I got a Virus....and it isn't H1N1

[Lesbest]

Somewhere along the line my PC caught a virus, for about 2 weeks now when I turn on my computer, it boots up 2 or 3 times amd I have to tell it to go to the last good setup. It will open and go to the Desktop, I can choose any of my Icons EXCEPT AOL- which will cause it to reboot, and we start the cycle over.

I'm using IE 7 now, and it appears to work ok, but occasionally it will come up with IE has a problem and will close, and it closes IE and goes back to the desktop.

I got McAfee as a security program, but it hasn;t changed much, so something is still lurking around somewhere.

I don't know how to find it, or where to look.

As I surf the web, or just play cards it comes up with AOL security is blocking---------- whatever which I just delete, but this really annoying too.

I know we have some IT guys and gals, can anyone kind of point me in the right direction?

PC running Windows XP Home
Thanks for any help, Les

[Darren]

Les, it might just be some corrupt files. You can check and repair them by clicking on the Start button and then on "run".
In the "open" window type "cmd" and click on "ok".
You'll get a black box that you need to type in chkdsk c:/r and then hit enter.
You'll get a message asking if you want to schedule this the next time the system reboots. Just type a y and hit enter.
Then just close the black window and restart your computer.
Once it restarts the disk check will run. It could take a while so maybe start it before bed.

Let me know if you have any problems and what the results are.

Later,
Darren

[Elumia]

malwarebytes is a nice program to help you out.

Freeware too!

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

[hiker chick]

When you get it fixed, I recommend dumping IE and using Mozilla Firefox (free download).

I have been IE-free for 3 years. Very happily so.

Good luck!

[bve]

The chkdsk utility may help, but there is a lot you can do in advance of that and there is some general information in your post that needs to be answered.

When you click on the AOL icon, does it start to load? What I mean is does the window for AOL start to come up and then it shuts down, or does it just bam! shut down or reboot?

If you 'right' click on the AOL icon and choose 'properties' what does it show for the 'Location' and or 'Target'?

You mention "when I turn on my computer, it boots up 2 or 3 times" how recent is your PC? I ask because it is possible the BIOS battery is weak, I have seen this random rebooting as a result. A battery is about $3-$5 and takes as much skill to change as a flashlight battery - but a shop will charge probably $50-$100.

The prompt to use the most recent good setup is likely really just a symptom... the result of the improper shutdowns.

Do you have a current subscription for McAfee virus definitions and do you have it set to be updated daily?

The "AOL security is blocking----------" is your 'firewall' trying to protect your computer, and the "----------" is the type of request or application it is blocking - this could be tell-tale information, or simply a valid request such as DNS (an internet address lookup) (or many other types) I don't use AOL or even Windows - but that is somewhat 'expected' behavior for a firewall. There should be a setting for how it notifies you.

IE shutting down can also be from the improper reboots/shutdowns, essentially the data on the hard disk becomes fragment or scattered and when accessed if the fragmentation is excessive it can cause random/sporadic program failures - or the files can become corrupted as Darren mentioned - that's where chkdsk can be helpful.

I'm sure we can probably help diagnose the problem for you, troubleshooting a PC is like electrical troubleshooting, elimination of most likely causes 1 by 1.

There are also some general regular maintenance routines we can get set up later to help automate some proactive 'repairs' or 'house keeping'. Just like cars need regular checkups, computers benefit from the same.

[planovet]

malwarebytes is a nice program to help you out.

Freeware too!

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

I'll second this one. I've used it many times and it works great. Just make sure you update it each time before you use it.

[Lesbest]

Ok, this evening started to look at options, Battery original,3yrs. old min. Change with PC on- to save settings?

Added firefox, restarted and had to go to last known good setup to start
Firefox still on desktop

Deleted AOL and all its addons

Restarted PC and it booted up on the first try. YAY!!!

Looks like AOL was/is corrupted

Now trying all the other things, like Pandora, and Youse tube etc.

I'll keep you posted, Les

[starleen2]

malwarebytes is a nice program to help you out.

Freeware too!

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

I'll second this one. I've used it many times and it works great. Just make sure you update it each time before you use it.

+1

[bve]

Ok, this evening started to look at options, Battery original,3yrs. old min. Change with PC on- to save settings?
No not with it powered up, in fact unplug it when changing, and probably try to discharge any static on your person before hand.

Added firefox, restarted and had to go to last known good setup to start
Firefox still on desktop
Firefox is a great choice!

Deleted AOL and all its addons
Good choice, not needed at all.

Restarted PC and it booted up on the first try. YAY!!!
Fantastic!


Looks like AOL was/is corrupted

Now trying all the other things, like Pandora, and Youse tube etc.

I'll keep you posted, Les

Glad to hear you got it fixed.

You can set-up a utility to keep your hard drive de-fragmented, usually helps a bit with speed.
If you don't already it is a good idea to set your anti-virus to check for updates daily.
AVG Free used to be a great FREE antivirus program, I suspect it still is.

It's been a long time since I looked here but this used to be a good resource for XP tips, tricks and tweaks.

[Laredo]

Ok. Rant on:

AOL is a virus. It's malware. It's invasive, destructive, and getting it all off your computer practically requires an act of all the gods. It should be illegal.

Rant off.

Glad you got your computer fixed.

Careful when changing that battery.