Any computer geeks out there

[tooln]

I'm have problems with my PC. I run Microsoft Security Essentials antivirus software and need something better. I got some kind of virus I can't get rid of. Can anyone recommend a good anti virus & firewall software. Thanks

 

[wiscwhip]

The first thing I would recommend is for you to download and run Malewarebytes Anti-Maleware software. This is not an anit-virus software, it is to clean infections off your PC only. You may have to download it on another computer to a flash stick and install it through a USB port to get it to install, if the virus is blocking your internet connection. It is very safe for the novice user, it is free and put out by good folks who just want to stick it to the virus writers. There is a paid version, you do not need it, so when you install, just deselect the free trial of the "Pro" version and install the "free" one. There are other powerful software choices out there, but I would not recommend most of them to the novice user, at least not before trying Malewarebytes. MSE Anti-Virus is better than it used to be, but still pretty low on the virus software list, there are many that are better. I will not recommend one of those, as they can all fail at finding and preventing some viruses at times, and I don't want to get blamed for someone's computer failing due to a recommendation I made over the internet and had not personally touched with my own hands, if you were closer I would offer to clean your PC and get it running again. I do it all the time for guys I work with. Check out some websites like pcmag.com, tomsguide.com, and cnet.com and read the software comparisons and reviews, do your research and find one that is rated highly and suits your needs. If you need more help you can PM me if you like, I will try to get you answers as best I can.

 

[foggy]

One way to end all your troubles: APPLE

 

[wiscwhip]

600,000+ Apple laptop owners that got the Flashback virus would beg to differ. Now that Apple has become more mainstream and available around the world, the Chinese have just as many hackers writing malicious code for them as they do for PC's, albeit they are a bit harder to attack with simplistic code than PC-based systems. It is a complete myth that Mac's are invulnerable to viruses and malware, and it is going to get worse as these foreign entities try to hack everything from cell phones to gaming consoles to get your personal information. Not saying that PC's are better than Mac's necessarily, the best option would be a PC running a Linux based OS and not Windows, but given that one must be fairly knowledgeable about operating systems and have their hands tied with minimal software choices, that option will never gain steam. Bottom line is, whatever you run, learn how to protect it and keep it updated!

 

[wiscwhip]

Someone else on here is a computer guy by trade(I am more of a hobbyist), maybe badgerfowl IIRC? They might have some suggestions as well.

 

[John-W-WI]

Unfortunately Tooln, you are probably up a creek without a paddle.

"Junk" can be cleaned off, but rarely is gone forever.

The only sure-fire way to solve it is to re-install windows. It's a pain, but your computer will be like new again! As long as you are at it, add a solid state hard drive when you re-install windows and your computer will be much faster than it ever was.

Sorry for the bad news, but with a 9 year old that likes to click on anything he sees, and a wife that isn't much better, I happen to have a little experience with malware and virus removal!

-John

 

[biglakeba$$]

Also try Superantispyware, CCleaner, Spybot.... just to name a few more. Cant hurt to try. They are free.

I had a laptop recently that would just stall and do nothing for minutes... i ran all the above including Malwarebytes and MS Security Essentials....

I cleaned something up because it works 10 times better now.

 

[Bucks&Ducks]

I would start with malwarebytes. The others BLB suggested would work too. If you are still having problems bring it in if you don't feel comfortable taking other steps, get a new start. Then add whatever virus protection you feel comfortable with. It all is going to depend on how bad it is. Could be as easy as removing a program or running a scan to remove the threat. On the other hand it could be a huge mess.

 

[wiscwhip]

BLB, has mentioned another good one that I use everyday but I forgot. I use it all the time when I help out in our IT Department at work. It really doesn't clean up spyware/malware/viruses, but it will keep crap from cluttering up and slowing down your PC, and that is CCleaner. I would definitely recommend installing it and running it at least every few days, it cleans out all the temp and unused files from web browsing and such and will keep your popular cookies and saved passwords if you so choose.

 

[CrazyEd]

Someone else on here is a computer guy by trade(I am more of a hobbyist), maybe badgerfowl IIRC? They might have some suggestions as well.

I have nothing to add, you nailed it with MalwareBytes. If that doesn't get it re-load windows :)

If you are still having issues, this is another one that is a lot more basic. https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

 

[tooln]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I have thought about reloading windows but want to save that as a last resort. Going off line and to work on it now.

 

[tooln]

OK It's 3 hours later. I downloaded malware and cleaned it. Tried to get my firewall turned back on and it wouldn't so I downloaded the missing files. Edited the registry and got things going again. Thanks to all for the suggestions and to wiscwhip for the PM's.