Help .. I have a virus on my practically new Dell Computer ;(

Question

I have a virus on my computer that I got from a CD that our computer tech at work gave to me to install a virus program call AVG.7.0.  It also had some other stuff on it (including some Norton and pop up programs) that he said I could have. I very foolishly copied all the files into a file on my hard drive and then I loaded the virus program.  I ran it and it found 1 virus and 3 trojan horses in which I put into the vault of that program.  When it finished and I went in there to do away with them, it would not let me delete them.  The trojans were from a downloaded program (called Keen) that I DID NOT download, but the virus came from that disk that he gave me in the Nortan AntiSpam folder. I did not open this folder, but I guess it still infected my computer.  Now when I start up, it gives me the dreaded 'blue screen' that tells you to open it up in Safe Mode and uninstall any new hardware or software, so it can load.  I did and deleted all the other programs that were on that disk.  I still have that stuff on my computer and I want it OFF!! My 'add/remove' application will not remove the Keen program and the virus will not repair or delete....Am I ruined?  Please help...I really thought I took very good care of my Dell 2300, but I guess I trusted the wrong person...PLEASE HELP ME ;(

Dave Lyle · Answer

Probably not ruined... Best place to post this would be the Virus Information and Removal board. To go there, click here. There are some very helpful, knowledgable, and tireless people over there that will help you get the 'baddies' removed from your system.

dan39 · Answer

first off i really highly doubt that the cd had the virus on it. they were just app's that you were installing right? (i would more than likely attribute your virus and trojans to the lack of a firewall, do you use a firewall?) anyways it is helpful to know what system you have, ie model and OS. if you have me or winxp you can run a system restore and restore your system to a point previous to installing this software. or you can run this
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ it gets rid of the most common trojans and viruses, (it would also be helpful to note which trojans etc you cant get rid of)

also you should download and run ad-aware 6.0 and spyboy search and destroy (use google to search and dl) keen is probably a spyware of sorts, you will probably have a lot. download them and UPDATE their files prior to running a scan everytime. finally when it is all deleted and taken care of you will need to delete all your system restore points from the past. system properties > system restore > check the box that says delete points. do it, restart the computer, then uncheck the box so system restore works again. i really doubt that this tech guy gave you the virus, by saying you take very good care of your 2300 you would have already been running virus scans and had been taking care of a spyware issue. then you probably would never have used the disc anyways.

nilo · Answer

Run this online scan at Trend Micro to find out if you really have "malware" on your computer:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

It will take awhile. And you can't just leave, as you will have to permission two or three downloads from the site.

dan39 · Answer

yeah honestly i mixed up terms, youre right. i agree that he needs to detect what he has and the names.

Blueyz0114 · Answer

Thank you nilo for your advice and your time. I will try it.

dan39 · Answer

i wasnt trying to be rude. im trying to help you. do you have a firewall? how did you know you had viruses? because of the avg? or did you have a previous virus scan? what did they detect? ie what are the names? getting rid of malware isnt going to take care of a trojan or virus issue. despite the fact that you may think i am rude, the tips i gave are helpful, especially the stinger program as more than likely you have a common virus or trojan.

nilo · Answer

Sorry my Web link isn't 'clickable.' I'm not sure what's going on there. You'll have to copy and paste it. I posted my own question on that topic. Nobody knows everything. Good luck, and please let us know what happens.

Blueyz0114 · Answer

I suppose this is when I am suppose to say 'Thank You', but no need to be so rude.  I KNOW that is where the virus was and which file on his disk it was on. But anyhow, you are right and I am learning everyday. I shouldn't have trusted him and did more research as what to do myself. Thank you for your advise and your time.

nilo · Answer

Dan39, When I referred to 'malware' detection, I was talking about viruses and trojans. I think he needs to find out if he really has any. I thought housecall was a good place to start. The tools you referred to may, indeed, be useful.

nilo · Answer

No problem. Once the virus threat is resolved, he can go after spyware, which is a comparatively minor peril.

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Help .. I have a virus on my practically new Dell Computer ;(

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