I own two computers, and my other one has a SERIOUS virus on it. It pretends to be a virus protection thing, and blocks internet explorer from working because the file is apparently "infected". It won't let me do ANYTHING without popping up and telling me the file is infected. I have tryed to fix this with my actual virus protection program, but the program doesn't detect anything. When it tells me files are infected, it also wants me to activate the security program by having me enter my credit card number. What I want to know is if its worth it just to try and fix my computer or just get a new one. (Its a $499.00 Inspiron)

Well, find out the price of getting it fixed, compared to the price of a new comp.

@nintendograbber: AV Security Suite, right? i just got over an infection with that BS... you'll have to delete all the files manually, but it's fixable.

to get to the point where you can load stuff again without that BS popping up, when you load windows and enter your desktop, immediately hit control+shift+esc to load Task Manager. under the Processes tab, you'll see something that's like a bunch of random letters ending with 'tssd.exe'. Kill that process, and it'll let you do everything else you need to do.

this page outlines all the steps you need to take after killing the app process via Task manager -- deleting the actual program files, removing the startup entry, and deleting the registry keys (which you may need an Administrator password for if you're running Vista). Whatever you do, though, DO NOT download their 'removal tool', which is a program called StopZilla!. StopZilla! says it will not do anything for you unless you purchase it, but it won't do anything for you after you purchase it either (i had to go through and delete any infected files it found on my own because telling it to delete the files for me did nothing), and what's worse, it slows your computer to a dead crawl with its constant, unstoppable scanning. thankfully i paid for it via PayPal so I could file a dispute and get my money back for it, lol.

I get similar things when I go to unsavory webpages (curse my love of torrents...), but if you open your task manager you can usually stop it from running, which may then let you use your web browser. Can't hurt to try.

As far as removing it goes: whatever the name of the fake virus thing is (its window when it's "working" should tell you that), look for that name in your add/remove programs option. It may not let you uninstall it from there (though, again, it's worth trying) but it can tell you where it is located on your hard drive, and you can delete those files manually.

Most importantly, do a system restore, if your version of Windows offers that function. Restore it to a point in time before you picked up the anti-virus virus thing. If you happen to know when you got it, great. If not, take your best guess, and go back a few more days just to be safe. A system restore won't delete any files you downloaded or created in that time, so you won't lose anything...but it'll restore your system to a point before all that auto-run crap was added that's letting this malware do its thing.

So yeah, before you scrap your computer, there's plenty of stuff to try!

OR TBD CAN JUST BEAT ME TO THE PUNCH WHATEVER NO PROBLEM BIG DEAL

I like Microsoft Security Essentials. Just sayin'.

hahaha, sorry dude

I use Windows Pro Guard 3000. A random pop-up told me it would clean my PC, so I downloaded it.

_{cool it. you do not understand how this virus works, so please don't go giving the wrong advice. -- TBD}

the problem with this virus, Vlad, is that it doesn't allow you to back everything up. While it's running, every single thing you attempt to open will make the virus's icon on the taskbar pop up with 'that file has been infected! please run your virus checker!' (or something along those lines) instead of just opening the programs and/or files. In order to temporarily disable it, just log into your desktop and quickly open Task Manager, and once it's disabled, it's pretty easy to get rid of, no reinstalling or System Restore-ing required.

well technically this comp is my dads, and he just told that he wasnt going to fool around "with that stupid machine". yea. so when i woke up, i went down stairs, and he had thrown the computer in a dumpster and bought a new one for 400 bucks. he is sure gonna be ticked when i show him your replies.

yikes... that sucks. D:

Time to go rummaging in that dumpster, man :3

well, apparently he also thought he would be able to "see" the virus so he told me he opened up the computer, and took EVERYTHING out, then got mad because the virus wasnt there. so he killed the machine! why!? it had always done its job well! i guess i should have taught him a little more about computers.

What, did he expect to see STD-like sores on the computers nether regions?

no way. there is no way. D:

Wow. Just wow. Sorry about your computer.

Hall of Fame status: granted.

Wow! That reminds me of those tech support calls that complain about the computer not working when there's a power outage, or the CD drive breaks off because the user thinks it's a cup holder.

Where's my "bullcrap" card...