AAAAAGH! Just found trojan horses on my computer

Justamum

What do I do? Aren't they really bad things to have? Hubby likes to download free screensavers. He downloaded a couple yesterday, and when I did a virus check today it says I have two embedded and two archive. Does that mean I can never get rid of them? I'm not particularly computer literate so simple layman's terms would be useful!

Troubleatmill_2

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=133269

Best
Troubleatmill

MercilessKiller

software such as https://www.free-av.com will happily remove trojans but follow the guide mill posted

John_Gray

Justamum wrote:

Hubby likes to download free screensavers.

Hubby should know/be told that screensavers are a frequent source of viruses.

Do you not have an antivirus program which checks downloads as they happen, or when files execute? Running a scan some time after the event helps, but it could be improved on...

John

Justamum

John_Gray wrote:

Hubby should know/be told that screensavers are a frequent source of viruses.

Do you not have an antivirus program which checks downloads as they happen, or when files execute? Running a scan some time after the event helps, but it could be improved on...

John

I keep telling him not to download anything which says "free" as there is no such thing as a free lunch!

I do have AVG which updates itself daily. It was this which detected them, but can't remove them. I'm not very good with computers (or most modern technology - I don't even have a mobile phone, and don't know what an MP3 player is!) I just use the computer for e-mail, internet and Quattro Pro for the household accounts. To be perfectly honest (and can I say this to people who are obviously computer savvy?) computers bore me. Oops, said it now! If it works then fine, when it stops working I haven't a clue what I will do, and to be honest I haven't much interest in fiddling about trying to work stuff out. It's like a car - I can drive, but I have no interest in how the engine works.

Anyway, I will carefully follow all the instructions - but I'll have to do it tomorrow because it's getting close to my bedtime! Thanks to everyone for helping me.

MercilessKiller

Justamum wrote:

I keep telling him not to download anything which says "free" as there is no such thing as a free lunch!

I do have AVG which updates itself daily. It was this which detected them, but can't remove them. I'm not very good with computers (or most modern technology - I don't even have a mobile phone, and don't know what an MP3 player is!) I just use the computer for e-mail, internet and Quattro Pro for the household accounts. To be perfectly honest (and can I say this to people who are obviously computer savvy?) computers bore me. Oops, said it now! If it works then fine, when it stops working I haven't a clue what I will do, and to be honest I haven't much interest in fiddling about trying to work stuff out. It's like a car - I can drive, but I have no interest in how the engine works.

Anyway, I will carefully follow all the instructions - but I'll have to do it tomorrow because it's getting close to my bedtime! Thanks to everyone for helping me.

1) when it comes to computers you can get a lot of decent stuff free.

i.e open office instead of microsoft office
avg instead of norton

etc.

2) avg likes not to delete trojans for some reason. My advice, uninstall it.. install https://www.free-av.com instead. that WILL delete them 100%

Browntoa

most stuff cannot be deleted unless you are in safe mode anyway (as it says in that thread )

astonsmummy

MercilessKiller wrote:

1) when it comes to computers you can get a lot of decent stuff free.

i.e open office instead of microsoft office
avg instead of norton

etc.

2) avg likes not to delete trojans for some reason. My advice, uninstall it.. install www.free-av.com instead. that WILL delete them 100%

I've got a backoor trojan, i have read the thread to sort it out but it's well over my head and i dont want to loose all my photos, if i download this free software will it delete my photos?

Rex_Mundi

astonsmummy wrote:

I've got a backoor trojan, i have read the thread to sort it out but it's well over my head and i dont want to loose all my photos, if i download this free software will it delete my photos?

No, it should only delete the trojan (plus any other viruses/malware it finds). The only way it will delete your pics is if they are infected with something (this is VERY unlikely).

MercilessKiller

astonsmummy wrote:

I've got a backoor trojan, i have read the thread to sort it out but it's well over my head and i dont want to loose all my photos, if i download this free software will it delete my photos?

*lose - sorry Had to correct you.

Anyway https://www.free-av.com will only delete the trojan not your pictures unless, as Rex said, they are infected. It shows you what file is infected first and then you can say "delete" so if its a picture file you may choose not to

Edit: A backdoor trojan isn't actually that dangerous if you're either a) behind a network, or b) running a firewall

devils_advocate

What could cause you to lose your photos is NOT BACKING UP!!!! (sorry to shout, but its important. )

If you don't know how to, post again and you'll get solid advice from those more knowledgeable than me.