I have a Lenovo Ultra-portable x60s Thinkpad with Windows XP SP3.
I recently had a spyware attack: the AV Security Suite malware, and I got MBAM and Avira to get rid of it, but after it was completely gone, I still had a problem with my computer.
I cannot upload any kind of file to any kind of file sharing or hosting site.
I also get random redirects when using google to search for things.
I tried a computer search two days ago, but found nothing.
Tech forums have not been very helpful, so if anyone could assist me, I would be grateful.
-Syneptus
I am using Firefox, and I try to use chrome and IE but with the same effects. I reinstalled Firefox also to see if it would fix it, but it didn't.
to find again
My main problem are resources. Yeah, that would be great to have a dvd drive or a flash drive or even an external HD to back my stuff up on. I don't have them is the main problem. I do not think I have the original Windows CD, because I borrowed it from my father.
That is the reason behind all of this slow picking at my system.
My comp has no cd drive, being an ultra-portable.
I have 90GB of HD space, and about 37 of it is used currently.
Hopefully this is useful info for other helpers.
So, how do you borrow a Windows CD and activate it legally?
It sounds like you're hosed.
Buy a large flash drive or USB hard drive to store your most important files. Then buy a copy of Win7 and format/install a legit version.
So you might be... but if you have a trojan that situates itself in such a way as to remain undetected/missed by malware removals, you may have no other choice. If you have such a thing, ALL your personal date IS compromised.... and identity thieves WILL have free rein with ALL your account details. (if they haven't done so already).
As you seem to have been thwarted at every turn so far, it might be time to bite the bullet... and reformat.
Well, not, with XP. That would work with Win 7, probably Vista too. But each XP CD was/is key specific. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. But that may have changed since the onset of WGA.
With 7 and Vista, any legal key will work with any legal disc of the same edition. Meaning any legit Home Premium key will work with any legit Home Premium disc as long as that key isn't in use elsewhere.
Sounds like you have a problem.
Before everyone jumps into this kid's shit.....
Syneptus: It came with Windows XP Professional.....what happened to it??
Yep, you are....
I was afraid I might be, but didn't that use to be the case, before WGA? Seems I remember it that way, but then, i was drinking back then.
I can attest to the issues associated with this AV crap.
Where I work several of my coworkers independently got hit with this AV thing, and so did several of our computers. So what I had to do to solve the problem myself was do the safeboot and restore to an earlier day or week before the malware hit.
Sad thing is.. I was surfing the web here at home, a few weeks ago, and was doing the usual Digg check pages for interesting information and send it to another tab to read in a timely manner.
Well I went to one, and suddenly java started downloading something. And I knew I was in for a headache, and sure enough it started running that damn AV scan. Luckily the system was able to restore to an earlier day. But talk about wanting to cause true violence on another human being.
When this type of thing happens, it's a violation that is completely unexpected. But if I ever meet the person who puts out that AV stuff. I would seriously have to be restrained to avoid causing severe physical pain. It makes me wonder sometimes why 4chan doesn't go out and hunt these guys down. Seeing as they are all cyber vigilantes.
Sorry your going through this Syneptus. And sorry your oldest restore was from 6 months ago.
Heh
I fix laptop HARDWARE as a hobby
I acquired this laptop for free because the previous owner fell down the stairs upon it.
I fixed it up and its only problem is its battery's tendency to fall out randomly.
I have a LEGAL copy of Windows XP professional. My dad's work upgraded, so they had a lot of XP CDs.
Something interesting, XP CDs(and maybe other CDs as well) can only be installed three times before the CD corrupts. i have noticed this with Purchased CDs and burned CDs.
It only came with an adapter and the laptop. No HD, no CD drive. I borrowed an external DVD drive, but do not have it any longer.
Thanks for everyone's help.
I still have no uploading capabilities. For example, I cannot upload a new avatar to the forums at all.
Sorry about this question, but how does one boot windows in safe mode?
When seeking help for a computer problem it is always good to give as much information as that which is available. It helps those folks willing to take the time and offer assistance provide a correct response.
Hope you are able to solve your problem.
Now that's a new one. I have installed off my XP CD probably 15 times over the years without issue.
I had a similar issue last year with the Winantivrus 2009 malware virus thing. Would think I got it just for it to pop back up in couple of days. A new install was the only thing to stamp it out permanently. Not sure about XP since i've always had the disc, but for Win7 you don't need a CD drive. I installed mine off of a USB Flashdrive. Just make sure USB is supported/active in your BIOS.
USB is supported.
Windows 7 is NOT supported.
Alright, I see many bad-not helpful replies in here, and many good ones. For obvious reasons, I am not gonna bother pointing out which are wrong and focusing on the good ones.
How can Windows 7 be not supported? Every computer supports Windows 7 and Vista, except the ones that are below minimum requirements.
If so, (if your laptop is below min.), then yes, your system cant handle windows 7.
But still, cheap laptops dont need Windows 7 anyway. Win XP is perfect for them.
What? Dont tell me you wanna play games with DX11 on your laptop who doesnt even have a decent GPU to support it?
Forget what people told you, Win XP is just fine.
Now, it is very simple. Do this:
It is very important that you do it from another computer, and do it on Safe mode.
