HI - Thanks - actually you are the second person that told me that I need to do a clean install. When I purchased the computer I did not get the restore disks. This is windows XP home edition. Where do I locate a restore disk?
Thanks!
it had detected adware while scanning-actually at the very beginning of the scan.
the adware needs to be removed. Also, it is a good idea to turn off system restore at this point *ducks out of the way of thrown objects*. Sometimes a restore point is made after a computer is infected and makes removing of the virus/spyware/adware nearly impossible. If after taking those steps the problem is still occurring, you can still buy XP online for less than what it would cost to have a professional fix the PC. If you live in the US, I can give you link to where they have XP SP3 Home for $100.
EDIT: forgot to mention that there should be a xp product key some where on your computer. If so, see if any friends or neighbors have a copy of XP. As long as you have a product key, it does not matter what disc you install from.
You may have to load Malwarebytes on a thumb drive and run it from there - another one we recently tried was avast - which actually found some malware that malwarebytes didn't! Like Petey7 said - there is no 'Google redirect virus' There are, however - hacks that will place a bogus .htaccess file on webservers that will redirect traffic from Google searches to specific malware loads that will trick you into downloading malware "...in order to get rid of malware"
Try a default scan with Hitman Pro 3 - SurfRight
If you have trouble getting Hitman Pro to run or scan then try Hitman Pro in Force Breach Mode « (only use this if needed: it is better to start Hitman Pro normally for a better chance of detection).
Hey all
1st: I do have the product code. I live in Vermont - so yes I would love the link to purchase the restore disc
I'll try everything that you have suggested.
I'll keep you posted. Thanks so much!!
It's not a "restore disc," it is a full, brand new copy of Windows with a new product key. I think you might have misunderstood me before so I will try to rephrase. As long as you have a product key, you can use ANY XP Home disc to reinstall Windows, as long as you use that product key. So if a friend or family member happens t have a disc, no need to buy it. I think having the disc would make things easier in the future, so I'll give you the link. Be aware that unlike a restore disc, a fresh copy of windows will not reinstall your drivers. They must be downloaded from the Dell website.
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3 English 1 Pack for System Builders DSP OEI CD - Operating Systems
Cece, welcome to Windows 7 Support forums. In order to remove the virus we suggest the following procedure:
Another option would be for you to identify the time or date that you recognised that a virus presented itself and working backwards perform a restore to a prior date.
- Perform a hard boot and use the "SAFE" boot option.
- Once you are in safe boot your desktop will appear.
- Using your choice of AV, (I prefer Malaware) perform a full scan.
- Review the log and perform appropriate counter measure.
Hi, cece.
As I said above, RKill is to be run only if you are unable to run the Malwarebytes .exe file.
The reason I suggested that you scan your computer with MBAM is that it does detect versions of the TDSS Rootkit, which some have referred to as the "Google Redirect Virus" as you did. I am hoping that is not the case but won't know how to further advise you unless you provide the log from MBAM.
Note: Do not clear System Restore at this point, as suggested by someone else. Although infected, you still have a "working computer". This is particularly important since it appears you are following all suggestions being thrown at you. Should something go wrong in the cleanup process, you will be up the proverbial creek. System Restore can and should be cleared after your computer is clean.
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