shut-down problem (virus/spyware?)

Question

I am having problems with my computer when I try to shut it down.  This just started about a month ago.  When I try to shutdown the computer it takes 3 minutes and it used to shutdown in 15 seconds.  I did notice that sometimes a small window will popup that says windows xp cannot shutdown until a program is closed.  The program name at the top of the window is a bunch of chinese/japanese letters of some sort.  That window doesn't come up every time I go to shutdown windows xp but it comes up every few times.  Any ideas as to why it has been taking so long?  I did run the AVG virus protector and it said I was virus free and a while ago I had a problem with the vundo spyware but somebody helped me on this site and I deleted it.  Thanks.

krobo · Answer

maybe you should defragment.... Disk Cleaner.... or scan your computer with search and destroy/ adware

jyess · Answer

yeah i just defragged my drive today.  i also plan on running a adaware program today so we'll see.  which is the best adaware program that is still free?

krobo · Answer

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ you might also want to get Spybot Search & Destroy

zeroacid · Answer

it seems you have sasser worm. it behaves like that. you see the message that computer will be shut down. here are the removal instructions: remove sasser worm

sherville7 · Answer

i don't think it's a sasser worm. You mentioned that the problem occurs when YOU try to shut down the computer. and then there's a popup window that tells you that there's a certain application that can't be terminated and you can either click on End Now or let it terminate itself, am I right? Anyways, if this is the case, yes, it may be a spyware. It may also be an appliaction running at the background of the PC. I suggest you try disabling the programs running at the background of the computer (except for the anti-virus/spyware) of course. Just go to Start > Run > Msconfig > Click on the startup tab and you will see all the programs that runs at the background of your system. just unclick those that are unnecessary. The only ones you REALLY need running there are the ones for your anti-virus. Then click on OK and then restart your computer. When you get back to the desktop, you'll get a pop-up window that says 'You have used the system configuration utility...' Just check on 'don't show this message again' then click on OK. Remember, this is just my suggestion, although I think it's worth a try.   My two cent's worth. :-)

jyess · Answer

I don't think it's the sasser worm b/c it only happens when I shutdown.  It must be some sort of spyware.  I did the msconfig option.  Anyways, I'm looking for a good spyware program that will delete the spyware w/o deleting anything that I need.  The last time I used spyware it deleted .dll files that I needed to keep and I had to redo my whole computer.  I prefer something that is free b/c all the ones you pay for make you pay every year for updates, etc.  Please let me know the best one.  Thanks again.

krobo · Answer

i told you!

personal adware

search and destroy

you have to get those two!!!!!! its a must, and if other ppl say it isnt, well, just ignore them

might also want to consider, microsoft antispyware beta

hope this helps

Message Edited by krobo on 02-16-2006 10:22 PM

jyess · Answer

krobo... you the shiiiit!  THanks for the help and keep on rollin'!  I just wasn't sure if they deleted files that I needed.  I'll do it anyways.  I already got spybot.  Spybot found about 20 different spy files.  I also downloaded spyware doctor and it said I had 418 files.  I'm thinking it said that many b/c it included cookies and b/c it wants me to purchase the full package for 30 bucks.  I'll download adware and use both adware and spybot.  Thanks again krobo.

Virus & Spyware

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