Virus on computer...any way to get it off with just an anti-virus program?

[chisnpeke]

I believe I have a virus on my computer. I had Windows Live OneCare but they discontinued it. My computer ran fairly well when I had that anti-virus program on here. I went on vacation and right after I got home my computer started having problems. My webcam can no longer be found, internet explorer doesn't work, whenever I move files it says they are moving forever so the little box stays up even though the file has moved. I talked to the Geek Squad who said that it is likely a virus but I am not using them as they charge $160 to look it over. I have been told to download a scan that will detect viruses but I can't even download that.

Is there any way to get rid of a virus with just an anti-virus software program? I have trials of Norton before and found it to be annoying for some reason so any suggestions on what program you use/recommend and how you like it?

 

[ricktib]

Try Microsoft Security Essentials (I believe it replaced OneCare). It's free and works great from what I can tell!

 

[chisnpeke]

Try Microsoft Security Essentials (I believe it replaced OneCare). It's free and works great from what I can tell!

Tried that and my computer won't download it

Thanks though!

 

[Not My Fault!]

Maybe try "Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware".

 

[S. C.]

Can you use your go-back program to a safe time? Could be a different name on your computer.

 

[Myothername]

I have done the go back thing and it worked once. Other times I had to just give up and reload windows. If you do that be sure and save anything you want on a disk of some type because reinstalling windows completely wipes out your computer. You basically have a brand new computer when you are done. But you have no virus either.

 

[Jestocost]

Try launching Windows into Safe Mode and downloading from there.

 

[sayhello]

Is there any way to get rid of a virus with just an anti-virus software program?

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Do you *have* an anti-virus program on your PC? If so, almost all of them have an option to initiate a full scan of your computer. Once you do that, if it finds the virus, it will ask you what you want to do with it (usually quarantine it or delete it).

If you don't have anti-virus software, and can't download anything, I'd agree with Jestocost to boot up in Safe Mode, and see if you can download an anti-virus program and an anti-malware program that way. Safe Mode is a pretty minimal version of Windows, and doesn't run or startup much of anything beyond the basics.

Here's instructions on how to boot up Windows XP in Safe Mode:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222

A good free anti-virus program is avast!

http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

A good anti-malware program is malwarebytes

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Hope that helps you.

Sayhello

 

[chisnpeke]

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Do you *have* an anti-virus program on your PC? If so, almost all of them have an option to initiate a full scan of your computer. Once you do that, if it finds the virus, it will ask you what you want to do with it (usually quarantine it or delete it).

If you don't have anti-virus software, and can't download anything, I'd agree with Jestocost to boot up in Safe Mode, and see if you can download an anti-virus program and an anti-malware program that way. Safe Mode is a pretty minimal version of Windows, and doesn't run or startup much of anything beyond the basics.

Here's instructions on how to boot up Windows XP in Safe Mode:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222

A good free anti-virus program is avast!

http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

A good anti-malware program is malwarebytes

http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

Hope that helps you.

Sayhello

What I meant was if I buy another anti-virus program, will it get rid of the virus on my computer?

To the posters who suggested wiping everything clean, I have done that before on other computers but I do not want to do that on this computer as I have only done it when the computer was unusable due to viruses that were really bad.

 

[usnuzuloose]

What I meant was if I buy another anti-virus program, will it get rid of the virus on my computer?

To the posters who suggested wiping everything clean, I have done that before on other computers but I do not want to do that on this computer as I have only done it when the computer was unusable due to viruses that were really bad.

I use uniblue registry and it scans everything and removes it. I know the geek squad is expensive, if you search on the internet for internet help you may find some that are alot cheaper than that. I did find some around my area. And being local I can take it there and pick it up. Just check all the reviews. In todays economy you can find people to do it a litte cheaper so at least they are working. Check with best buy or who ever about the downloadable ones you buy. They should be able to let you know. Jo

 

[sayhello]

What I meant was if I buy another anti-virus program, will it get rid of the virus on my computer?

One would hope so. But there's never any guarantee. Some anti-viruses are better than others. Norton, while annoying, is good. Avast! and AVG are good. You might need to download an update for it to get rid of your virus (if it's a new virus) so if downloads aren't working, that's a problem. Or if it's not a virus, but instead malware, you'd need anti-malware software to get rid of it.

You might also want to invest in a good firewall once you get the computer fixed. They can block a lot of things from getting to your computer in the first place.

Sayhello