I think I caught a virus... what should I do?
By dismalgrin
@dismalgrin (2604)
United States
March 22, 2009 11:36pm CST
Okay, so I was typing away on my computer like nothing was up. Then I went out and cleaned my car (the computer was still on, and I have cable internet so it's always on) then I realized I was out of cigarettes. So, I checked my email to make sure nothing new had popped up and then drove down the street to the gas station. I wasn't gone long at all! When I got back I sat down and realized that my screen looked weird! all the red stuff is showing up Neon Orange. And plain green is now Neon Green. And these grey lines are running across the page. At first I thought my moniter was just acting funky because it is a rather old moniter. But, then my best friend called me and I told her what had happened and she said that the same thing had happened to her too! Didn't download anything, didn't get any weird emails. Just *poof* messed up computer. She said she chacked her virus scanner thing and that it said her computer had contacted something called trojan something or other virus. So, I'm a little upset. Because that means I have to delete everything on my computer and start all over again. Right? I can call my brother to do that if I have to. But, if there is something I can do right now to get rid of this thing and keep my important files on my computer I'd love the advice!
1 person likes this
6 responses
@jamin2020 (40)
• Luxembourg
23 Mar 09
There is a way out. open our task manager. Look at the process that seems wiered to you. take a note of that processes and end that processes. now search the names you noted down and delete all the files that are related to that names. If you find it unsafe then you can still do one thing. After you note down all the processes restart your computer in safe mode. and look at the processes now. if any of the process you noted is still in the list and don't delete it. delete all other files it is safe. Now Install Mac fee anti virus 8.0 i. It is the best I have come across for trojans. scan your pc thoroughly, it will automatically delete all the trojans and viruses.
If nothing works or you can't operate your pc. Still you can take a back up of your data. You need to have a Ubuntu dvd. Its an Linux operating system which loads directly from dvd. no need to install. you can safely take backup of all your data.
And next time do remember this, always keep two operating system and always install a good anti virus. If you have two operating systems, and if one catches virus, you can load from other operating system and do a virus scan it will delete most of the viruses of first operating system and you will save a lot of time and your precious data.
2 people like this
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
23 Mar 09
Thank you, I'm looking for the task thigy right now. I already have to run my computer in safe mode already because my moniter is so old and my actual computer is so new! Haha. Anyhow. Thank you for your response. If I still haven't figure it out by morning I will be sosing my brother and tell him that he needs to get over here asap! Haha.
1 person likes this
@dashawk (275)
• Philippines
23 Mar 09
as what you have described above, i think your computer just got idle, meaning, its resting because you're not using it...
And if you did not change any settings on your computer after installing your operating system, then i guess its just a screen saver.
A screen saver will activate if your computer gets idle by a specific time, ummm if its a virus, then you better get yourself an AVIRA PREMIUM Antivirus, it will successfully eliminate a trojan and other viruses...
Hope this helps....
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
23 Mar 09
Thanks I have a screensaver on my computer and I've left it running many times before and this has never happened to me. I know I have an antivirus system on my computer somewhere, I just don't know how to access it!
@sanuanu (11235)
• India
25 Mar 09
If your restore sysytem is working then you should go for system restore option. I guess you are using windows o/s.
In this.. Go for Start-programs-Accessories-System Tools-System Restore.
This will open up a window, where you can choose System restore. The next window will give a calender in which you should choose the latest "bold" date and restore.
If your system restore option is not infected then this should work and you will be getting rid of viruses.
Hope that works. I m keeping my fingers crossed!
@sanuanu (11235)
• India
25 Mar 09
Undressing Angelina Jolie? Can you tell me the site where you do this kind of job LOL. Seems interesting!
Anways, I don't open emails which says, hot game, hot mony, hot girl. I am afraid of hot things especially in my online life.
So, which antivirus you are using now? I ma using avira and symantec!
@oyenkai (4394)
• Philippines
24 Mar 09
Have you fixed it yet? This doesn't sound like a virus. It seems like there's something wrong with the display, and not some system gnawing into your hard drive or anything.
Try booting in safe mode and see what happens - if the boot display itself is messed up, then it's really not a virus but something with your hardware - either your monitor or your video card.
Thanks for the response on my discussion!
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
24 Mar 09
I always have my computer in safe mode because my monitor is so old. My brother advised me that I should keep my computer in safemode to be able to see the page. I could very well see that it might be the monitor or the video card because videos catch a lot when I go to veiw them as well. Oh well, I guess I'll have to ask brother dear to come and fix this for me. Haha.
@rakesh284 (1472)
• India
23 Mar 09
I think you can install some antivirus and scan your computer and set action as delete on detection of virus.
This will secure your system and may clean your system
Then you can secure your system
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
23 Mar 09
Thank you. I know I have an antivirus scanner on my computer. I still gotta find out which one!
@hewhoeatspie (111)
• United States
24 Mar 09
Download an antivirus, if you don't have one already. If you want something quick, get Avast Virus Cleaner.
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-virus-cleaner.html
If you still can't get rid of it, try System Restore (under Accessories, System Tools in the start menu), and try restoring back to a time before you got the virus.
If none of that works, THEN call your brother.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
24 Mar 09
Will system restore get rid of any of the files I've downloaded or save SINCE I got the virus?
