My laptop is dying.......need help

[22_Shooter 1,560]

So I run AVG Free and Spybot S&D as my virus/spyware combo on my laptop.

 

Earlier today, I see a pop-up (not from either of the above programs) saying "Your computer is infected" blah, blah, blah. Not a huge deal, as I assumed it was a random BS popup. But then I realize there's a taskbar-icon to go along with this pop-up. It says the program's name is "Antivir Solutions Pro". So of course, I Google it, as it's not a program I installed.

 

As I expected, it's a spyware program masking itself as an anti-spyware program, and telling me I need to purchase the full program.

 

I go to run AVG Free and Spybot to find and delete this garbage............and neither program will run . I get a popup saying "X program is infected and cannot be opened". All the info I read on this "Antivir" garbage says it blocks you from opening a TON of programs, and puts up a fake message saying it's infected, when it's actually not. But I still can't open them.

 

The tutorials to remove this are like reading a foreign language to me. Besides that, all of the tutorials say to download a spyware checker/remover to get rid of it. But I already have one, I just can't open it. Even when I tried to DL one, when I went to run the install app, I just get another "this is infected, it cannot be opened" message.

 

 

Any advice?

 

This is the first real problem I've ever had with spyware/viruses. Should I make the switch to Linux as many have suggested in other threads? Can I even do it now, being that everything I DL won't even open anyway?

 

 

I'm lost.

[Lone Star Arms 2,047]

Go to "start-programs-accessories-system tools-sytstem restore.... Use system restore to restore your computer to the last system checkpoint. Update your anti virus and spy bot, and then run scans.

 

In the future try to stay away from the porn sites!

[patriot 7,197]

After you run system restore, delete all restore points but the clean one you restored from. Then, go to Trend Micro and run House Call.

[SpentShell 2]

You have Malware not spyware. The program that says its an anti-virus is called hostageware. It asks you to purchase the software and your problems are supposed to go away. Download a program called Malwarebytes and run that, chances are you will find the problem. Also find a program called Spybot Serch and Destroy, both are free on C-Nets Download.com page.

Edited July 16, 2010 by SpentShell

[Bean.223 365]

Many of these items block the restore points as well. If all else fails you might have to reinstall windows. Is there alot on the HD you want to save???

[The_Vigilante 14]

Check out the following link for instructions: http://deletemalware.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-remove-antivir-solution-pro.html. Note: Before doing anything listed in the instructions, you must first boot to Safe Mode with Networking where most of your work will be carried out to remove this program. Let us know how it turns out.

[SpentShell 2]

+1 for Vigilantes post Safe mode ftw to remove mal-ware

[thehopping1 105]

I have both Vista and Linux on my laptop and the Linux seems to be having issues. I thought that OS was some what impurviouse to viruses but I guess not. I had a similar pop up virus on my desktop and using the free windows anti-virus made it dissapear. I haven't had much luck with AVG, but some of my friends have.

[nalioth 405]

I have both Vista and Linux on my laptop and the Linux seems to be having issues. I thought that OS was some what impurviouse to viruses but I guess not. I had a similar pop up virus on my desktop and using the free windows anti-virus made it dissapear. I haven't had much luck with AVG, but some of my friends have.

If used as directed, linux is 99.999% impervious.

 

There is no accounting for the user's discretion, though (this is how they've been infecting OS X machines - getting the user to install the crap themselves).

 

 

 

 

-Shooter- if you need any further help, you can email me from here.

[22_Shooter 1,560]

OK, I'll give the system-restore a try. Thanks.

 

 

In the future try to stay away from the porn sites!

 

Honestly, I wasn't even looking at porn when this happened. I was trying to find USMC posters for a friend of mine. She wants to make a collage over one for her husband as a surprise. I was Google-image searching for them, and clicking on random pics that I thought she'd like and showing them to her. It was on one of those sites when I got the pop-up and saw the icon appear in my task-bar.

 

Oddly enough, I've never had a problem from looking at porn sites.

