Computer virus - what to do?

Question

A few things I've noticed so far:
1) Internet won't allow me to open links from search engines such as Google. Instead, it reroutes me to things like AskTheCrew.net and random sites such as an online lawn mower store. However, I can copy the URL offered from the search and paste it into the address bar to go to the site I wish to go to. This is obviously irritating.
2) I've attempted to change the desktop background and icons a few times and it works until I restart my computer, when it returns to the prior background.
3) I have Norton 360 on my computer, and every time I turn on my computer it warns me that I'm at risk and Norton has to do several scans and "fix now" several issues. Every single time - it will constantly tell me that. It also always tells me to upgrade to SONAR and when I tell it to fix it, nothing happens.
4) Occasionally, when I'm attempting to restart my computer, it will have some kind of Startup Scan going. It looks like a Microsoft Classic box and it runs sometimes just five minutes, but other times almost an hour. Afterwards, it always continues to start the computer and allow me to log in.

My sister has been having similar issues with her own computer, but for much longer than I have. Also, her computer will sometimes refuse to play sound or stereo at all.

If you could tell me perhaps what this virus may be and how to get rid of it because Norton Antivirus has done nothing to help, I'd be very appreciative. Thank you all!

? · Accepted Answer

If there's ANY virus on your computer, a full scan from MBAM will usually fix it.

Download it here ( Don't worry, it's highly trusted and 100% free ) It won't conflict with Norton-
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

If you can't download it, use a working computer and download it to a flash drive, then plug the flash drive in your computer and run it.

While running, disconnect from the internet so any potential viruses don't backdoor themselves.

After the viruses are gone, uninstall Norton and use a free Antivirus ( many times they actually BETTER than paid ones. ) Here is a link to Avast, a highly regarded Anti-virus-
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?tag=mncol;1

Also, the virus is probably a remote-access-trojan that redirects you to other websites.

Meghan · Answer

2

Meh, Internets · Answer

Note: If you are blocked from downloading files, you may have to download them on another computer and run them from a flash drive. If you cannot get online or update Malwarebytes, open Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings > uncheck everything except "Automatically detect settings", and try again.

Go to http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/anti-virus/rkill , download and run rkill. After it completes, go to http://www.malwarebytes.org/ and download Malwarebytes, install, update, and run a full scan. Remove any items it finds. If prompted to reboot, do so. Note that if you reboot before running Malwarebytes, you will need to run rkill again.

Confirm that the infection is removed and your computer works. Then go into system protection (Start > Right click Computer > Properties > System Protection), select any hard drives with protection on, press Configure..., and turn off system protection. Then reenable it (deletes all restore points). This ensures the infection does not remain in your restore points.

If you cannot follow these steps because the infection is keeping you from loading Windows normally or running files, try following them again in Safe Mode w/ Networking. Reboot your computer, and continually tap F8 during the boot process. Select Safe Mode w/ Networking.

These instructions are tailored to Windows 7; if you use a different version of Windows, then they may differ slightly. Use common sense.

Anonymous · Answer

Install Windows Security Essentials, its for free. Just install it and scan your computer.

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Computer virus - what to do?

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