Spyware

[Sandmannd]

System Restore is a chance at best. It may work, may not. I would back up any information you want to keep. Get all your pics and files off of it while you can. Then try the system restore. If it works, you're good. If not, then I would format the HDD and start from scratch.

[dashtek]

I would recommend a few things for you. First, turn of System Restore. When you get something like this it puts itself in the system restore files. So even if you did clean it up once, after rebooting it will be back. So do that first. You can do that in the system properties by right clicking on My Computer desktop icon.

Once that is turned off, go on the web and google One Care Safety Scanner. You have to run this tool in Internet Explorer, Firefox is not supported. This is Microsoft program that is actually very effective. It will ask you to install a few things before it runs. They are safe to install. Run the full scan. It will scan the drives, defragment, cleanup and clean the registry issues too. It is an awesome tool for free. It does take quite some time to run though. A couple hours usually.

The last thing I would recommend is downloading a program called CCleaner. Google it and you will find it. I am not one to monkey with registry stuff but this program cleans the registry flawlessly everytime. It also removes cache files and things. It is a great maintenance tool. Its not really like Ad-Aware because it just cleans up unused items, it does not seek and remove spyware. But that is ok because you have already gone the Ad-Aware route it sounds like.

I am willing to bet if you do those things in order and then reboot you will be spyware free. Best part, its all free and not destructive. A restore of your hard drive could take some time and be a pain. Also, don't hook up any devices like cameras or MP3 players while in this state. Whatever you have could go on those devices and come back to haunt you. Good Luck!

[Sandmannd]

That should all work for you. I'm more impatient and don't like messing with my pc for days to get it going. I make monthly backups to an external drive. That way if I get this type of stuff that I can't get off I wipe it and start over. Course, I'm a computer geek so it's easy for me to do it.

[ice_it_06]

Thanks for all the help and direction.

Sad to say after two days of trying to get the thing to cooperate I gave up and will be taking it in for a cleansing.(cheap hopefully)

IE7 is installed and wont run so my options for programs suggested are not attainable. Other then operating in "safe mode" it becomes a real patience tester. Mine have expired !!

Bought it from a pc place by the U of M that builds these things by the dozens daily. Looking for a better set up any way so I'm sure for $400 I can get what I have now (or better) and paid $800 then in 04.

[Sandmannd]

You talking about General Nano? Good place, have never worked on any of their stuff but I'm sure it's the same as any other PC. If it's 4 years old you can get a much better pc these days for cheaper. But if it works for you, you can get it cleaned up. I've done a lot of rebuilding for folks, not a lot of work just time consuming. I don't know what they charge, I know Geek Squad and others can be pricy for that. I would look around if you aren't going to replace it or want to hand it down to kids (older PC's are great for that, let them corrupt their own) for someone who does it on the side. Would be a lot cheaper than taking it in.

[ice_it_06]

Thats the place. Been very happy with this unit from them.

Been six years after looking up my receipt and info on it.

Was a custom built unit for a student/gamer that didn't show up with the cash!! I needed a pc on the spot that day and they offered it up under $800 cash out the door.

Will get this one cleaned up at a minimal cost and see what I can get for around $500 and hand this one over to the individual who corrupted it. Anything more then $100 I'll keep it after fixed, or try to do so myself and upgrade in to a newer one.

[fisherman-andy]

I actually deal with spyware quite often, it plugs in so many random files that deleting the files from the registry and hard drive is a headache and time consuming.

I recommend a few must have programs:

1. Norton Internet Security Suite

2. Spyware Doctor

3. Webroot SpySweeper

4. Lavasoft Ad Aware

5. Spybot

6. Hijackthis

Be advised that a firewall and antivirus alone like Norton is not enough to seek out spyware & trojans etc. You may have to run several programs. Also use registry cleaning programs and stay away from downloaded sharing programs.

If your not able to scan in the windows enviroment try the windows safe mode. Then rescan again in the regular windows enviroment.

After all this and you still noticed problems then it's better to backup all needed files and programs and do a complete reboot.