Graphics, or IE, or Windows Mail problem

At the risk of asking a dumb question...do all of my installed browsers use the SAME temporary internet files? Because if they don't...I don't think this will help, as the problem is occuring IE, Safari, and Netscape.

Also--it's occuring in Windows Mail which I use with Outlook. When I open Outlook I get all the black borders, etc.

Thanks in advance for clarifying for me. ~Melissa

I'm inclined to think your computer is still infected.

In the event we can't get rid of it how do you feel about a re-install of Windows?

I did start another virus check at home before I left for work today. I'll try that again.

I tend to agree..."something" isn't right!

As for reinstalling Windows...I bought the PC 2-3 years ago and don't recall whether or not I have disks from Dell. I would need to back up the files on my current PC and then try that if I have the disks...still afraid it would remain infected, though... ?

Melissa

A clean install that involves wiping the hard drive and recreating a new partition would get rid of any remaining viruses.

Even if you can't find Dell's recovery discs you can carry out a clean install using the product key on your COA sticker to activate Windows.

You would probably need to download any missing drivers from Dell Support.

Have a look at this excellent tutorial.

Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

If you decide to wipe your hard drive and start afresh we can give you any assistance you might need.

The re-scan ran yesterday while I was at work, and no virus was found.

I'll watch the tutorial at work today...but I'm not clear on how on earth I would reinstall Windows if I don't have disks with Windows on them? If my drive is formatted, I doubt my cable modem would work to give me a "live" connection...and I wouldn't be able to get help from you on the boards, either.

Just read through the tutorial carefully Melissa.

Your computer came with it's own Windows product key, which is your license to use the software.

The first link explains how to download an official Windows 7 ISO, which you'll burn to a blank DVD before installing it on your computer, and then using your COA product key to activate it.

We'll help you each step of the way if there's anything you're not sure of.

Providing you download any drivers you need for an internet connection before your format your hard drive you'll manage just fine.

Just make sure you have something like a USB flash drive to save the drivers to, the most important being those for your cable modem and your network adapter.

I should start by saying it got busy at work so I wasn't able to watch the tutorial today. Keep in mind I can't watch it on the home PC because my browser is messed up. I will try to watch it tomorrow at work.

The reason I hesitate to reinstall Windows 7 is because every other time I've ever had to reinstall Windows, I've been without my PC for several weeks and ended up paying someone to fix everything. It has never gone smoothly. And I always end up losing something important!

I'm not at all familiar with "where stuff is saved" in Windows 7---so that I can back that stuff up and put it back after the reinstall. Like my IE favorites, and my e-mail (which I get to by clicking into Outlook, but then it says I'm using Windows Live Mail).

And if I do the ISO, will it keep the virus and put it right back on my system?

What about updates? I had a contract with Dell so it automatically updated everything from the day when I purchased the PC...will everything be out of date?

I use a crappy cable modem service that never connects after doing a reinstall. So I know I won't have Internet until I can get ahold of someone there to walk me through fixing it after the resintall...and if that requires drivers, I'll be trying to find a library or Kinko's that will let me download and save files to disk or flash drive (assuming my flash drive works after reinstall) to be able to bring things home---only to find out I'm missing "one more file" that I have to drive back and get. Ugh---it's been a hassle every time I've had to do this in the past.

I am so upset. I have no idea WHERE this would have/could have come from! With McAfee running. And System Mechanic.

Thanks for the help. I will let you know what I think after I'm able to read the instructions/watch the tutorials. ~Melissa