Hey guys, I have a bad computer virus that is blocking many programs from opening like the command prompt and taskmanager. It is disguised as an antivirus program called "Antivirus Soft" and Windows Defender does not recognize it neither does McAfee. What do I do? I can't do anything with this on here.
Bad computer virus need help
- Thread starter UNC197
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Hey,,,,just had the same thing yesterday, exact problems, my computer guy called it a worm,,45 bucks later all is well, u better go see someone b 4 it gets worse, turn off ur unit asap. My unit also uses vista.
Download and install Malwarebytes free edition.
Link to Malwarebytes
You may have to download it using another computer and copy it to a thumb drive for installation.
Disable system restore and run Malwarebytes in the safe mode.
It should clean you computer.
Link to Malwarebytes
You may have to download it using another computer and copy it to a thumb drive for installation.
Disable system restore and run Malwarebytes in the safe mode.
It should clean you computer.
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ANY time you`re surfing the net and a box pops up and says something like "Run windows anti spyware now" or any pop up for that matter,push ctl,alt,delete. Windows task manager will pop up and then you`ll want to click the programs in the list and then click "end now" till they`re all closed. That way no one will be able to install a bunch of viruses on your computer.
NEVER EVER click "yes" or "no" in the pop up box or even click the x to get out of it. ALWAYS use the cnt alt delete function. I clicked on a news ad about the ten best selling cars or something like that on MSN news the other day and got that stupid popup. It can appear anywhere.
NEVER EVER click "yes" or "no" in the pop up box or even click the x to get out of it. ALWAYS use the cnt alt delete function. I clicked on a news ad about the ten best selling cars or something like that on MSN news the other day and got that stupid popup. It can appear anywhere.
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I second SrDriver's recommendation of MalwareBytes.
You might need to boot into Safe Mode (repeatedly tap the F8 key immediately after powering on the computer but before Windows loads, then select "Safe Mode") to get it to work. Safe Mode loads only the most basic Windows features, and often prevents viruses and malware from loading.
McAfee is a pretty good commercial anti-virus program, so I'm surprised it doesn't detect it. You may consider Microsoft Security Essentials in the future -- it's free, made by Microsoft, and uses the same definitions and scanning engine as their commercial Forefront security software. Good stuff, and the price is right.
Many viruses are pretty sneaky and can leave some damage behind even after they're cleaned (think "house fire" -- the fire may be extinguished, but damage remains and cannot be restored short of demolishing and rebuilding). It may be worthwhile to back up all your files, if they're not already backed up, to external storage, re-formatting, and re-installing Windows from a trusted source (e.g. the Windows disc from your computer's vendor) followed by moving your files back. This ensures that everything is clean and in good working order.
A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. IE has a long history of security problems, and is tightly integrated into Windows, so viruses often have free reign if they manage to find a security problem. A third-party browser like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, or any of the other numerous third-party browsers will likely increase security. Firefox also has a bunch of add-ons that can enhance things, such as ad-blockers and other features.
Good luck!
You might need to boot into Safe Mode (repeatedly tap the F8 key immediately after powering on the computer but before Windows loads, then select "Safe Mode") to get it to work. Safe Mode loads only the most basic Windows features, and often prevents viruses and malware from loading.
McAfee is a pretty good commercial anti-virus program, so I'm surprised it doesn't detect it. You may consider Microsoft Security Essentials in the future -- it's free, made by Microsoft, and uses the same definitions and scanning engine as their commercial Forefront security software. Good stuff, and the price is right.
Many viruses are pretty sneaky and can leave some damage behind even after they're cleaned (think "house fire" -- the fire may be extinguished, but damage remains and cannot be restored short of demolishing and rebuilding). It may be worthwhile to back up all your files, if they're not already backed up, to external storage, re-formatting, and re-installing Windows from a trusted source (e.g. the Windows disc from your computer's vendor) followed by moving your files back. This ensures that everything is clean and in good working order.
A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. IE has a long history of security problems, and is tightly integrated into Windows, so viruses often have free reign if they manage to find a security problem. A third-party browser like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, or any of the other numerous third-party browsers will likely increase security. Firefox also has a bunch of add-ons that can enhance things, such as ad-blockers and other features.
Good luck!
gathermewool
Site Donor 2025
Originally Posted By: heypete
A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. IE has a long history of security problems, and is tightly integrated into Windows, so viruses often have free reign if they manage to find a security problem. A third-party browser like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, or any of the other numerous third-party browsers will likely increase security. Firefox also has a bunch of add-ons that can enhance things, such as ad-blockers and other features.
