Did my Antivirus software stop my laptop working?

KG

I recently downloaded the free Ariva antivirus software recommended on MSE but, the next time I switched my laptop on, my keyboard refused to work.

The mouse still works so I was going to go in and uninstall the software to see if that helped, but the user accounts are password protected and so I can't get in to remove the software as I can't type in the password...

I have tried restarting the laptop about 50 times and plugging in another keyboard. On about 50% of restarts the keyboard will work for about 5 characters but then it stops responding and on one occassion early on I logged in fully and used the laptop normally for a few hours. Thinking that the problem was sorted, I logged out but haven't been able to log back in since.

I am thinking, since the keyboard works for a few keystrokes, that it's not the hardware that's knackered.

Has anyone had a similar experience? Or does someone more techie than me know whether this indicates that my computer is infected with something? Or is it just coincidence?

Thanks

KG

aliEnRIK

Ive never heard of Avira doing this, so id hazard a guess you have something nasty on your laptop
reboot and keep pressing F8 until an option screen pops up (press F8 as SOON as it powers up)
select SAFE MODE WITH NETWORKING
uninstall Avira (just for now)
Install MALWAREBYTES
http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&!!!!!button
UPDATE and QUICK SCAN
remove ALL entries it gives then post the log here

restart your computer then install AVIRA ~
http://www.download.com/Avira-AntiVir-Personal-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10322935.html
(assuming malware' does find something)

Old_Sherlock

I`ts probably best to just do a system restore .

aliEnRIK

Old_Sherlock wrote: »

I`ts probably best to just do a system restore .

Not if there ARE trojans on it, as its in the 'restore' files that they tend to hang about just waiting for someone to do a system restore

Old_Sherlock

I`m well aware of that ,but the post does not suggest that is the problem.

I recently downloaded the free Ariva antivirus software recommended on MSE but, the next time I switched my laptop on, my keyboard refused to work.

aliEnRIK

as you wish.........
But as Avira doesnt create these sorts of problems its either ~
tried to install over ANOTHER anti virus
or
Nasties on the computer

Personally, I wouldnt risk it

Old_Sherlock

.......

But as Avira doesnt create these sorts of problems its either ~
tried to install over ANOTHER anti virus

Yes this could be the problem

aliEnRIK

KG wrote: »

Thinking that the problem was sorted, I logged out but haven't been able to log back in since.

The OP cant even log on

Conor_3

When the computer boots up, press f8 and start in safe mode with network support. Click on the "Administrator" account. Go to Start, Programs, Accessories, Accessibility, On Screen Keyboard and that'll give you a keyboard on the screen you can use with your mouse if you need to. From there, uninstall Avira, fire up a browser and head over to https://www.eset.com and use their online scanner.