dirt cheap now. Either install a semi permanent drive in the computer and ghost or Acronis an image of your drives to it, or do the same with an external drive. Disconnect the drive you back up to when your done so it never gets infected. "System restores can be infected too" Malware scan should be done regularly.

 

[BobL]

Backup, Backup, Backup. Drives are dirt cheap now. Either install a semi permanent drive in the computer and ghost or Acronis an image of your drives to it, or do the same with an external drive. Disconnect the drive you back up to when your done so it never gets infected. "System restores can be infected too" Malware scan should be done regularly.

+1 on this advice.
BobL

 

[Super Trucker]

Backup, Backup, Backup. Drives are dirt cheap now. Either install a semi permanent drive in the computer and ghost or Acronis an image of your drives to it, or do the same with an external drive. Disconnect the drive you back up to when your done so it never gets infected. "System restores can be infected too" Malware scan should be done regularly.

I would add to use a good scanner for this also.

I know everybody likes free, but you get what you pay for sometimes.

 

[Mahoney1988]

Sounds more like spyware. You need to install Adaware and Spybot Search & Destroy. Run those. If that doesn't fix it, install Hijackthis and scan to a log file. Post the results here before you remove anything.

I agree with this also try getting yourself a better anti virus and watch what you download ..I have defender pro 15-1 but there are plenty that are just as good or better. just my 2 cents

 

[bill2000]

There will be a special place in hell for the creators of these problems.

Our IT guy at work fixed my computer by running Malwarebytes. He downloaded a free version from cnet.com

Be sure to download the free version. Worked like a charm. Good luck.

 

[roundgunner]

I think a lot of the virus’s and bad things out there are created by the people we go to with the software to fix it.

 

[C/O]

I had AVG on my last computer, and I also got a virus that screwed mine up. I guess free is not always good. I will stick with Norton.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Just as an update - the damn thing keeps coming back every time I shut down and re-boot. Accordingly, I've nick-named it the "herpes virus." Went ahead and downloaded Norton 2010, and it seems to intercept this bug satisfactorily. I can't do a scan, though - Norton seems to jam about halfway through the scan, hanging up on a particular file for no apparent reason. Oh well, as long as Norton stops it from activating, I'm happy. Apparently their firewall is working. So I'm out about 60 bucks or so. Whoever thought up the concept of a computer virus deserves life in the dark, blistering hot nether-region. This has ruined an otherwise pleasant day, for no reason at all except malicious meanness.

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

There have been some problems reported with AVG 9 slowing the Internet. It has been traced to the "LinkScanner" in their software. If you go to Tools, then to Advanced Settings and then uncheck the boxes listed under LinkScanner. It made a huge difference in my Internet browsing. AVG is aware of the problem and is working on a fix. Not sure this might be your problem, just thought I would mention it.

AVG Forums - AVG 9.0 Free Edition

 

[MK]

This may not have anything to do with it, but I would
make sure you don't have a CPU fan that's flaked out.
Overheating can cause symptoms kind of like that.

 

[Swissman]

I bought the Kasperky Internet Security. It runs permanently on my computer. It will cost you one hour 'til its completly installed. But it works real good from then on.

I've downloaded Ad-Aware and CCleaner. Run this programs one
a week.

I keep them all automatically updated.

Swissman