Infected computer?

marco501

Hi, I am not techie so please bear with me.

I had Avira anti virus and still have spyware doctor and Zonealarm, the first two of which I ran regularly.

A few weeks ago during a scan the screen just went grey forcing me to shut the machine down.

Now Spyware Doctor won't run - instead it says 'the malware removal databases for Spyware doctor have not been installed and must be downloaded before the product can be used. Please run smart update to download the malware removal databases now'

When I select 'run smart update' it updates, but still refuses to run (the same message appears).

I then tried Bullguard anti virus and removed avira and a scan found 4 infections, but the screen went grey again before it had finished.

My machine refuses to restore to an earlier point.

Have I got a serious problem, and if there is a problem is it something a non-techie person can deal with, or must I hand my machine to an expert?

Since I use my machine for business, I think the time has come for me to pay a bit more for security - though again, not sure where to start.

Many thanks to anyone who can help me. :T Nb my machine isn't terribly slow, but I am worried.

Browntoa

Please download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and save it to your desktop.

• Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
• Double-click on mbam-setup.exe to install the application.
• When the installation begins, follow the prompts and do not make any changes to default settings.
• When installation has finished, make sure you leave both of these checked:
  • Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  • Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
• Then click Finish.
• MBAM will automatically start and you will be asked to update the program before performing a scan. If an update is found, the program will automatically update itself. Press the OK button to close that box and continue. If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download them from here and just double-click on mbam-rules.exe to install.
• On the Scanner tab:
  • Make sure the "Perform Quick Scan" option is selected.
  • Then click on the Scan button.
• If asked to select the drives to scan, leave all the drives selected and click on the Start Scan button.
• The scan will begin and "Scan in progress" will show at the top. It may take some time to complete so please be patient.
• When the scan is finished, a message box will say "The scan completed successfully. Click 'Show Results' to display all objects found".
• Click OK to close the message box and continue with the removal process.
• Back at the main Scanner screen, click on the Show Results button to see a list of any malware that was found.
• Make sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected.
• When removal is completed, a log report will open in Notepad.
• The log is automatically saved and can be viewed by clicking the Logs tab in MBAM.
• Copy and paste the contents of that report in your next reply and exit MBAM.

Note: If MBAM encounters a file that is difficult to remove, you may be asked to reboot your computer so it can proceed with the disinfection process. Regardless if prompted to restart the computer or not, please do so immediately. Failure to reboot normally (not into safe mode) will prevent MBAM from removing all the malware. MBAM may make changes to your registry as part of its disinfection routine. If you're using other security programs that detect registry changes, they may alert you after scanning with MBAM. Please permit the program to allow the changes.

Browntoa

we may need to run another tool after this one but lets see what this log throws up

if MBAM.exe will not run when installed then locate it and name it to something else like "cleanpc.exe"

marco501

I will print out this page and follow the instructions now. Thank you for your help. :beer:

marco501

OK within 5-10 mins of the scan starting, the screen went blank again. :mad:

Any further advice much appreciated.

marco501

Anybody else have any advice please?

Belnahua

I found that turning off the System Restore and re-starting the computer in safe mode can help. The run the scan. Sometimes a virus can be embedded in the system restore.

marco501

I don't know how to turn off system restore (which doesn't work), but did run a scan in safe mode - the result was the same - about 15 mins in the screen died.

Reluctant_spender

Try an online scan with Eset aka Nod32

Please go to Eset Onlinescan (NOD32)
(You need to use InternetExplorer or enable IEView in Firefox)

• You will then see the Terms of Use, tick the check-box infront of YES, I accept the Terms of Use
• Now click Start
• Should you face a Security Warning that asks if you want to install and run a file called "OnlineScanner.cab", click Yes
• Click Start (the Onlinescanner will now prepare itself for running on your pc)
• To do a full-scan, tick: "Remove found threats" and "Scan potentially unwanted applications"
• Press Scan
  The Onlinescan will now start and scan your pc (please let it run to completion)
• When the scan has finished, it will show a screen with two tabs "overview" and "details" and the option to get information or buy software, just close the window
• Click Start >> Run... >> type: C:\Program Files\EsetOnlineScanner\log.txt
  The Scan results will now open in Notepad
• Click into the text area, right-click and chose "select all"
• Right-click again and chose "copy"
• Close Notepad

Note for Vista Users: Eset is compatible but Internet Explorer must be run as Administrator. To do this, right-click on the IE icon in the Start Menu or Quick Launch Bar on the Taskbar and select "Run as Administrator" from the context menu.)

Include this log in your reply by right-clicking and "paste" in the text area of the reply post you just created.

marco501

Thanks Reluctant spender.

I thought I had got it sorted, but 90 mins in to a scan with Malwarebytes anti-Malware, the screen died again.

Will try your suggestion now.

Reluctant_spender

Was that with a quick scan?