jboard1 Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Hi everyone. Been a while since I posted, but having some issues with a friends computer and seeking some advice. Basically, the computer is slammed with spyware, and i have cleaned a bunch of it up. At first it wouldn't boot, but i got past that. However, I can tell there is more spyware that spybot, avg and mcafee can't find. A couple instances are 1. add/remove programs is not in control panel 2. all the windows are missing the toolbar with file, edit etc. My question is are there any other effective spyware/malware for free that anyone uses? or what do most recommend. Also, when do most of you give up cleaning and cleaning spyware/malware and re-image the machine? any advice will help. Thanks!Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-pops- Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 In a machine as infested as that seems to be, with so many of Windows fundamentals not operating, I wouldn't even bother trying to clean it up but go straight to a re-install.I would also take a lot more precaution to prevent the machine getting in that state by having efficient anti-malware programs and running them regularly.I always make regular backups of the full system so that in the event of a failure like you are experiencing, or even much less, I would re-install the whole system.Restoring from a backup takes less than an hour, mostly. Compare that with the time spent clearing out malware. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 First, I hope all your anti-malware programs are up-to-date - both software and definitions. Otherwise they cannot possibly find any of the new malware that goes around.I found that Trendmicro Housecall has a very effective online scanner; go to http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ and click on the v6.6 link at the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
y2khardtop Posted October 8, 2008 Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 IMO, if you have a SINGLE serious infection, ie one that you can't remove or comes back repeatedly, you should reformat and reinstall. It's quicker and safer in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jboard1 Posted October 8, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 8, 2008 Thanks for the info, all. popsyeah the people who's machine it is have kids who download music p2p and didn't have a current registered antivirus. I will be sure to let them know to update their service and will explain to them about keeping a system backup. i may even ghost it onto another disk and give it to them for safety, or hold onto it myself. pati will check out trendmicro, thanks!thanks again for the input, everyoneJeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 A golden rule is not to allow kids on a computer unless they accept a strict undertaking NOT to go on line, and certainly not to p2p sites. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
y2khardtop Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 I run SANDBOXIE on my XP machines these days. Does a good job of keeping most users safe. Anything they download is simply deleted when you close the browser, and it will only save files if you explicitly give it permission. Great idea for families with kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
froggystyle Posted October 9, 2008 Report Share Posted October 9, 2008 A golden rule is not to allow kids on a computer unless they accept a strict undertaking NOT to go on line, and certainly not to p2p sites. :DAre you serious! not let kids go online, what else would they do on a pc these days, homework!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andsome Posted October 10, 2008 Report Share Posted October 10, 2008 A golden rule is not to allow kids on a computer unless they accept a strict undertaking NOT to go on line, and certainly not to p2p sites. :DAre you serious! not let kids go online, what else would they do on a pc these days, homework!!Far too many kids are allowed to be in charge these days. It's all up to the parents to lay down ground rules. If kids are allowed on computers, then the answer is a very cheap basic model of their own.My thirteen year old granddaughter is allowed on my computer but does not go on line. The four year old is not allowed to touch it. My daughter does not allow even the thirteen year old to go online, only to use the computer for homework. She is a very well balanced and intelligent, happy young lady, with no need to download rubbish or play games on line, she has much better things to do, and is happy to OBEY her parents. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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