Can anyone help please?

[caroline]

Hi everyone
I'm really hoping you don't mind me asking for some free advice. I'm on my laptop now, but my problem is with my home computer.
I've been having a lot of problems with it for ages now. I wasn't able to update my norton as it "encountered an error" and it won't let me install my wireless mouse and other stuff like that, I think its running in safe mode. The kids use it a lot and they could have downloaded some rubbish from the internet, because as well as that I have some spyware site that keeps popping up and it has over-rided my home page demanding my credit card details.
Hopefully you are still with me on this! :roll: My question is, is there any way I can just wipe the memory clean with the computer and start afresh with it? There's nothing important on it, so I wouldn't mind doing that. I know my next option is to bring the blooming thing to get fixed, but I thought I'd ask here first! :wink: I'd appreciate any advice.

Sorry this is such a boring post!

[confused]

You could try adaware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/) get the personal version which is free, install on the offending system (you will know if you are in safe mode as it will say it in each corner and I doubt you would get the popup you mention in safe mode though you may). After installing, allow it to update, then do a FULL scan and have it zap anything it finds.
Very difficult to do over without seeing it as not all spyware etc are detected by adaware and others but it should give you a good start.
What you can also do prior to running adaware, is click start/run then put msconfig then startup (tab at the top) remove all ticks apart from your antivirus, hit ok then reboot when prompted.

CALV

[caroline]

Thanks Calv, I'll give it a try. I musn't be running in safe mode then, as it doesn't say on the computer. The thing is, I already have a spyware system I paid for ages ago, and it doesn't detect anything. I was wondering if it would be easier to just clear everything from the computer and start afresh, but I don't know how to do that.

[confused]

The thing is, I already have a spyware system I paid for ages ago
what one is it? and are you still getting updates?
I was wondering if it would be easier to just clear everything from the computer and start afresh, but I don't know how to do that
Sometimes it gets to that stage. How you do it depends on your pc setup, is it a shop/internet bought from a larger retailer? if so then it may have some form of recovery cd which makes the process pretty painless, if not, you should have been supplied with a windows cd - what version of windows are you running?

CALV

[KM-Tiger]

Often it is quicker to reinstall rather than sort the current problems, particularly if you have no vital data to lose.

But before that is done you *must* work out how security will be dealt with in the future, or you will end up in the same situation.

How do you connect to the internet? ADSL, dialup, or cable?

[confused]

I agree, especially if you have a recovery cd, but reinstalling from scratch, drivers etc can be a daunting task for someone who doesnt know how, DONT FORGET to backup important data if you go down this road - if you are unsure then post here and someone will help you out.

CALV

[DotNetWebs]

Hi Caroline

Its sounds like you might have the notorious “Spyware Strike” virus. This has been rife in the last few days. I personally removed this from a colleague’s computer 2 days ago. It was one of the trickiest viruses I have ever had to deal with. It destroyed the Norton installation, removed the DVD drive driver from Windows redirected IE whenever if found the term “Spyware Strike” on the page that was being viewed. It also seemed to mess around with the network settings on the computer.

To cut a long story short Adaware etc. had all failed to deal with it.
The only effective solution was to download and install Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware (Beta).

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Regards

[caroline]

Thank you so much, you have all been really helpful!! Yes, the "spyware strike" is exactly what I have. I feel a bit better knowing what it is, and why my norton wouldn't work. Thanks!!

[DotNetWebs]

This is short as I am typing it on a PDA:

Caroline I would advise you to download and install the link i gave before you do ANYTHING else with your computer.

I will back on PC tomorrow if you need anymore info this

[caroline]

Thanks DotNetWebs, but I'm afraid I can't get the internet up anymore on my home PC.
I had some £2 a minute dialler install itself when the spy thingy went on. I deleted it, but now I can't connect. Soooo frustrating. I'm just glad I have my laptop. As long as it doesn't get to that I should manage.

[JustOneUK]

have you got a disc with windows..(or XP) on it? ..or perhaps a 'boot disc' which may have come with your PC?

If so just insert it and it should start the installation process...wiping off everything you have on there.

[confused]

Cant you downoad it on your lappy and put onto cd or something to transfer to the other pc? Latest adaware defs do detect spyware strike AFAIK, the reason I reccomended adaware over MS antispyware or others is it requires basically no input from the user apart from a couple of mouse clicks whereas others often require a bit more and flash up messages that are often meaningless to novice users. I like MS anti spyware as well.

CALV

[caroline]

Hi, sorry I missed some of your questions earlier. I'm on wireless broadband, the spyware is called "spykiller" (dot com) and I have windows XP. I must have a disk somewhere which I got with the computer..must look! :?
I did manage to get my internet working through a new connection of pay as you go, so I'm hoping to download the MS spyware to my computer when I get home from work this evening. Have already downloaded it to my laptop.
I'm really grateful for you all for taking the time out to help, it has saved me a lot of hassle as I didn't really want to lug the computer down to be repaired :roll:
I'll let you know if I get it working :)

[confused]

glad you are making progrsds, dont forget to backup important docs before you wipe it (if you do wipe it)

CALV

[DotNetWebs]

Yes good luck Caroline.

If there is anyway you could transfer the installation you have already downloaded it would be better than going online with the infected PC, especially as you are using Pay as You Go. It could take a long time and get expensive if the spyware tries connecting to other sites.


CALV

Just for your info. When (3 days ago) I tried removing SS from a PC we used the latest ADAWARE definitions. It did detect SS and removed 83 of the 85 critical objects found. Unfortunately when the PC was rebooted SS reinstalled itself. The next time we ran it the were 85 critical objects again. They may have updates the definitions since but at the time the MS product was the only thing I found that would deal with it.

Regards

Dotty

[confused]

Thanks

Thats very handy to know, usually I run adaware, then run "hijack this" and look for anything that has been missed, obviously its much differnet when your sat there and can see whats going on.

Thanks

CALV

[Admiral Collections]

Hi Caroline


I totally sympathise with you, but cant offer any help. Rob @ Matrixx set up a new web address and I tried to set up new emails, OMG I was so blonde he had to send me a tutorial and even then I struggled. Hope you get it sorted!


Nic :wink: