Help Please - Computer Virus

[iSpy]

It looks like my laptop has been infected by a virus. As I've never encountered this before, I'd really like some advice before the dreaded reformat... Here's what's going on:

- this started after I opened a bogus file

- Windows Security is the app that's complaining about a virus. It constantly pops up dialog boxes about virus and intrusions and asking me to buy software to fix the virus. All apps are prohibited from running because they've been infected. All apps except web browsers - presumably to allow me to purchase the software.

- On 2 reboots, I was able to run anti-virus software before Windows Security got a chance to start blocking:
- McAfee found nothing
- Malwarebytes (?) found nothing

Is there any way that this can be fixed without reformatting?

Much thanks in advance!

[wooohooo]

Windows security? Telling you to buy software? I believe that 'program' is the spyware. Get rid of it, run adaware, anti-virus software and you should be okay.

[Burninator]

Anything blocking your programs and telling you to buy software to remove something is certainly a virus. Personally I would not feel comfort using that computer after removing it without a total reformat. Who knows what other viruses could be on there now.

Also do you have any idea what you were doing when that started? You don't want to do it again.

[Phaneuf3]

[cKy]

Do you run the scans in safe mode?

Try this site aswell, it has which registry keys to zap and whatnot.

http://www.malwarehelp.org/fake-wind...oval-2009.html

As a suggestion, drop McAfee like a bad habit, it's a POS. There is another thread about Virus protection, i would read up on that. Pick up Kaspersky or use Avast. Just my 2 cents.

[Lego Man]

i got this virus last year, and it disabled my antivirus program and didnt let me access my hidden windows folder. after lots of research, i learned that you have to re-install windows. my uncle just told me he got that virus last night too. that virus is the only issue i could never solve regarding computers. google the messages your getting and you'll see TONS of people with the same thing.

[calumniate]

nm

[Hanni]

A friend of mine called me with this recently, I'm guessing its a program called Personal Security. You do not have to reinstall windows.

I had him use the fix here http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-personal-security

Hasn't had any issues since. Hope it helps.

[Rathji]

malware bytes will probably work

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I had something similar (the same?) recently, and I went into safe mode, ran a full scan with malwarebytes and it cleaned it up, no problems since. Was a big pain in the butt, but it seemed to do the trick.

[iSpy]

Thanks everybody!! Excellent info and suggestions. Thanks for sharing that you or someone you know have encountered it too. I feel a little less foolish about it. :P

I didn't run Malwarebytes from safe mode. I will try that tonight.

Hanni - thanks for the link, my problem looks very similar if not the same.

[mykalberta]

Please remember (not to rag on your) but this program was installed because of what you or someone using your computer did. Likely by clicking on a pop up that occured or downloading some form of malware.

The basic rule of thumb for users who dont know alot about computers other than email and free porn is to ignore anything related to viruses etc.

If you ever see anything claiming to be from Microsoft ignore it until you can confirm its legit. Just because your OS is from Microsoft doesnt mean that programs that seem to be from them are legit.

[Hack&Lube]

Get this, it will probably fix it. It scrambles itself into a random file name also so virus's cannot detect and disable it.

http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit/

[sureLoss]

the most annoying thing about these new generation of virus/malware is they prevent the running of legitimate antivirus and anti-malware programs from running

so if you are tech support for friends and family you can't just tell people to download and run malwarebytes

[Fire]

Step 1: Backup porn.
Step 2: Reformat.