malware/spware removal

angus1

Help please. I followed a thread which advised to download four downloads then to start my compurter in safe mode then run the programmes. I followed the instructions and got as far as trying to start my computer in safe mode but it will not start at all now. The only options given are to press F2 but no options there have helped not even returning to an earlier date.

davb

Ok, sounds like a faulty hard drive, but we need some more info before making any suggestions:
- What is the make/model of PC
- What OS, xp, vista etc
- What problems made you think there was a malware issue.

stuartk

Hi There

Can you get into Safe Mode by repeatedly tapping the F8 on system start up?

Regards

angus1

Its a Acer Aspire 5738 windows vista. Its only 6 months old and has norton internet security, odd things have happened like things going missing fromm the tool bar and when I tried to dowload i tunes it just wont let me.

stuartk

Hi There

So can you boot into Normal / Safe Mode or not?

Regards

angus1

i've had the options that F8 bring up ie start in safe mode start at an earlier point which I have tried and it didn't work and not sure what elase I should try off the list

angus1

No it wont start up in any mode

stuartk

OK

You can try the System Recovery Options menu

Some OEMs put this on the Advanced Startup Menu or you can get Vista Repair Disk here:

http://neosmart.net/blog/2008/windows-vista-recovery-disc-download/

Or if you have an original Vista DVD you can use that

Let me know which one you have

Regards

davb

angus1 wrote: »

No it wont start up in any mode

Doesn't sound good I'm afraid. Sounds like the hard drive is faulty or corrupt, but other hardware issues could also cause this.
You could download and create a live cd such as Ubuntu, and try booting off that. It will firstly tell you if the PC will boot ok independent of the OS. Secondly it will (possibly) allow you to copy any data that isn't backed up onto an external USB drive.

At 6 months old, it should still be under warranty, but I would say the first thing they would do is a factory restore - so you need to consider your data.
Do you have any recovery disks? - don't use them yet, just checking.

angus1

Yes i'm sure I made the recovery discs when I first got the computer. I have it booked into PC world where I bought , but I thought if I could maybe fix it myself with help from this site, though with your help it's not sounding good. What would you advise now?

stuartk

Download the Vista Recovery Disk I suggested

It is different from the recovery ones you made

Boot from that and select Repair My Computer

Then try either a System Restore or Startup Repair

Regards