My computer seems to be infected with spyware. The bar at the bottom sometimes disappear and reappear. I have done a saf scan with Microsoft but at the end the problem remains. Right after the problem appeared, a program offeing to fix it pops up, it’s called WinIFixer and recommends me to get it. I don’t know what to do I have been thinking of going and purchasing a antivirus software from the store, but will that help remove the problem?
You can free download antispyware 2008
http://www.anti-spyware-2008.com which is an essential tool to keep your system free of dangerous spywares, protecting your privacy and your PC.
It also works very well for me
Stay away from Norton and do not download anything that pops-up. You will need to get anti-virus and anti-spyware. I do not recommend Microsoft which you mention you are using.
NOD32 and Kaspersky are the best anti-virus applications and much better than the best sellers Norton and McAfee (recent tests at av-comparatives.org). If you want a free anti-virus, AVG, Avast! or AntiVir all are better than Norton (install only 1).
No single anti-spyware application is perfect so I recommend using at least 2 different programs. Spybot Search & Destroy is one of the best. I also recommend SUPERAntiSpyware. Other free anti-spyware programs would be Adaware, AVG Anti-spyware (formally Ewido), A-squared, Spyware Terminator and SpywareBlaster.
I strongly recommend using FireFox, it’s a far better and safer alternative to Internet Explorer. If you add-on McAfee SiteAdvisor, it will warn you of potentially harmful sites. I also recommend CCleaner which is a free system optimization and privacy tool.
I use these programs to clean friends computers.
Just for the record, I have no connection to any of these companies.
I just think they make good, free, and effective products.
1)Get spybot search and destroy, install, update and run.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html
2)Get avgfree anti virus, install, update and run.
http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download?prd=afe
WinFixer is fake.
Norton anti-virus is liable to make it worse; it’s a horrible piece of software.
You should ALWAYS have anti-virus software and a firewall running on your computer: why did you not?
Bear in mind that with computers, there’s always a free way to do it.
Download all of the following:
Avira: http://www.free-av.com/
Spyware Terminator (turn off web security guard): http://www.spywareterminator.com/
Spybot: http://www.safer-networking.org/ (use immunise feature)
Superantispyware: http://www.superantispyware.com/
Comodo: http://www.comodofirewall.notlong.com/ (turn off defense+ to see fewer alerts)
Update all and scan your computer, removing or quarantining what is found.
In future, do not click on adverts, and do not download from dodgy websites promising free stuff that you have to pay for elsewhere.
Use firefox: http://www.mozilla.com/ and the AdBlock extension (http://tinyurl.com/2cd87q ) and whatever other useful extensions like Download Statusbar you want.
yes norton 360 is very good. Version 2.0 is out now too which is even better
No. That’s only for removing virus. For the othe stuff download spybot that removes spyware, adware which cause popups.
Also there are free virus protections program like AVG. I’ve been using it for a while and it works just as good as Norton did, if not better.
MESSENGER SPAM
XP Home:
this set up is for Internet Explorer alone
do you get pop ups claiming that your computer is at risk?
those are called "Messenger Spam" !
to stop messenger spam:
open start page
open administrative tools
open services
these services are in alphabetical order
you need to close two:
a] Alerter
b] Messenger
NOT related to MSN messenger or any other instant messenger
right click each service
click properties
from drop down menu,select disable
another method to deal with those that get through is to copy the pop up address at the top of the pop up or pop under [ starts up AFTER you close a window ]
open internet options [ start--control panel--internet options ]
open content tab
open settings
open enable
enter address
click never
close
open Advanced tab
check to see if pop up blocker is checked
close
Norton is actually good
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,140127/article.html
came top here
Althoug if your computer is lower spec then it wil slow it down abit.
To clean up your virus/spyware problems
Update your anti-virus, remember to only have one anti-virus installed on your PC
http://free.grisoft.com/ [If you do not have one]
Update your anti-spyware software.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx [if you do not have one]
and
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html [free home edition]
Restart your PC in safe mode
http://www.pchell.com/support/safemode.shtml
And run a full scan with both.
While in safe mode, you may also want to have a look at your start up items by using msconfig.
http://www.netsquirrel.com/msconfig/
Be careful with the items you uncheck, you can have a look here to see if they are necessary
http://www.greatis.com/appdata/index.html
You should also have a look at your IE Add-ons while in safe mode.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/web/sp2_addonmanager.mspx
Disable any you do not use.
After you reboot back to normal mode, download and install ccleaner to fix any registry problems.
http://www.ccleaner.com
I agree with everyone who says "Stay away from Norton/Symantec/McAffee." You can configure almost any security to work for you but, the thing is, Norton/Symantec/McAffe are not user friendly…they actually make the user rely on them–odd as that sounds.
AVG is very good. There is a free version and, you can also get a paid subscription for it and it has TONS of good tools. It has over a million users and more people get it everyday…that speaks volumes about it and it’s performance. You can get it at download.com–the free one and upgrade to the paid one if you like it.
Kaspersky is very good also but, if your machine doesn’t have some big cajones (power) it can cause some serious lag. I used it for a while and dumped it because it is a cpu hog.