 

You have Malware not spyware. The program that says its an anti-virus is called hostageware. It asks you to purchase the software and your problems are supposed to go away. Download a program called Malwarebytes and run that, chances are you will find the problem. Also find a program called Spybot Serch and Destroy, both are free on C-Nets Download.com page.

 

I already have Spybot S&D. Like I said........I can't even open the program.

 

Many of these items block the restore points as well. If all else fails you might have to reinstall windows. Is there alot on the HD you want to save???

 

 

Check out the following link for instructions: http://deletemalware.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-to-remove-antivir-solution-pro.html. Note: Before doing anything listed in the instructions, you must first boot to Safe Mode with Networking where most of your work will be carried out to remove this program. Let us know how it turns out.

 

OK, how does one boot up in Safe Mode? (I know, I'm an idiot)

 

I have the laptop shut down right now.

 

I have both Vista and Linux on my laptop and the Linux seems to be having issues. I thought that OS was some what impurviouse to viruses but I guess not. I had a similar pop up virus on my desktop and using the free windows anti-virus made it dissapear. I haven't had much luck with AVG, but some of my friends have.

If used as directed, linux is 99.999% impervious.

 

There is no accounting for the user's discretion, though (this is how they've been infecting OS X machines - getting the user to install the crap themselves).

 

 

 

 

-Shooter- if you need any further help, you can email me from here.

 

Thanks man. I'll see if the above suggestions get me back to running normal, and go from there.

 

 

Much appreciated, everyone.

[termite 463]

Best bet would be to boot it up, when the pop up comes back up, take that new pistol you bought and cap it's ass. :)

[Lone Star Arms 2,047]

Best bet would be to boot it up, when the pop up comes back up, take that new pistol you bought and cap it's ass. :)

Vigilante is correct. Best to do this in "safe mode".

 

To boot into safe mode, turn on your computer and keep the F8 key depressed. You will go to an option screen - choose safe mode - then have a bit of patience. Eventually your desktop should come up. From there you can use the system restore function under "start-programs-accessories-system tools-system restore".

[superA 289]

I have both Vista and Linux on my laptop and the Linux seems to be having issues. I thought that OS was some what impurviouse to viruses but I guess not. I had a similar pop up virus on my desktop and using the free windows anti-virus made it dissapear. I haven't had much luck with AVG, but some of my friends have.

If used as directed, linux is 99.999% impervious.

 

There is no accounting for the user's discretion, though (this is how they've been infecting OS X machines - getting the user to install the crap themselves).

 

 

 

 

-Shooter- if you need any further help, you can email me from here.

 

 

 

 

Nailoth, why only four decimal points? Or I should say four places after the decimal. And I just counted and saw three, I killed it. Move along.

Edited July 16, 2010 by superA

[454496 71]

Go to http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/forums.html Do a search on the virus you found.

Make sure the information you find there is for your software XP, Vista, Windows 98 etc. before doing all the steps.

 

If you are unsure about doing all the steps you can write them on the forum and see if one of their techs will help you.

 

You can also download Hitman Pro (without buying it) just to scan your computer to see if there are other viruses on it.

 

AVG free will miss some bad virus, its old. Spybot S&D is old also.

 

You try scanning your computer with http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

That helped me identify the virus I had. But geekstogo was the way I got it out of my computer. Along with the back-doors and other stuff I don't even know about.

[Bean.223 365]

All above posts are helpful and true!!

 

But remember he is no expert.

 

SO my question remains.

 

Do you REALLY need to save the info on this HD????!?!?!

[Lone Star Arms 2,047]

All above posts are helpful and true!!

 

But remember he is no expert.

 

SO my question remains.

 

Do you REALLY need to save the info on this HD????!?!?!

 

My wife can crash any computer made... Windows, Macs.. So far I haven't given her a Linux installation to try - but if it can be done, I'll bet she can crash it....

