Virus Help

Going Demented

I was wondering coud anyone offer some suggestions. I know i have very limited information here. My sister's PC is banjaxed. Everytime she goes online it says the PC is shutting down. All i can think of it is a virus. If i install anti virus software on it should that remove it? I have the McAfee package. I don't even know what version of windows it is, my apologies. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Big Nelly

INstall Virus protection.....run an update and then run! if you cud even find the name of the virus should be able to google for a removal tool which will clear everythign up!!

emaherx

its a bit late for the virus gaurd.
most anti viruses wont remove this problem.
you want to download a patch, possibly for the sasser virus.

Krusty_Clown

To prevent the machine from shutting down (so you can install the anti-virus package) every time you get the shut-down dialog, go to the command prompt, and type:
shutdown -a
which will kill the shutdown.

Install anti-virus, do a complete scan and clean/quarantine any affected files.
Make sure you have the latest service packs and windows updates installed.
If this hasn't been done in a while, order a service pack from Microsoft's website. They'll send you one in the post for free.

Microsoft's sasser removal tool

Ciaran500

It sounds like a virus, any uptodate antivirus should remove it. If you need to go online to upgrade the antivirus program when the warning pops up go to start>run then type "shutdown -a" and press ok. This should stop the shutdown.

Its probably Windows XP, there was a big update for it recently called Service Pack 2. You can get it free direct from Microsoft on a cd, you can download it from Microsoft, it comes on some of this months computer magazines and there are some people on the forum giving it out for free. I advise you get this as it will bring that version of windows up to date and should block alot of these common viruses.

To check what version of windows she has right click on my computer and go to properties or when the computer is starting up it will tell you there.


EDIT: Damnit I'm getting slower, 3 people replied in the time I was typing this.

aidan_walsh

In all fairness, anyone who goes online these days without the proper security in place is asking for everything they get.

"I think theres a virus on the computer, will anti-virus software help?"
Well, uh yeah... As long as its up to date... Is it? Because if the computer keeps shutting down, you can forget about running the internet updater there.

If your McAfee is anything older than a few months, download current copies of either AntiVir or AVG. Then download and install a firewall, SpyBot S&D and AdAware, as I'm quite sure she won't have those either...

finnpark

She has the sasser worm or a variant. Its not always possible to stop computer shutting down depending on variant.

Her is what to do.

(1) Get service pack 2 if its windows xp. You can get service pack 2 from the official windows xp magazine or download it for free from www.microsoft.com. If it's not windows xp type "download sasser patch" into google search engine and download the patch which stops sasser worm affecting your PC.

(2)To remove existing viruses and worms get anti virus software. Do not install 2 types of anti virus software as they will conflict. I reccommend AVG which you can download for free. You must update any anti-virus software on a regular basis. You select "Run Complete test" in Avg to remove all viruss on your PC.

Also ensure her firewall is enabled by going internet connection etc

Remember that antivirus software only removes the virus. You will get reinfected with the sasser worm unless you download the patch or service pack 2 for XP.

finnpark

Just reread your post. Your antivirus software should be updated or replaced with AVG also. To remove it go to control panel and select "add or remove programs" etc

To get AVG put "dopwnload avg free version" into google.

Do not put 2 antivirus software packages on da PC.

You still need the sasser patch (and/or service pack 2 for xp).

jor el

Get Stinger to remove the worm, from:
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
This will remove plenty of worms and virii. Then go the windowsupdate.com and update everything that needs doing. I wouldn't recomend SP2 just yet as there seems to be lots of problems with it, better to wait and just apply other smaller patches instead.