Windows 7 clean reinstall but virus(?) remains-- help

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  1. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    Windows 7 clean reinstall but virus(?) remains-- help


    Did a clean reinstall of Win7 to remove a virus(?)
    couldn't detect any virus with lots of anti-virus apps.
    'Virus' - behavior: automatically ran strings of dashes (-------------) endlessly in search boxes; opened successive copies of emails as quickly as I could close them in email program; prevented system restore operating; prevented upgrade install, etc.
    After a clean reinstall using win 7 cd there it is again the string of dashes in the search boxes!!!
    Now I am frustrated --WHAT TO DO NEXT IS MY PROBLEM.
    Can anyone suggest a possible course of action here please - please---
    Thanks
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 17,796
    Windows 10, Home Clean Install
       #2

    Did you do a clean install with format? If no, that is what should be done.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 19,383
    Windows 10 Pro x64 ; Xubuntu x64
       #3

    Hi Banksia,

    In addition to Rich's question, can you tell us what is the source of your Windows 7 installation? A boxed retail DVD? Downloaded ISO?

    Regards,
    Golden
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 587
    Windows 7 x64
       #4

    banksia said:
    Did a clean reinstall of Win7 to remove a virus(?)
    couldn't detect any virus with lots of anti-virus apps.
    Which specific AV apps did you use? If you haven't already I would run Kaspersky TDSSkiller (free), Norton Power Eraser (free) and Hitman Pro (free for one use) to see if they pickup anything.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    richc46 said:
    Did you do a clean install with format? If no, that is what should be done.
    yes I did this to no avail - the problem remains.
    I used a boxed retail DVD Windows 7
    I will try those other AV's

    I have two HDD on this pc which is a new pc so I have tried making each the system disk also to no avail.
    so is it a BIOS problem?? wondering and what should I do
    this is ususual I think
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #6

    Victek said:
    banksia said:
    Did a clean reinstall of Win7 to remove a virus(?)
    couldn't detect any virus with lots of anti-virus apps.
    Which specific AV apps did you use? If you haven't already I would run Kaspersky TDSSkiller (free), Norton Power Eraser (free) and Hitman Pro (free for one use) to see if they pickup anything.
    Yeah bansy there is a list of thsoe free one offs one I quite like is DrWeb cureit bit slow but thorough dr. cureit free download
    and Probably the Best Free Security List in the World
    Tried Malwarebytes yet?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 156
    Win 7, 32bit, Premium
       #7

    So the only problem you have at present is the -------- in search box ?


    What is your browser ?

    Check the tutorials above on procedures for doing a clean install. Sorry, I can't find link. You may have made an error in formatting.


    You may also consider overwriting the HD using diskpart
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #8

    torre said:
    So the only problem you have at present is the -------- in search box ?


    What is your browser ?

    Check the tutorials above on procedures for doing a clean install. Sorry, I can't find link. You may have made an error in formatting.


    You may also consider overwriting the HD using diskpart
    Yeah torre maybe even a dud drive or installation disk - any marks on it mate?.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #9

    thanks everyone for these very helpful comments and suggestions. I am trying them out.

    could it be a BIOS problem?
    it is not only the search box issue of endless dashes BUT much more importantly it appears to be much more because as I said earlier: I cannot use system restore, opens emails endlessly, and programs freeze, mouse cursor jumps all over the place, etc.
    I use Firefox.

    maybe if I use DISKPART to cleanall the SSD disk then try reinstalling windows 7 on it. ??
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #10

    banksia said:
    thanks everyone for these very helpful comments and suggestions. I am trying them out.

    could it be a BIOS problem?
    it is not only the search box issue of endless dashes BUT much more importantly it appears to be much more because as I said earlier: I cannot use system restore, opens emails endlessly, and programs freeze, mouse cursor jumps all over the place, etc.
    I use Firefox.

    maybe if I use DISKPART to cleanall the SSD disk then try reinstalling windows 7 on it. ??
    Hum you have a point there too re the BIOS is the mobo going home? I recently recently had multiple problems with one and even the replacement was well zip too - have a squizzy round for burns or bulging caps or something that is obviously way too hot or just lose joints. I also fixed a use machine this week that wouldn't boot and all I did was pull all the connections off and RAM out / back test the PSU volts and away it went no a flicker and it just was not booting at all. I guess we all tend to think of software probs first before the hardware like checking the oil in the car cos it's not running properly and in reality you have two flat tyres !!
      My Computer


 
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