Virus in Comp!!

[priyanka26]

I'm running Windows 7. Though the computer runs just fine, without issuing any errors, i am sure i have a virus on it, for the following reasons

1. I am unable to open cmd - when i run it, it opens for 2 seconds and then just closes.
2. I am unable to open msconfig - same as above
3. i cannot install any antivirus - my 60 day trial of mcafee expired a few days ago, and i tried reinstalling avg. again when i open the setup, it runs for a min or so, and then just shuts down!!
4. I have been unsuccessful in opening windows in safe mode too. windows start up just hangs when i try.

need i say more?

I am getting a 25% CPU usage when nothing is running on my computer, and i think thts a bit too much.

Even though i can't see any visible changes in the performance of the system, i really want to get rid of the virus!!

Help me pls...

 

[Tews]

With what you describe, I would strongly recommend reinstalling the OS... you have too many issues going on here to ever trust your data with the current installation...

 

[DirtRider]

I have got around a similar problem by locating a virus using this ClamWin Portable | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives

 

[priyanka26]

ok, thanks...i think thts exactly what i'll do. was just hoping there was another way. thanks a ton.

 

[Petey7]

Lets see what we can do. What happens when you try to open task manager (ctrl+shift+esc)? Have you tried MalwareBytes? Have you tried to do a system restore to a time before the symptoms became apparent? Do you have a restore disc or partition?

 

[priyanka26]

I dont have an antivirus at the moment

 

[DirtRider]

I dont have an antivirus at the moment

Well you have nothing to lose by trying this then do you

I have got around a similar problem by locating a virus using this ClamWin Portable | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives

 

[richc46]

You can get a great free one From MS

Microsoft Secuirity Essentials.

Using that and Malwarebytes with the Windows Firewall you will have full protection.
Dont make the same mistake twice.

 

[priyanka26]

Lets see what we can do. What happens when you try to open task manager (ctrl+shift+esc)? Have you tried MalwareBytes? Have you tried to do a system restore to a time before the symptoms became apparent? Do you have a restore disc or partition?

I do not see anything unusual in the task manager... However, i am new to 7 and don't exactly what tasks should be running and what not.

I do have a restore disc.

 

[pparks1]

Just out of curiosity, where did the installation media come from that you loaded Windows 7 with? Is this a legit copy of the OS or some hacked version? Those hacked versions can sometimes come with some added "features" that cause all sorts of fun problems.

 

[Petey7]

Its unusual for someone to be able to open the task manager with a virus on there computer. I would try a system restore and MalwareBytes. The idea here is that the system restore will temporarily disable the virus, and then MalwareBytes will remove it. You can then copy all your important files and folders to some external media. I wouldn't try backing anything up with a virus on the computer, because the external drive or CD can become infected with the virus as well.

 

[DirtRider]

This will take about ten minutes to run and may just kill the virus. You don't need to install it just run it from your disk as is. Did I mention that I got around a similar problem using it ClamWin Portable | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives

 

[priyanka26]

Just out of curiosity, where did the installation media come from that you loaded Windows 7 with? Is this a legit copy of the OS or some hacked version? Those hacked versions can sometimes come with some added "features" that cause all sorts of fun problems.

No, totally legit copy of the OS. recently bought this laptop from Dell, Preinstalled with Home Basic version

 

[priyanka26]

This will take about ten minutes to run and may just kill the virus. You don't need to install it just run it from your disk as is. Did I mention that I got around a similar problem using it ClamWin Portable | PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives

yes, thank you. I am going to try that

 

[Borg 386]

Download and run MSE and Malwarebytes, do a FULL scan with both (this could take some time) and make sure you are not connected to the net while doing it.

One way to check is to see if you can go to the Microsoft site, Malwarebytes, or to Norton or McAfee. Some viruses will block your access to these sites or any other site that has software that can get rid of the virus. If you can go to other sites, but not any of those, there's a good possibility you have been infected.

If you can go to these sites, I would still run a full scan. I've encountered Viruses that lock you out of Process explorer, MSConfig and command. Getting access back involves editing your registry

You can also try the AVG Rescue disk. This disk is a boot disk that scans your PC at startup and runs a scan for viruses.

The AVG Rescue CD is a standalone set of tools that can be started from CD or USB flash disk. It can be used to recover computers that are not able to boot or are infected in a way that will not allow normal operation. The whole CD or USB flash drive is a live CD with Linux operating system and AVG preinstalled on it.

Instructions on how to d/l and use it are at this site

AVG - AVG Rescue CD Guide

 

[DirtRider]

I think the big problem here is it will not allow him to install any AV apps

 

[Petey7]

Any did not say any. He said AVG. He has not reported on other software. Sometimes certain software can get through, when others won't and I still say doing a system restore will make things a lot easier. I've done it before in order to remove viruses such as these.

 

[priyanka26]

hey, i just saw realised another thing..

This virus won't let me see hidden folders/files!! aargh!

 

[DirtRider]

Ah yes true, well I will be interested to see if it is a virus and if what one

 

[CarlTR6]

Ah yes true, well I will be interested to see if it is a virus and if what one

I wonder if he could do an online scan?