RedneckDude is correct, except that Avast A/V is not very good. If I were you, I would try NOD32 instead of Avast.
And trust me, Spybot S&D and Spyware Doctor are equally awesome. As a matter of fact, I just used Spyware Doctor, "just to be safe", because I was concerned about my PC due to your story, and guess what, It did find a serious infection on system.
I dont know what it was, but when SD detected it, NOD32 also displayed a message that a serious threat was deleted. It was that exact file.
He he, as soon as Spyware Doctor found it, NOD32 deleted it. Now thats teamwork!
Here's my piece:
1. Download from a different CLEAN PC the programs you need.
2. Boot in Safe mode. You can do this by continuously hitting F8 on your keyboard as soon as your comp is turned on. A screen will appear with some choices. Choose "Safe Mode". It will take some time to boot the windows, dont worry thats normal.
3. Install Malwarebytes, Spyware Doctor and NOD32.
4. Run a FULL system scan on all these programs. The order in which you do this doesnt matter. Although, considering that Spyware Doctor is the most effective one, I would start with that.
5. Spyware Doctor or Spybot? Both are equally awesome. None of them has failed me all these years I use them, although I slightly favor Spyware Doctor. Choose whichever you want.
6. Once each scan is complete, make sure ALL threats are selected, and remove all these infestations.
7. Boot windows normally, and delete all the restore points, as RedneckDude very well said.
8. VERY important: DO NOT have all 3 or even 2 of these programs running at the same time. After each program finishes with its scan, uninstall it. I have found out that some (not all), but at least a few of these A/V or Antispyware programs often "collide" with one another, and it is best to use each one separately. At least dont let them all running at the same time. Spyware Doctor and NOD32 work fine together, but I am not so sure about other similar programs.
9. Once you are done with everything, do the necessary checks to see if the infestation(s) were removed. Report here.
One last thing: If you are worried about NOD32 not being free and all, you dont have to purchase it. Just download a trial version of it. You only need it for a full scan and then uninstall, after all.
That would be all.
QFT
morpheas,
I still think he should attempt to do what I suggested on page 1.
One thing I always try to do (if possible) is to remove the infected HD from the machine and connect it externally to a "clean" machine and run the scans from there. Sometimes *running* malware is able to interfere with the scanners you're using to try to clean it and when you connect the HD externally to another machine the malware may not be able to run allowing for a more thorough cleaning of the infection.
the Monk
He has indicated that he is comfortable around the HARDWARE and that the notebook didn't even come with an HD in the first place. So then he should have no issues removing the HD and performing all scans with the drive removed and connected to another "clean" machine.
just my 2 cents....
ya correct
I have a USB HD cartridge thingy. You just have to put the hard drive in.
My specs are
Core 2 low-voltage 1.66Ghz 32bit
1Gb RAM (odd, I can boost it, but things run fine)
256Mb Intel Family Graphics Chipset(Even weirder, I can run sins on highest, as well as many other games)
Spybot was running, but Avira deleted it as a threat...
I think my AV is infected...
I shall probably have to do the HD removal scan.
Thanks everyone.
Safe mode accessed on start up by tapping or holding down F1 or F8 usually,either way it's one of the f keys,you sometimes see it on the boot screen at the bottom in white writing,well my pc's show it
Thanks
Something weird, my start bar and my desktop are non-functional currently. I can use Firefox though.
I think that I should restart...
Some nasty viruses end up breaking parts of windows regardless if you clean up the OS is never the same,time to bite the bullet it suck's most have been there done that..lol..
useful freebie software you need to make use of,macrium a better replacement for "system no restore"
macrium reflect free imaging tool
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp
partition manager free
http://download.cnet.com/Partition-Wizard-Home-Edition/3000-2094_4-10962200.html?part=rb-watchlist&tag=postdlmail_b_dwnld-bttn
Spybot found a whole bunch of things, after I got it to work...
-later-
UPLOAD IS WORKING!!!!
THANKS, KARMA TO EACH OF THE PEOPLE WHO POSTED HERE!!
thanks.
That sounds more like how roughly you handle the media. CDs aren't going to know how many times they have been read.
They are not psychic....
Or sentient.
It is more experience rather than what happens to everyone.
For some reason a newly burned CD dies after three installs.
Yes, he should do that. The only disadvantage with this, is that that way the scanners wont be able to scan the currently running processes, because his OS on his own hard drive wont be running at the time of the scan.
So what he really should do, is run the scans first on another clean system like you said, and then run them again on his own comp.
You're right about what you said though
WOW, FAIL Anti-Virus FTW
Just remove this piece of crap and install a normal antivirus please
Its F8....and I already told him that
Seriously dude, If I had all these problems you currently have in your installed OS, I would format my HD ASAP
My God! You system is REALLY fucked up for real
I told you Spybot S&D is awesome, didnt I?
Now you should also run a decent Antivirus scan, and Malwarebytes.
Dont celebrate just yet. I dont think you are out of the woods completely.
I shall continue, but Spybot actually edited the registry and found 30 things in my comp and deleted them.
My main problems are over.
I can upload and I do not get redirects.
IE is still down though.
arrrrrg
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