Posted on 09/08/2010 1:26:55 PM PDT by pabianice
Today, for the second time in 2 1/2 weeks, I got the Norton 360 Big Red X of Death and my PC would no longer connect to the web/internet. Back to the shop for another $65 whack.
Can Freepers recommend or link me to a serious anti-virus software download or a CD that I can obtain to get rid of viruses Norton can't cure? All comments would be appreciated. I run Windows XP Home on my PC. I am not a software guy.
Thanks.
Invasion by malware and what to do about it (VANITY re: Windows Security Suite)BTW, in my case it wasn't a virus but malware so it slipped by my virus software (but it still robbed me of internet access and access to other programs).
Now why would you go an ruin a perfectly fine virus thread?
Installed Spyware Doctor three years ago after not being able to remove virus using Kaspersky or Mcafee, happy with that program.
Avast is a very good program. The free version is what I run on all my personal computers and we use the full version for the business.
I would also advise getting malwarebytes (malwarebytes.org) and loading the free version. Update it and run it weekly. I also do this every Friday at home and every Wednesday at work.
Bookmarking
I used SuperAntispyware. I was able to get it started brfore the virus loaded itself in an XP machine. It found and removed the virus For details Freep Mail me.
Oh, now you’ve done it!
I threw away Norton, and all the others; AVG is free and it’s great.
I’ve had a MacBook Pro for over a year now and, knocks on wood, never had a problem. I know there are Mac viruses but Apple does a pretty good job updating its software regularly. It also has “Private Browsing” mode which won’t allow cookies
Also, if you ever have the same symptoms as this guy, then you're really in trouble.
I just love these posts, freepers really give out good, useful computer info.
Often quite humourous as well, like
...are you logged in
I’m sorry I meant to say... are you logged on.
You shouldn’t go to sites that have viruses.
Your gonna have to buy another computer.
Lots of funny stuff.
Personally, I don’t think any of them work. I’ve seen viruses invade computers with every major antivirus program. While I run antivir on my clients’ computers, I insist that two login ids be established: one with, and one without administrative privileges, and then use the non-administrative login for all but program/hardware add/deletes.
Additionally, I’ve built a custom program that further locks down 27 additional user registry keys normally allowed to be modified by standard users as well (as the user’s startup folder), because some viruses can invade the login id. However, at least when you logout a non-administrative account, all the viruses are automatically shutdown by the OS, and you can logon to the administrative account and simply delete the virus files, though some subtle damage the user’s IE may still need to be manually fixed.
Remove Norton from your computer
Install AVG Free
Install Malwarebytes
That should do it.
Never pay another nickel to Norton.
Same here. Love my Macbook, no problems whatsoever, ever.
Every antivirus product has flaws. There is no product that can catch every problem, and you generally can’t run two antivirus programs. However, Spyware Doctor Antivirus runs fine with other products, and gives a little extra security.
For an unbiased review of antivirus products go to http://www.av-comparatives.org/
Bookmarking for home.
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software—including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom—and helps remove any infection found.
When the detection and removal process is complete, the tool displays a report describing the outcome, including which, if any, malicious software was detected and removed.
Microsoft releases an updated version of this tool on the second Tuesday of each month, and as needed to respond to security incidents. The tool is available from Microsoft Update, Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.
Note The version of the tool delivered by Microsoft Update and Windows Update runs in the background and then reports if an infection is found. To run this tool more than once a month, use the version on this Web page or install the version that is available in the Download Center.
Because computers can appear to function normally when infected, it’s a good idea to run this tool regularly even if your computer seems to be fine. You should also use up-to-date antivirus software to help protect your computer from other malicious software.
To download the latest version of this tool, visit the Microsoft Download Center.
You can also perform an online scan of your computer using the Windows Live safety scanner.
Get a Free Safety Scan
To scan your computer for malicious and potentially unwanted software from a Web site, click:
Safety iconWindows Live safety scanner.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx
I’ve been using Avast for awhile now and like it very much.
Click Start > Run and type mrt. The short scan takes minutes and the long one hours so you likely want to choose the short scan first.
I use Malwarebytes too. I’ll run a manual scan now and then. But the AVG resident program seems to do the trick for me.
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