Horrid Virus

[u84]

If any of you actually remember me, the reason I haven't been playing is because I have this HUGE virus that not only screwed up my whole computer in many other ways, but it prevents me from playing FFR. This virus is so screwed up I'm having trouble just typing this. It constantly pops up as a windows message, meaning I know it isn't a pop-up from online. I guess you can call it a built in pop-up now, as it look like a real windows message, only it has about ten different messages and pops up about every twenty seconds, thus preventing me playing FFR. I get so frustrated that I can't play, I almost break something. So, I've decided after about two months of debating that unless I can find some way to clear it, I'll have to quit FFR. I really don't want to do this, so if you think you can help me, I'll post all the things I'm aware of that the virus did. Maybe, then someone can identify the problem and help. Thank you all.





Computer Symptoms
1. Constant pop-ups saying that I have viruses and that I need to download this software to clear it. Obviously this is bullcrap, as it doesn't stop, which you know from above. It also sends internet pop-ups as well, so I'm assuming, like AIDS, it lets in other viruses as well.
2. Slows everything down. It "freezes" my computer every now and then.
3. It sometimes deactivates my desktop, so I still get the pop-ups, but I cant click on any programs or open my toolbar, etc.
4. Somehow bypasses the virus detector (McAfee) that I have.
5. Deactivates Control-Alt-Delete. Says it has been deactivated by my administrator, when I am the administrator.
6. Deactivates System Recovery. It not only disallows me to even acces the recovery option from when I first start the computer, it doesn't read my recovery disk and it doesn't let me do it from command prompt. It says it's also been deactivated by my administrator.
7. It doesn't let me remove programs from the Add/Remove Programs list.

To further help anyone understand my computer and possibly help me, I'll list some of my computer information:

Windows XP
HP Pavilion a350y
Intel Pentium Processor
About three years old, maybe?

Please let me know if you think you can help, as I really can't afford a new computer and do not want to quit FFR. You would be a life-saver. I might not be on for a while, so in case you get this a bit late, my email is u8477@aim.com. Thanks for reading this far.

[SoultakerNFH]

Reformat. Problem solved.

[-Hero-]

when you turn on your computer hit F8 and go into safe mode and clean everything up, worked for me

[u84]

Yes, that's what I'm saying though. It won't let me. It practically skipped that whole part of the booting sequence. It doesn't even give me a chance. Believe me, I've tried pressing the buttons while it booted up. But it keeps skipping straight to "Windows is now loading your settings."

[All_That_Chaz]

Originally Posted by SoultakerNFH

Reformat. Problem solved.

listen to this man.

[u84]

Originally Posted by All_That_Chaz

listen to this man.

Okay then, seeing as I guess I don't know as much about computers as you guys, mind stepping me through the reformat sequence?

[Sir_Thomas]

This is an AGE OLD problem that should have been fixed had you done the windows updates.


That window is windows built in IP messenger. Anyone can send a message to someones computer if they had the IP (AND) it is online.

The thing is, had you installed Windows Updates the moment you turned your computer on you would have never had this problem.

Press the 'start' button and look for the icon that says Windows Updates or just click here.

http://www.update.microsoft.com/wind...&&thankspage=5

Click 'Automatic' or whatever. Not manual.

Let the stuff run and leave your computer sit. When it asks you to restart your computer, do so..

After your computer restarts go back to the page and keep doing the updates until no more updates appear on the list of available updates.

[u84]

Originally Posted by Sir_Thomas

http://www.update.microsoft.com/wind...&&thankspage=5

Yes, but I don't think that is what it is. Maybe it is that too, but it comes up as "windows security alert". It also comes up as a bunch of different forms of windows. So I may be wrong, but I don't think it's what you're talking about.
My automatic updates are on and have been on, but even so, how would this get rid of the virus that I have already? I need to find some way to make this computer like it was fresh out of the factory, with no programs, files, or anything that wasn't there when I first got it.

[Sir_Thomas]

Thats called reformating.

Find your Windows XP CD and put it in your CD Drive.
Reboot the PC and it should start the update instantly.


Really, if you don't know how to reformat then find someone who does.
Sometimes people use non OEM Windows XP CD's that has missing drivers and such.

[sjoecool1991]

Um, that is the exact same virus that crashed my old computer.
It is now completely useless, it can't even be turned on.

[Mans0n]

Umm, if you cant do that other stuff, try buying norton (latest version) from a store or somethin. and then just install it and let it work it's magic.

[roundbox]

Originally Posted by Mans0n

Umm, if you cant do that other stuff, try buying norton (latest version) from a store or somethin. and then just install it and let it work it's magic.

Sorry NOD32 is better

[DarkProdigy]

Originally Posted by u84

I need to find some way to make this computer like it was fresh out of the factory, with no programs, files, or anything that wasn't there when I first got it.

http://dban.sourceforge.net/

[lxDestinyxl]

Buy a new computer.

[u84]

Originally Posted by lxDestinyxl

Buy a new computer.

Without buying anything. I'll try the site DarkProdigy left, but if that doesn't work, I guess I'm screwed.

[Kekeb]

Just get a new hard drive. Formatting isn't a great virus cleaner... mainly used because it's easy, but it isn't that great. Also get a good AV once the problem is fixed.

[fido123]

Originally Posted by Kekeb

Just get a new hard drive. Formatting isn't a great virus cleaner... mainly used because it's easy, but it isn't that great. Also get a good AV once the problem is fixed.

Unless the virus finds space on your motherboard reformatting should wipe it all. You might just be reinstalling windows.


OP should reformat as his computer is beond repair. You can

A) Do it yourself which would entail putting the OS disc (ask whoever you bought your computer from) and put it in your drive. Some computer like mine require you to go to your BIOS which is diffrent for diffrent computer but ussually entail mashing some sort of "F" key at startup. In the BIOS go to startup and make "Start from Disc" the 1st thing it does.

B) Pay some retard $50 what you could do for free

[Silver_Brian]

http://www.superantispyware.com/

You could try this. It worked miracles for me.

[Commandersa1]

Originally Posted by Mans0n

Umm, if you cant do that other stuff, try buying norton (latest version) from a store or somethin. and then just install it and let it work it's magic.

Norton misses a lot of viruses...Also it's a waste of money.

AntiVir is free, and works fine for me, but whatever.

u84, if you can get aim, or if you already have it, I would not mind helping you out, but for the time being here is a link on how to get into safemode(Scroll down for Windows XP):

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm

Here is a site telling you how to prevent certain programs from starting up on reboot:

http://support.chilitech.net/techarticle/0026.asp

Certain programs might be starting up once windows starts which causes certain viruses to start and slows your computer down.