I've had the opposite experience using both Firefox and IE. I actually originally switched to Firefox after hearing so many bad things about IE. I hadn't had any problems in over a year - I too CTRL ALT DEL out of popups instead of clicking anything - with Firefox, but one day last month things started to slow down considerably, though Norton hadn't found anything. Since my subscription was up I decided to switch over to MS Security Essentials. The first run found two Trojans : /. I removed them, but a few days later Firefox was running slowly, and a new trojan was found after a scan with MSSE.
For the heck of it I loaded up IE after the trojan was removed to see if there was any difference. A couple of days later a warning popped up in IE saying that someone was trying to access my computer to UL another trojan. MSSE and IE blocked it, and I haven't had any problems since.
A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. IE has a long history of security problems, and is tightly integrated into Windows, so viruses often have free reign if they manage to find a security problem. A third-party browser like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, or any of the other numerous third-party browsers will likely increase security. Firefox also has a bunch of add-ons that can enhance things, such as ad-blockers and other features.
I've had the opposite experience using both Firefox and IE. I actually originally switched to Firefox after hearing so many bad things about IE. I hadn't had any problems in over a year - I too CTRL ALT DEL out of popups instead of clicking anything - with Firefox, but one day last month things started to slow down considerably, though Norton hadn't found anything. Since my subscription was up I decided to switch over to MS Security Essentials. The first run found two Trojans : /. I removed them, but a few days later Firefox was running slowly, and a new trojan was found after a scan with MSSE.
For the heck of it I loaded up IE after the trojan was removed to see if there was any difference. A couple of days later a warning popped up in IE saying that someone was trying to access my computer to UL another trojan. MSSE and IE blocked it, and I haven't had any problems since.
I had that once, IIRC antivirus pro or something. I finally just formatted and reinstalled Windows after a really long day. It did let me copy things off.
"A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer."
+1. I use Chrome, but whatever. 90% of malware is written assuming you're using IE, and why wouldn't it?
"A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer."
+1. I use Chrome, but whatever. 90% of malware is written assuming you're using IE, and why wouldn't it?
Everything seems to be running normally now after using the Malwarebytes program and following the instructions on Bleepingcomputer.com. I will look more into the antivirus/malware programs mentioned here to prevent this from happening again. Thanks guys.
There's a new rash of junk going around, here's a workaround:
login go your PC, QUICKLY this the Windows key + R (Run command) then type this to schedule your saving grace, a command prompt:
at 14:33 /interactive "cmd.exe"
Replace 14:33 with a time that's a minute or two ahead of your current time.
Why do all this? CMD.EXE runs as the SYSTEM user. The recent malware rash only affects the logged-in user. When the DOS prompt opens by itself type in taskmgr find the goofy processes, then kill them. From there you can install anything (such as Malware Bytes), scan the system and get your computer back into working order.
login go your PC, QUICKLY this the Windows key + R (Run command) then type this to schedule your saving grace, a command prompt:
at 14:33 /interactive "cmd.exe"
Replace 14:33 with a time that's a minute or two ahead of your current time.
Why do all this? CMD.EXE runs as the SYSTEM user. The recent malware rash only affects the logged-in user. When the DOS prompt opens by itself type in taskmgr find the goofy processes, then kill them. From there you can install anything (such as Malware Bytes), scan the system and get your computer back into working order.
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Originally Posted By: heypete
A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. IE has a long history of security problems, and is tightly integrated into Windows, so viruses often have free reign if they manage to find a security problem. A third-party browser like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, or any of the other numerous third-party browsers will likely increase security. Firefox also has a bunch of add-ons that can enhance things, such as ad-blockers and other features.
I've had the opposite experience using both Firefox and IE. I actually originally switched to Firefox after hearing so many bad things about IE. I hadn't had any problems in over a year - I too CTRL ALT DEL out of popups instead of clicking anything - with Firefox, but one day last month things started to slow down considerably, though Norton hadn't found anything. Since my subscription was up I decided to switch over to MS Security Essentials. The first run found two Trojans : /. I removed them, but a few days later Firefox was running slowly, and a new trojan was found after a scan with MSSE.
For the heck of it I loaded up IE after the trojan was removed to see if there was any difference. A couple of days later a warning popped up in IE saying that someone was trying to access my computer to UL another trojan. MSSE and IE blocked it, and I haven't had any problems since.
