Is my computer infected?

Question

This afternoon, a Windows-looking message (though I didn't trust it) came up saying a virus had infected my computer and I needed to press yes or something to cleanse it.  I didn't do so but it went on to show me My Computer contents - each item had a warning and exclamation marks saying a trojan was taking over.  I could see that the little icon at the bottom which represents TalkTalk Virus protection (which I pay a monthly fee for) had a red cross through it and a note saying it was malfunctioning.  Shortly after, all returned to normal.  I went into my security control and it said everything was fine.  But since then I've noticed the TalkTalk icon had a red cross through it again and the computer was unresponsive as though someone else had control of it (or is that my imagination?).

Advice please?  If it IS infected, is there any point my rebooting with the system recovery disk I was given when I bought it?  

(It's a Toshiba laptop if that has any relevance?)

ray_diator · Accepted Answer

If in doubt reboot your PC and go into safe mode and rurn your anti-virus program again.

If you have a trojan (a fake anti-virus program) installed then you will see a lot of hard disk activity as it constantly searches your hard drive for fake viruses.

EaglesN2011 · Answer

I had that same message pop up and show my computer contents, but after further investigation I don't have a virus. I just closed out of the pop-up and haven't had any trouble since. If you keep having trouble maybe you should reboot just in case you did catch one, that way you would know for sure

xenastrobel · Answer

I'm honestly not sure. (I'm only 16), but has your computer been doing anything else? For instance, if it has a webcam attached to it, then does the red light on it flash for a moment? If it does, that's a sign to take it to the Geek squad. Also, if anyone who wasn't a trained professional fixed it within 6 months, that's also a sign they planted aome serious virus in there!

Anonymous · Answer

If you have any worries, I would advise going on to Windows LiveOneCare site and running their safety scanners. COuld take a few hours but is well worth it and will clear your computer of anyhing that shouldn't be there.

Jennie · Answer

Have you done a antivirus and antispyware test?  I would do an online test of your antivirus and I would download superantispyware.  I would not do a recovery until you know for sure. Here is link:

http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html

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Is my computer infected?

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