 

I get lots of practice;)

 

Anyway, formatting the disk and doing a fresh install is a last resort. Try the system restore option first. There are a number of good anti virus programs out there... Free. But there is no shame in shelling out a few bucks for a full system solution. Norton comes to mind.

 

Spysweeper (a top rated program) used to offer the full version for a thirty day trial.

 

Good luck!

[jbrubaker 13]

I've had to deal with this same malware on a three of my PCs and all of them multiple times. On the XP machines, I had to boot into safe mode in order to run Malwarebytes Antimalware as well as Spybot. On my Vista machines, I was able to go into task manager and end the task (I believe the task is titled some random letters, e.g. rtdvdelk.exe); after I killed that process, I was able to run the anti-spyware software. Good luck! Don't give up on it if you want to save your data.

[Bean.223 365]

All above posts are helpful and true!!

 

But remember he is no expert.

 

SO my question remains.

 

Do you REALLY need to save the info on this HD????!?!?!

 

My wife can crash any computer made... Windows, Macs.. So far I haven't given her a Linux installation to try - but if it can be done, I'll bet she can crash it....

 

I get lots of practice;)

 

Anyway, formatting the disk and doing a fresh install is a last resort. Try the system restore option first. There are a number of good anti virus programs out there... Free. But there is no shame in shelling out a few bucks for a full system solution. Norton comes to mind.

 

Spysweeper (a top rated program) used to offer the full version for a thirty day trial.

 

Good luck!

 

True True True,

 

This is your last resort....

 

The question is...

 

Do you need the info on your HD and is the disk writer working so you can put the valuable info on a disk???

[nalioth 405]

Norton comes to mind.

DUDE!

 

We're supposed to be friends here. . .

 

 

Norton is one of the biggest purveyors of bloated extortion-ware known to the computing public. . .

[22_Shooter 1,560]

Sorry, I did see the question about if I needed to save anything on the HD. Somehow I missed it in my response, though............

 

The only thing on my laptop that I would like to save is pictures. I haven't tried putting them onto discs yet, so I can't comment on if the writer works. I hope it does.

 

 

 

I still haven't booted it up yet, but I'll report back after I do.

 

 

 

 

(.......as for Norton. I've heard bad, bad things about it. So it's always the first thing I remove on new PC's that come with it. I do remember from doing it all those times though, that it was a pain to remove, and aside from simply uninstalling it, I had to DL a specific program to remove it completely. It's a stubborn SOB! )

[shades_of_grey 1,092]

-Shooter-, lots of good advice has already been posted, but if you want to be talked through fixing your computer, you can call the number I'll PM you.

 

I had a detailed post on the best way/s to fix your laptop ready to go, but then I somehow reloaded the page and lost all that shit.

Edited July 16, 2010 by post-apocalyptic

[Spartacus 1,619]

Some good advice given here.

 

MalwareBytes is excellent and will likely get rid of it. The bad guys are aware of the popularity of that program though and do their best to not let you install & run it. One other trick you can try is to rename the MalwareBytes install file to something like "test.exe" before you run it. The bad guys are often not very sophisticated in how they block programs from running, they just look for the name and block programs based on their names. You may also need to rename the C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe file to test.exe (or whatever) to enable it to run. Make sure you run the update function before the scan.

 

It's a good idea to delete the temp files under your profile too, lots of bad stuff hides there.

 

Some other tools that may help are "Combofix", "Autoruns", and "HiJackThis". You may get a bit lost working with the last two, they are specialized Registry editors (very helpful to identify the bugs though).

 

You may need to create a clean bootable CD on a clean PC to use to clean up your laptop. The Ultimate Boot CD for Windows is the main one that I use but there are others. It has a System Restore utility and a few AV tools.

 

Ultimate Boot CD for Windows

http://www.ubcd4win.com/

 

Once you get your machine cleaned up, I would uninstall AVG and replace it with the free Microsoft AV scanner.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

These bugs are usually fairly easy to kill, you just have to keep at it until you figure it out.