Honestly, that's surprising. I've not found any virus or trojan that seems to affect Chrome or Firefox. Then again, I tend not to frequent shady sides and am highly aware of my computer's security, so maybe I'm not the ideal test case.
Originally Posted By: heypete
A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. IE has a long history of security problems, and is tightly integrated into Windows, so viruses often have free reign if they manage to find a security problem. A third-party browser like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, or any of the other numerous third-party browsers will likely increase security. Firefox also has a bunch of add-ons that can enhance things, such as ad-blockers and other features.
I've had the opposite experience using both Firefox and IE. I actually originally switched to Firefox after hearing so many bad things about IE. I hadn't had any problems in over a year - I too CTRL ALT DEL out of popups instead of clicking anything - with Firefox, but one day last month things started to slow down considerably, though Norton hadn't found anything. Since my subscription was up I decided to switch over to MS Security Essentials. The first run found two Trojans : /. I removed them, but a few days later Firefox was running slowly, and a new trojan was found after a scan with MSSE.
For the heck of it I loaded up IE after the trojan was removed to see if there was any difference. A couple of days later a warning popped up in IE saying that someone was trying to access my computer to UL another trojan. MSSE and IE blocked it, and I haven't had any problems since.
Honestly, that's surprising. I've not found any virus or trojan that seems to affect Chrome or Firefox. Then again, I tend not to frequent shady sides and am highly aware of my computer's security, so maybe I'm not the ideal test case.
Originally Posted By: gathermewool
Originally Posted By: heypete
A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. IE has a long history of security problems, and is tightly integrated into Windows, so viruses often have free reign if they manage to find a security problem. A third-party browser like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, or any of the other numerous third-party browsers will likely increase security. Firefox also has a bunch of add-ons that can enhance things, such as ad-blockers and other features.
I've had the opposite experience using both Firefox and IE. I actually originally switched to Firefox after hearing so many bad things about IE. I hadn't had any problems in over a year - I too CTRL ALT DEL out of popups instead of clicking anything - with Firefox, but one day last month things started to slow down considerably, though Norton hadn't found anything. Since my subscription was up I decided to switch over to MS Security Essentials. The first run found two Trojans : /. I removed them, but a few days later Firefox was running slowly, and a new trojan was found after a scan with MSSE.
For the heck of it I loaded up IE after the trojan was removed to see if there was any difference. A couple of days later a warning popped up in IE saying that someone was trying to access my computer to UL another trojan. MSSE and IE blocked it, and I haven't had any problems since.
100% of the disinfections I have done on PC's are users of IE. You mentioned your Norton being expired, I would guess that was the culprit and not Firefox.
While I'm on the subject, I use AdBlock Plus and No Script with Firefox, it's amazing how many scripts that sites will try to run. I only allow the ones to run that enable site functionality. It's a bit tedious at first but after a while it learns where you normally go and the prompts are much less.
Originally Posted By: heypete
A good way to avoid most malware is to use a browser other than Internet Explorer. IE has a long history of security problems, and is tightly integrated into Windows, so viruses often have free reign if they manage to find a security problem. A third-party browser like Firefox, Opera, Google Chrome, or any of the other numerous third-party browsers will likely increase security. Firefox also has a bunch of add-ons that can enhance things, such as ad-blockers and other features.
I've had the opposite experience using both Firefox and IE. I actually originally switched to Firefox after hearing so many bad things about IE. I hadn't had any problems in over a year - I too CTRL ALT DEL out of popups instead of clicking anything - with Firefox, but one day last month things started to slow down considerably, though Norton hadn't found anything. Since my subscription was up I decided to switch over to MS Security Essentials. The first run found two Trojans : /. I removed them, but a few days later Firefox was running slowly, and a new trojan was found after a scan with MSSE.
For the heck of it I loaded up IE after the trojan was removed to see if there was any difference. A couple of days later a warning popped up in IE saying that someone was trying to access my computer to UL another trojan. MSSE and IE blocked it, and I haven't had any problems since.
100% of the disinfections I have done on PC's are users of IE. You mentioned your Norton being expired, I would guess that was the culprit and not Firefox.
While I'm on the subject, I use AdBlock Plus and No Script with Firefox, it's amazing how many scripts that sites will try to run. I only allow the ones to run that enable site functionality. It's a bit tedious at first but after a while it learns where you normally go and the prompts are much less.
Combofix is another good tool . You may have to run it in safe mode, but it's a good'un
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