Thread: Computer Geek Needed

Anyone recommend a good place to take a computer with a virus?

I have updated software on my machine, but I can't get it to run to do the virus scan (it was able to spit out a note saying I may have a virus -- but that's it).

Half the programs on the machine are running fine, but others just won't load (double click and nothing happens).

Thanks for any help!

My suggestion would be to ask some friends who live in your area if there is a local computer store they have taken their computer to. Expect to pay anywhere from $50-$250 for the repair.

You can try going to www.download.com and download AVG Free 7.5 and give that a run and see what happens. You can also download AdAware and Spybot and give those a shot. You can also try Trend Micro's online scanner called Housecall. Here is a link.


http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en...ools/housecall

I would try it yourself once more before paying for it to be fixed.

SAFE MODE is your friend when you're running the anti-virus/spyware/malware/rootkit scans. By booting into safe mode (Press F8 Before the Windows XP Splash Screen), you keep the system from loading everything but the very basic essential programs that allow it to run. That also means that the line in your registry that loads the virus will not be executed, and if the virus prevents the operation of anti-virus software in NORMAL mode, you'll be able to run AV in SAFE mode.

Originally Posted by FlyBoeingJets

SAFE MODE is your friend when you're running the anti-virus/spyware/malware/rootkit scans. By booting into safe mode (Press F8 Before the Windows XP Splash Screen), you keep the system from loading everything but the very basic essential programs that allow it to run. That also means that the line in your registry that loads the virus will not be executed, and if the virus prevents the operation of anti-virus software in NORMAL mode, you'll be able to run AV in SAFE mode.

I couldn't agree more with FBJ... You also might want to try restoring it to an earlier point where you know it was working correctly. A co-worker of mine jacked his computer up by surfing for internet porn. His girlfriend's geek son couldn't fix it and told him he should take it to the Geek Squad. After playing with it for 2 days, he brought it in to me and within 15 minutes I had it back to normal.

I would suggest downloading Spybot and AdAware as well as installing a decent antivirus software. Fry's has McAfee Internet Security Suite with a rebate so that it's free.

just be careful...a lot of times you think you have it cleaned but there are still traces lingering around. i usually just wipe the whole drive when i have something that bad. starting fresh is nice too because you now know what software you really need and take away all the crap on your machine that slowed you down before.

if you decide to purchase new anti-virus software as suggested above be sure to uninstall the anti-virus software you currently have installed. If you don't then you'll make matters worse.

just go to "Start" and then "Run" and type the command appwiz.cpl to get to the "add or remove programs" screen.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the advice.

I'll try it all a try!

If all else fails, does anyone know a good place in the SFV? One that won't see a chick walk in the door and instantly try to rip her off?

<karma for everyone>

I'm a good place in the SFV to take it. All service is onsite. All rates are flat per hour.

PM me or email me through www.richardsit.com to make an appointment, etc.

Fix lots of infections all the time.

Originally Posted by Creeping Death

You can also try Trend Micro's online scanner called Housecall. Here is a link.


http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en...ools/housecall

I would try it yourself once more before paying for it to be fixed.

Creeping Death brought my computer to life...

My own virus scan wouldn't work, but I was able to get online and use this one and it found 2 (1 serious) viruses on my computer.

I have to run out, so I won't be able to check all the programs until later, but I can't thank you enough for hooking me up with this site.

And, Richard, if this didn't fix everything, I'll give you a call to set something up.