computer virus query

Desert Orchid

Desert Orchid

Senior Jockey
Joined
Aug 2, 2005
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Someone I know was telling me this evening they think their laptop might be infected with a virus. They know even les about that kind of stuff than me. I mentioned that I have the free AVG stuff and Ad-Aware and suggested they download those.

They wondered if downloading them would clear up an existing virus and that's the question I can't answer but I told them I knew someone who could - you lot.

So would it?
 
They can download AVG, but then they need to run it in order for it to locate and remove the virus. It won't scan initially unless s/he asks it to - after that, it auto-scans and then presents you with a little box in the lower r/h corner proudly displaying its results. Make sure they remove all existing anti-virus, anti-Spam systems they may have on board. Keep Windows Firewall if they have it, in the ON pozzie. I'm delighted with the AVG service, recommended by Galileo - he's not just a super sire, he's bloody good at IT, too!
 
They brought the laptop round to my house last night. I think what's happening is that their Macafee deal has expired so two dialog boxes keep coming up saying some compnents may not be working.

I'm in the middle of downloading (and running) AVG but it's telling me that there's a possible conflict with Macafee and that I should remove the latter. I've tried to but when I try nothing seems to happen (ie when I got into add/remove programmes and click on the button to change/remove Macafee Uninstaller nothing seems to happen).

I seem stuck here.

PS - I connected my broadband to the laptop, which I'm using to access TH right now, so at least the internet access is there.
 
How do I get AVG for free without going through all their linked offers? It looks like you hve to take up one of the offers to get AVG for free. I don't remember that being the case when I downloaded AVG for myself.
 
OK. I think macafee is uninstalled althought the program remains listed. I'm not getting any more macafee dialog boxes on screen.
 
Merlin has put me on to superantispyware which has installed and cleared any threats.

What I still need is a way of removing macafee altogether from the system.
 
They were right about the computer having a virus, DO - they had McAfee installed. It's easier to get rid of the plague than to get it *completely* off a computer. Wasn't aware of that uninstaller posted by qzy, hopefully it works for you!
 
Spoke too soon. It gives the impression it's got rid of McAfee but the McAfee warnings are still popping up on screen. I've emailed them a very sharp message.
 
You could try this: go to 'C' drive and open this (you should find this in My Computer); open Windows (it is Windows that it is being run?); click Search and type in MacAfee (this should search through all of 'C' drive and pull out any loiterers associated with MacAfee); from there you should be able to manually delete any left overs from the MacAfee programme.
 
Tried that too, TF. There are four files which, when I try to delete them, give me the message 'access denied' (or is 'cannot access'?)
 
I think I've cracked it, guys...

I decided that 'action direct' was the way to go so I phoned McAfee and told them in a very stern tone that they were causing me undue stress and that I insisted they remove all traces of McAfee from my laptop.

They immediately emailed me a removal programme which, touch wood, appears to have done the job.
 
OK, in the belief that the McAfee problem is sorted...

I'm running, on Merlin's recommendation, Superantispyware on the laptop. I have a slight concern about it, though. It doesn't seem to scan automatically (which AVG seems to do). After I'd cleared McAfee, I went to switch back on the firewall but noticed the virus scanner wasn't on. Does it have to be told to scan manually or does it do it automatically? Does it have to be switched on manually every time you access the computer?

Correction: in the control centre it says virus protection not found. Isn't Suerantispyware virus protection?
 
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No. Virus checkers don't consider spyware to be a virus, so they don't spot it, let alone remove it. Spyware chases down programmes which leech onto IE without your knowledge. They're often there to spy on your web activity, sending back info on your habits to their publisher. You'll even agree to having them in many cases, as they'll often be mentioned, buried in the 1,000th page of an installation agreement you sign up for.

If your friend has XP service pack 2 or 3, then IE will stop some spyware from installing itself, but it can't stop programmes that you install. Lots of spyware piggybacks software that's marketed for a different use.

Anti-spyware progs scan for spyware, deleting any pieces they find. Some of these progs are free, in the hope you'll buy the fuller version later. Ad-Aware (www.lavasoftusa.com) and Spybot Search & Destroy (www.safer-networking.org) are two of the most popular anti-spyware progs. I've got the latter and run it regularly - you'll be surprised at the trash it cleans out!
 
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Well. I prefer to run Zone Alarm that tackles all your problems in one bundle, i.e. firewall, anti-virus, spyware, internet parental lock, privacy. Saves messing about with different purchases that can: run in conlict with other programmes; be confusing switching between programmes; all add up cost wise.
 
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