computer viruses

[hereandthere]

I have this virus or spyware on my computer called spycrush. In the bottom right hand corner there is an icon that won't go away. It keeps flashing from an x to a question mark. Then every once in awhile a spy alert popup comes up. It is from this spyware. Is there any free way of getting rid of this thing? Any help is appreciated.

[Vulcan]

If you don't have any spyware or anti-virus protection, get some now and use it.
I have Shaw Secure which is from F-Secure. It is highly rated and free from Shaw for their subscribers, although it's a pig on resources. Another free program is Windows Defender from Microsoft. Try downloading Spybot Search and Destroy for starters. Others here can recommend other free programs. The main use of virus protection is to protect you but once you're infected it can be hard to get rid of the virus.

[keratosis]

http://www.symantec.com/security_res...053116-4623-99
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic80749.html

[Jayems]

When my comp was messed up, I tried all the spyware removers I could... ended up worse off than before. I probably had 100 viruses and spyware on my computer...

Anyway, I downloaded the free 30 day (full version) trial of Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security. After installing and running the scan, my computer went back to 100% normal. It stays up and catches anything trying to use the computer... give it a shot... worked great for me

http://us.trendmicro.com/us/products...security-2007/

[llama64]

Friends do NOT let friends install Norton Antivirus. I'd stay away from MacAffe as well. Both of these two products have caused more problems for me (as the family IT guy) then any virus/malware/worm ever has.

Best alternative is AVG Free.
For spyware/malware I use the Microsoft Tool + AdAware.

If you know what software is installed on your system, check out the threat explorer at Symantec. They often have targeted removers that deal specifically with the virus/malware that is on your system.

--

And I'm sure it's been beaten to death, but if you're still using IE6 or below, upgrade to IE7 or use a different browser.

[AvengeR]

I just fixed a friend's computer the other day. They had over 60 trojans on their system. Spycrush wa also on there as well. I used this program, it removes it automatically.
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/files/smitfraudfix.php

[hereandthere]

Thank you for all the suggestions and links. I will try them and let you know what happens. Thank you again.

[Vulcan]

Another thing you should have is a firewall. I understand the best firewall is a router but if you don't have one and it isn't provided by your antivirus server, turn on the Windows Firewall in XP or try the free version of ZoneAlarm.

[gottabekd]

My advice: instead of messing around with all these tools taht might remove the malware, just do a fresh Windows install. Back up your files, and let the Windows install crush everything.

Of course, this can be difficult if your computer didn't come with the install disc. How the manufacturers can get away with this, I don't know.