Help! Have I got a virus?

NCW_2

HELP! I've clicked on a dodgy email, mcafee tried to delte a file and it wouldn't delete. I now have a wallpaper background on my desktop telling me in big letters that I have spyware on the computer and to 'click here' for a list of anti spyware programmes. I've run my mcafee virus scan and deleted one 'PUP'. But the wallpaper thing is still there. I've deleted all my temp internet files and contacted mcafee who say I need to conatct their virus removal team (cost £29.95). Does anyone have any ideas? I haven't clicked on the wallpaper in case it makes things worse. I'd be grateful for any advice, Thanks, NCW.

Fran

Can you use system restore? (I'm not saying it's the right answer but might work???).

weemee

Any idea on the file name or location? If so post it here. I'll find a fix else I'll write a terminating program for you.

WeeMee

NCW_2

I going to show my ignorance now! What is system restore? Thanks, NCW.

weemee

Don't use system restore, chance are it wont remove whatever is causing the problem and even if it does it's a terrible program.

intel

The best and easiest thing to do is to think what the file was called if it was an attachment, if you know that a manual delete would work, or just right click your desktop and change your wallpaper as it could of been a IE Wallpaper thats auto plonked itself onto your desktop.

@Fran System Restore is a good idea I mean if it doesnt work It wont harm anything so a restore is an option...

Restore.

Click on Start, Run, then type, msconfig, Now click Launch System Restore
now choose restore PC to an earlier point, next, Now find a time on the calendar to a time before this happened, then next/Ok

NCW_2

Thanks. I've tried changing the wall paper and it doesn't budge. Mcafee have told me to run something called freescan - which I am currently in the middle of. I've also been suggested adaware to remove it - is that good? Thanks, NCW.

intel

Ok if you use Adaware make sure the file definitions are upto date you will see that as soon as Adaware starts up, also you will have to turn of System restore the turn back on after scan.

Get Adaware. Here

Download and install Adaware

Turn off restore, Right Click My Computer Icon, Properties, System restore Tab, Turn Off and agree to any prompts.


Now double click Adaware to start scan just before a scan check for updates.

Found anything? If so tick the box then next to delete items

Turn restore back on.

NCW_2

Thanks - I'm going to run the adaware now. I'll let you know how I get on. NCW.

intel

NCW wrote:

Thanks - I'm going to run the adaware now. I'll let you know how I get on. NCW.

Whilst running a scan leave the PC alone to do its job. It should take about 10mins or less. Hopefully.

NCW_2

I've run adaware and it picked up several things (Mcafee picked up nothing!) - thanks you all for your help.
I wonder if it is worth paying so much for Mcafee each year - I think maybe there may be better free alternatives.
Thanks again, NCW.