 

Good luck!

Edited July 16, 2010 by Spartacus

[thehopping1 105]

I have both Vista and Linux on my laptop and the Linux seems to be having issues. I thought that OS was some what impurviouse to viruses but I guess not. I had a similar pop up virus on my desktop and using the free windows anti-virus made it dissapear. I haven't had much luck with AVG, but some of my friends have.

If used as directed, linux is 99.999% impervious.

 

There is no accounting for the user's discretion, though (this is how they've been infecting OS X machines - getting the user to install the crap themselves).

 

 

 

 

-Shooter- if you need any further help, you can email me from here.

 

Hmmm, I didn't realize there was a specific way to run Linux. I'll have to check it out. I haven't downloaded any thing on Linux though.

[BrutalGardener 205]

Some good advice given here.

 

MalwareBytes is excellent and will likely get rid of it. The bad guys are aware of the popularity of that program though and do their best to not let you install & run it. One other trick you can try is to rename the MalwareBytes install file to something like "test.exe" before you run it. The bad guys are often not very sophisticated in how they block programs from running, they just look for the name and block programs based on their names. You may also need to rename the C:\Program Files\Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware\mbam.exe file to test.exe (or whatever) to enable it to run. Make sure you run the update function before the scan.

 

It's a good idea to delete the temp files under your profile too, lots of bad stuff hides there.

 

Some other tools that may help are "Combofix", "Autoruns", and "HiJackThis". You may get a bit lost working with the last two, they are specialized Registry editors (very helpful to identify the bugs though).

 

You may need to create a clean bootable CD on a clean PC to use to clean up your laptop. The Ultimate Boot CD for Windows is the main one that I use but there are others. It has a System Restore utility and a few AV tools.

 

Ultimate Boot CD for Windows

http://www.ubcd4win.com/

 

Once you get your machine cleaned up, I would uninstall AVG and replace it with the free Microsoft AV scanner.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

These bugs are usually fairly easy to kill, you just have to keep at it until you figure it out.

 

Good luck!

 

Just when I was thinking about uninstalling AVG and switching to MS Security Essentials, I was a little buzzed one night and ran this executable downloaded from a shady source, without thoroughly scanning it first. AVG instantly detected a nasty trojan and stopped it from delivering its payload. I later experimented with it, using a virtual machine. AVAST also detected this trojan and stopped it. MS Security Essentials missed in completely, during a file scan and during execution. If I had switched to MS SE like I wanted to, I would have been fucked. AVG stays on my machine.

[Bladed 1]

Absolutely DO NOT USE SYSTEM RESTORE!!! do this will permanently cause your HD to be infected. Turn off system restore, reboot into safe mode and run AVG and MAlwareBytes. Then goto Microsoft and download the malicious software removal tool and run it, also in safe mode.

 

The reason you do not use system restore is that as soon as that malware installed itself it created a restore point!!!

[Spartacus 1,619]

Just when I was thinking about uninstalling AVG and switching to MS Security Essentials, I was a little buzzed one night and ran this executable downloaded from a shady source, without thoroughly scanning it first. AVG instantly detected a nasty trojan and stopped it from delivering its payload. I later experimented with it, using a virtual machine. AVAST also detected this trojan and stopped it. MS Security Essentials missed in completely, during a file scan and during execution. If I had switched to MS SE like I wanted to, I would have been fucked. AVG stays on my machine.

 

I believe you.

 

The thing is, next time it could go the other way, MSE will find something that AVG or the other won't. That's why it's best to use multiple scanners regularly, not just when an infection is suspected.

 

As to AVG.... it is one of the leading free AV products, but I've seen many machines infected with bugs while running AVG. I've also seen many machines infected while running Norton/Symantec, AVira, NOD32, McAfee, Kaspersky, etc.

 

Every AV product has both it's fans and it's haters, none of them are perfect.

Use whatever you like. If I'm asked to recommend a free scanner, I will still recommend MSE for now.

