Computer virus/trojan etc

[dirtydog]

Kitkat seems to have picked up a virus/trojan or something on her laptop, it seems to be like a fake version of WinPC defender or something along those lines. The laptop doesn't have any anti virus or firewall software on it. We can start the laptop up but can't do anything else as it's like it's locked us out .

Is it fixable? How can we sort it or should I just "accidently" drop it down the stairs and claim on household insurance?

[fizzwheel]

Have you got the original operating system install CD and driver disks etc etc.

If you have boot it off the CD and then format it and then reinstall the operating system and start again.

If theres stuff on it you want to rescue then it might be saveable but it will be a bit of work to get it back so you can get the data off it.

[dirtydog]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Have you got the original operating system install CD and driver disks etc etc.

If you have boot it off the CD and then format it and then reinstall the operating system and start again.

If theres stuff on it you want to rescue then it might be saveable but it will be a bit of work to get it back so you can get the data off it.

No not gat the original install discs, long been lost. Plus it's had a couple of new hard drives in it's time (would say it's probably 8 yrs old now)

Only thing that we would really want off the computer are the pictures as kitkat still doesn't back themn up onto cd despite almost losing all her pictures when the harddrive gave up before

[Richie]

i know this sounds funny, but is there a reset switch on the bottom, a very small hole... my laptop did the same thing and and wouldn't restart up, once I pressed the reset switch with paper clip unwound wire. it worked ok.

Download HijackThis, and get it transferred to the laptop. Run it, then post the output on here.

If the computer is proving unresponsive, when it boots up (just prior to the Windows splash screen) hit F8, then select "Safe Mode." Then run HijackThis.

It may be easier to transfer the HijackThis output if you choose Safe Mode with Networking though.

[fizzwheel]

I've used a product that Mcaffee let you download called "Stinger" before in situations like this.

You'll need to get it onto the laptop somehow either floppy disk or burn it to a CD and then do as Baph says boot it in safe mode and let it run. It'll clean off anything it finds. I suspect though that if you run it in safe mode it wont find everything thats infecting it. But it might let you get it to boot normally so you can run it again.

Another useful tool to use is MBAM, which I've personally never had fail.

However, word on the grapevine has it that some virus' are being written specifically to disable MBAM (because the way MBAM works is so effective). So it's not guaranteed to work - hence me saying to show us a copy of the HJT log.

do you want me send the Geek round?

I use AVG Free.

http://free.avg.com/download-avg-ant...s-free-edition

[Spiderman]

I agree that Hijack This and Stinger are your best bet from here....but you may find it tought to get them loaded and installed on the laptop even in Safe Mode...but the advice is right and definately worth a try.

And then for gods sake put a free firewall and free antivirus on there before you go on the net again wont you.

Good free ones i use are:
Antivir
Ad-aware
Spybot S&D