You should also install Spy Bot Search and Destroy to run alongside your AVG or other anti virus. People will tell you that there are better anti spyware programs but, I always recommend Spy Bot because it has some really good tools in the ADVANCED MODE setting; namely the RESIDENT SD HELPER and the TEA TIMER. If you use Internet Explorer these two things are a must. They block bad downloads and prevent changes to your registry–which is exactly how a virus switches off your firewall or anti virus… You can also get Spy Bot from download.com
You can go to youtube and watch videos about AVG and about Spy Bot both. They both have simple user interfaces and are very user friendly. The thing about Spy Bot is that it does not update automatically–you have to update it once a week manually but it’s super easy to do.
In the end you will have to decide what you are comfortable with…the people on here always have good advice so just shop around and try out a few trial offers before paying for any one product. Go to youtube and watch videos for Kaspersky anti virus, AVG anti virus, and AVAST anti virus. Also watch videos for Spy Bot Search and Destroy.
Go to download.com and read reviews written by users of these products so you can decide which is right for you.
Good luck.
Norton sucks! it’s makes your computer sluggish and updates itself every hour which is so annoying. Get Avast! the free edition really works well. Nothing really 100% removes spywares, adwares and malwares. Protection is the best thing to do. You may be able to remove some annoying virus, but it will come back soon ( will regenerate from registry files already in yor hd). Viruses are created by virus software sellers themselves. It will make fun of your PC and annoy you and then ask you to buy their anti-virus products.
It will be so much better to back up your files and run system recovery (reformat your hd). this will totally erase your hd (including viruses) and re-install the windows by itself. This way, it will also bring back your computer to the same condition when you bought it.
Anti-Virus is not good at removing spywares,adwares,trojans and pop up.
In fact, The best way to get rid of spywares,adwares,trojans and pop up is using a best anti-spyware to protect your computer.
You must have 1 or 2 antispyware on your computer to protect your computer.
Top 5 anti-spywares reviews,comparisons and download links on
http://anti-spyware-center.net/index.php?t=centern
You can download and scan your computer for free.
Winfixer is a fake program that will do you more harm than good.
Nortons is the most popular Antivirus program, but FAR from the best, It does not have high detection / removal rates, and will slow your system to a crawl.
The top rated Antivirus/Spyware suite by those who test antivirus programs (av-comparitives, virus.gr, etc) is Kaspersky
(I have used this to clean up machines that nothing else would work on.
download a 30 day free trial here.
http://www.download.com/3120-20_4.html?qt=Kaspersky&tag=srch&tg=dl-20
After cleaning up your computer I suggest buying it (I’ve seen it on Amazon for under $30), if you can’t afford it then These 2 free tools will help you keep your computer clean ~ Patrick
The Top Rated Free Antivirus Program researched from those who test Antivirus programs (av comparatives, virus.gr, and other reviews including this video review) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhXZo3dHulc is
Avira Antivir http://www.download.com/Avira-AntiVir-PersonalEdition-Classic/3000-2239_4-10322935.html?tag=lst-1
Today you are in more danger from Spyware I Download, Install, Update and Run SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.download.com/SUPERAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=lst-2
( I used this to remove spyware and Trojans from a laptop that adaware would only detect but not get rid of ) It detected and removed everything
You should use an antivirus program and antispyware software, because your computer is now infected with viruses and/or spyware.
Here you have more information on computer security, as well as good and free programs that you can download into your computer:
The website list top ten the best and newest anti-spyware in 2007.
http://toptenantispywareviews.com/
All are safe and can be trusted and you can download one.
no.
you should try to install some software. I recommand you to use free and legal one.
First, you should try to use Firefox. it’s safer .
http://pack-us.yoofoo168.com/2008/05/google-pack-mozilla-firefox-with-google.html
Second, you could try Spyware Doctor Starter Edition-free and Norton Security Scan. it’s free. no trial.
http://pack-us.yoofoo168.com/2008/05/google-pack-spyware-doctor-free-removes.html
free – no trial versions or spyware
Spyware Doctor Starter Edition-free removes spyware
Detects and removes spyware, adware, trojans and keyloggers
Includes Smart Updates and scheduling to protect your PC
Spyware Doctor Starter Edition Feature
Award-winning protection
Millions of users
Spyware protection
Adware protection
Scan and Remove
Smart Updates
OnGuard Protection
File Guard
Immunizer
Community support
Email support
http://pack-us.yoofoo168.com/2008/05/google-pack-norton-security-scan-free.html
Norton Security Scan
Detects and eliminates viruses and Internet worms
Free detection updates and scheduled scanning
Google Pack includes a special edition of Norton Security Scan to help you evaluate your computer’s vulnerability to security risks. Norton™ Security Scan is a free, easy-to-use tool that scans your PC for viruses, spyware, and other threats. .
Key Features of Norton Security Scan
Scans for threats residing on your PC
Detects and removes viruses, worms, and Trojan horses
Warns you of spyware and unwanted adware
Schedules regular scans
Automatically receives updates**
Take the next step and prevent infections before they happen. Protect your system 24 X 7 with our award-winning Norton Internet Security™ 2008, designed to automatically block hackers, viruses, spyware and prevent online identity theft.
check the web for Software Installation
http://pack-us.yoofoo168.com/
Learn how to Remove adware/malware/spyware/trojan from your computer here:
<—http://remove-adware.remove-junk.com
Good luck!