 

 

Absolutely DO NOT USE SYSTEM RESTORE!!! do this will permanently cause your HD to be infected. Turn off system restore, reboot into safe mode and run AVG and MAlwareBytes. Then goto Microsoft and download the malicious software removal tool and run it, also in safe mode.

 

The reason you do not use system restore is that as soon as that malware installed itself it created a restore point!!!

 

No, that's not entirely true. When you pick a restore point, you should pick one far enough back that it should not be re-infected. Besides, if you are starting with an infected machine, how does it get worse by trying a restore point?

 

My advice is to leave System Restore running, it can bail you out of doing rebuilds.

Edited July 16, 2010 by Spartacus

[BrutalGardener 205]

Windows security tips:

 

-Upgrade to Windows 7

 

-Use Microsoft Internet Explorer only to download another web browser after you first install the OS or boot up a new PC. If you are just normal user and not a developer/power user type, I recommend Opera.

 

-If you have a wife/GF and/or kids, create separate user account(s) for them and don't give them admin rights. It will prevent them from doing most damaging stuff.

 

-Use AVG Free or AVAST for anti-virus. If you follow my second tip, only install the basics and not the extra shit, such as link scanners, site advisors, etc. So, if you choose AVG Free, just install the AV and e-mail scanner (if you use an e-mail client app like Mozilla Thunderbird).

 

-Don't install any browser tool bars, desktop search tools, screen-savers, funny mouse pointers, etc, even when they come bundled with trusted applications.

 

-If you manage to get your system infected and you can ID the culprit, google for manual removal instructions and follow them. If you can't ID the culprit, try installing AVAST, AVG and MS Security Essentials, as well as some free anti-malware apps, like AdWare and SpyBot, all at the same time. Update them to the latest virus/malware definitions and run some thorough scans. If you have enough processing power, you can run them all concurrently. If the virus/malware preventing you from doing something, try things like restarting in Safe Mode and/or running the msconfig tool and disabling all non-MS services and startup apps. If you do something critical on your PC or have some truly confidential info, the only sure way is to backup your data and reinstall the OS.

Edited July 16, 2010 by SpetsnazGRU

[nalioth 405]

Windows security tips:

 

-Upgrade to Windows 7

. . only if you want to open the door to MORE potential issues.

 

-Use Microsoft Internet Explorer only to download another web browser after you first install the OS or boot up a new PC. If you are just normal user and not a developer/power user type, I recommend Opera.

Just make sure you don't download a browser that is just a frontend for Internet Exploder.

 

-If you have a wife/GF and/or kids, create separate user account(s) for them and don't give them admin rights. It will prevent them from doing most damaging stuff.

This only works effectively on a unixy OS. In windows, this is just a "feel good - does nothing" measure.

 

If you do something critical on your PC or have some truly confidential info, the only sure way is to backup your data and reinstall the OS.

Backup your data, use a security tool to totally and completely wipe the hard drive (from sector 000 to the last one) and then reinstall something besides windows.

 

 

. . . but the best Windows security tip is NOT TO RUN IT IN THE FIRST PLACE

 

Unless you are a hardcore gamer, there is nothing you'll be missing by running linux/bsd/solaris/other unix-based OS

[Lone Star Arms 2,047]

Norton comes to mind.

DUDE!

 

We're supposed to be friends here. . .

 

 

Norton is one of the biggest purveyors of bloated extortion-ware known to the computing public. . .

 

Norton's biggest offense is that it is a resource hog. If anything, it is overzealous - and you better have the resources required to run it in the background, or you WILL notice the difference in system performance.

 

As for "extortion ware".... It is relentless in prompting you to buy updated software when it expires, but unlike you and I, most folks need that prompting or they'll never take action.

 

I'm not interested in a computer knowledge dick measuring contest. I have built my own company computers, and maintained the systems, networks, and security from the bottom up, and top down for many, many years.

