Desperately need help!

Baby_A

Hi

My knowledge is limited to the techie side of computers. I have a trojan virus in my system 32 and dont know how to get rid of it. After running housecall virus check, I pressed delete on the virus but it keeps telling me that the file is in use and so cant be deleted. I have also tried to manually delete the file but it wont allow me to.

I have tried to restore the system but it wont allow me as it says that the recovery disk is not compataible. The disk clearly specifies that it is the same model number as my computer (sony vaio pcv-v1/g).

I have lost my desktop background and have no access to hotmail or MSN. Also when right clicking on programs to open, I cant open them as it has a user name I have never seen before?

I have done spyware checks and deleted all the threats.

Any ideas? Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks

Fran

Have you got an antivirus? Does that recognise it?
Have you tried using "system restore" (assuming it is available on your computer) to go back to a time when it was working ok?
If you turn off "system restore" and restart the computer in "safe" mode (done by pressing F8 a few times quickly when computer starts up - you will then have to choose options - pick safe mode using keys on keyboard), then run your antivirus and any other software you have such as AdAware, Spybot etc.

Fran

To find system restore using Windows XP - Start/my computer/view system information/system restore.



Try running Ewido

Once you have sorted it out, have a read of the Internet Security - Free thread also What security do you use? and How often do you back up?.

Baby_A

My automatic updates has been turned off and it wont allow me to turn it back on. I have been using the security set up on XP. I have tried to install Norton etc but to no avail.
Have tried system restore but just keeps saying I cant do it with X date. Have tried loads of dates.
It may seem like a dumb question - but what difference does it make to run Spybot etc on safe mode?

T4i

Some files (spyware) that are currently in use are protected from deletion.

Running in safe-mode gives you back the permission to delete those files. Do you know what your virus is called?

T4i

Right clicjk on 'my computer'

Click 'manage'

Click services

ON the right look for automatic updates. Is it disabled/manual/automatic?

Baby_A

Automatic updates isnt listed. Would it be called something else?

Cant remember the name of the virus, i doing another check so will put the name of the virus on here in a bit.

danmanchester

Some viruses/trojans are very tricky to remove, and embed themselves in system folders (ie:within system restore!) making them virtually impossible to remove by normal methods. If all the above suggestions don't work it may be worth considering turning off system restore(WARNING-you will LOSE all previous restore points! but this may be the only way to rid the nasty), rebooting into safe mode and then running your anti virus - as this should remove anything nasty lodged there. Hopefully that will work, don't forget to turn back on system restore once cleaned. Good luck.

T4i

The proper name is Automatic Updates Service

You should have this in services if running XP.

Baby_A

Automatic Updates Service is not listed. I am using XP.

When doing a norton scan no virus shows up, when doing a housecall scan it brings up a Trojan.
Just done a Microsoft Antispyware and it brings up Bradcast PC (Adware) is this a threat? Should I delete?

Baby_A

When I right click on a software on my desktop, it brings up a user name I havent heard of before. Is this normal? (Under the current user category)