Is it a Virus?

VH

It sounds very much like you had the Serflog virus. I know someone who got it recently, it came via an attachment when they were chatting on MSN Messenger. They opened it and it knackered the machine.

The PC in question had AVG anti-virus on and the virus completely disabled it.

Took me an hour to get rid of it as it prevented me from downloading anything and going on most websites. Also disabled task manager and regedit so I couldn't even stop it that way. In the end I managed to get hold of a stinger specifically designed to remove it (from Symantec), had to burn it onto CD on another PC and put it into the infected machine.

I had AVG myself on my home PC. I have since removed it as I have lost all confidence in it after this attack. And it was completely up to date as well.

Goitster

Hello DFC

I run xp, updated with service pack 2. I have zone alarm, avg, which I update daily. I also run a squared, ad-ware personal, spyware blaster, and spy bot search & destroy. Now I think my problem is.....children, teeagers, you know. They do all sorts of downloading, particularly the one who is 19. If you know of a way to zap them please let me know :-). But any other advice I will glady take. Your wisdom and patience are very much appreciated.

Debt_Free_Chick

Hello Goitster

Very difficult .... as many viruses are activated by the user who actually OPENS an attachment. If you never opened anything, then you would avoid the vast majority of viruses. Education is the only way. NEVER click open anything unless you know who sent the message and why they sent the attachment. Unfortunately, many people use attachments to distribute the kind of "this is really funny" rubbish that many, and teenagers in particular, find irresistable.

If you use IE you could tweak the security settings, though from memory, they are pretty much "tweaked" by SP2.

The virus you had was more than likely an attachment to a message in MS Messenger.

You have probably "closed all the open windows before you left the house". Unfortunately, your teenagers are actually opening the door to the strangers that come knocking, inviting them in to your house and then showing them where all the valuables are stashed! They need to be told!

Yeah, I know ... teenagers have selective hearing, eh? And the ability to "shut off" and daydream about Jennifer Lopez/football/boys/makeup whilst you're trying to tell 'em important stuff