 

One of the reasons I stay away from posting on computer forums is that there are always resident gurus and cyber bullies who relentlessly seek to build themselves up at the expense of others.

 

I do my best to stay completely out of that dynamic on those boards, and will do the same on this one. My advice represents my humble opinion, based upon my own experience, and is meant to be of assistance to a board member here who has asked for help.

 

With that, I respectfully withdraw from the conversation, and cede the floor...

 

Mike

[BrutalGardener 205]

Windows security tips:

 

-Upgrade to Windows 7

. . only if you want to open the door to MORE potential issues.

 

-Use Microsoft Internet Explorer only to download another web browser after you first install the OS or boot up a new PC. If you are just normal user and not a developer/power user type, I recommend Opera.

Just make sure you don't download a browser that is just a frontend for Internet Exploder.

 

-If you have a wife/GF and/or kids, create separate user account(s) for them and don't give them admin rights. It will prevent them from doing most damaging stuff.

This only works effectively on a unixy OS. In windows, this is just a "feel good - does nothing" measure.

 

If you do something critical on your PC or have some truly confidential info, the only sure way is to backup your data and reinstall the OS.

Backup your data, use a security tool to totally and completely wipe the hard drive (from sector 000 to the last one) and then reinstall something besides windows.

 

 

. . . but the best Windows security tip is NOT TO RUN IT IN THE FIRST PLACE

 

Unless you are a hardcore gamer, there is nothing you'll be missing by running linux/bsd/solaris/other unix-based OS

 

I am proponent of Linux myself. My first real computer experience was with a Unix mainframe and I currently dual-boot into Ubuntu on my home desktop. I do like to play graphically-intensive PC games though. I've been running different versions of Windows since the mid 90's. Honestly, although I've had some close calls, I've never got infected with any viruses, trojans or malware. It does take a certain amount of knowledge and skills to keep Windows secure and running well over the years - knowledge and skills which, unfortunately, most of the "users" seem to lack.

 

I am the most computer literate person in my circle of friends and acquaintances, which makes me the designated "computer guy" (here's a hilarious comic on this topic: http://theoatmeal.com/comics/computers). I see a lot of shit like eMachines laptops running XP SP3, with 256 MB of RAM (shared with video), dozens of start-up apps, retarded downloaded animated themes and screen-savers, severals browser tool bars, fucked up registry, multiple virus/trojan/malware infections and a file system that's been fragmented to all hell. Generally, after I install more RAM, uninstall that expired, outdated copy of Norton/McAffee (replacing it with a decent free app), clean up the mess, install a decent "Internet" (web browser such as Firefox, Chrome or Opera) and give them a list of tips and procedures to follow, they do OK. Seriously, just getting them to use an "alternate" browser, up-to-date AV, avoid using some shady P2P apps and defragging their hard drive(s) once in a while, takes care of most of their issues.

 

When it comes to the more "well off" acquaintances, I often just tell them to get a Mac. Others, I do try to get to switch to Linux, but there is always some "issue" in the way, be it games, Photoshop, QuickBooks, iTunes Store or something else critical to their PC use. So far, I haven't been able to get anyone to switch and have no idea as to how your average "user" would be able to run and maintain a Linux installation over a period of time.

 

As far as myself, discarding the gaming issue, I do a lot of media streaming from my PC to my PS3 and thus far, all of the Linux media server offerings, have been significantly lacking compared to TVersity, which is only available for Windows. I also quite like the graphics and interface improvement found in Windows 7, such as the new taskbar, which lets you arrange and preview windows (and tabs), as well as the Windows Explorer drag-docking. I do find myself missing these features, as well as all the "fancy-shchmancy" graphical effects, when using Ubuntu these days. I did always hate the "Fisher Price" looks and unintuitive interface of Windowx XP though.

 

When it comes to laptops, I did spoil myself with a MacBook Pro when it first came out and have since been unable to settle for anything less than its splendid hardware design and appearance. I do like OSX Leopard and Windows 7 about equally right now.