Bad Thingy

[Barry Karas]

00:02 10/15/2005

My computer was hit by a virus [and/or some type of bad thing]. I have
McAfee Managed VirusScan 3.0.0.572, and I could not update it - the
last update was 04/26/2005. [I have the program set to automatic
updates - which I check most days, so the updates are current.] I
realize that anti virus programs are not 100% effective, but I would
like to know how to find bad thingies and then get rid of them, even
if that bad thingy prevents me from doing so?

My O.S. is Windows XP Pro with S.P. 2.

Thank you,

Barry Karas

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/?­id=827315

Download Ad-aware SE and scan your PC for the presence of sp­yware:
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button

Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=RRJXPKXYSHMSPCSIZME

Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en

Here's what you can do to enhance the security on your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxpsp2/Default.mspx

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows - Shell/User
Microsoft Community Newsgroups
news://msnews.microsoft.com/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

|
| 00:02 10/15/2005
|
| My computer was hit by a virus [and/or some type of bad thing]. I have
| McAfee Managed VirusScan 3.0.0.572, and I could not update it - the
| last update was 04/26/2005. [I have the program set to automatic
| updates - which I check most days, so the updates are current.] I
| realize that anti virus programs are not 100% effective, but I would
| like to know how to find bad thingies and then get rid of them, even
| if that bad thingy prevents me from doing so?
|
| My O.S. is Windows XP Pro with S.P. 2.
|
| Thank you,
|
| Barry Karas

 

[NoNoBadDog!]

00:02 10/15/2005

My computer was hit by a virus [and/or some type of bad thing]. I have
McAfee Managed VirusScan 3.0.0.572, and I could not update it - the
last update was 04/26/2005. [I have the program set to automatic
updates - which I check most days, so the updates are current.] I
realize that anti virus programs are not 100% effective, but I would
like to know how to find bad thingies and then get rid of them, even
if that bad thingy prevents me from doing so?

My O.S. is Windows XP Pro with S.P. 2.

Thank you,

Barry Karas

Your antivirus *IS NOT* up to date. You are probably infected with numerous
viruses that your Antivirus does not recognize (those that were released
after 4/26/2005). McAfee, while not among the best choices for antivirus,
does update on a regular basis and has issued several dozen updates since
4/26.2005. Your subscription probably expired on that date, and you need to
renew.

Before you proceed with any repair (if it is even possible at this point),
you must acquire an antivirus app that you can update.

Bobby

 

[John]

00:02 10/15/2005

My computer was hit by a virus [and/or some type of bad thing]. I have
McAfee Managed VirusScan 3.0.0.572, and I could not update it - the
last update was 04/26/2005. [I have the program set to automatic
updates - which I check most days, so the updates are current.] I
realize that anti virus programs are not 100% effective, but I would
like to know how to find bad thingies and then get rid of them, even
if that bad thingy prevents me from doing so?

My O.S. is Windows XP Pro with S.P. 2.

Thank you,

Barry Karas

No! As you have been told that is not up to date - not even close.
Google for 'Avast' its free for home use. If you decide to try it...

Download Avast

Disconnect from the Internet

Uninstall McAfee, Windows will try to persuade you not to, ignore it.

Install Avast

Avast will want to connect to the Internet to update itself - let it.
Once updated have it scan all hard drives. Don't be surprised if it
finds things that McAfee wasn't aware of.

I used to swear by (and toward the end *at*) Norton. Avast is way better
and free.

John

 

[Galen]

In Barry Karas <[email protected]> had this to say:

My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:

00:02 10/15/2005

My computer was hit by a virus [and/or some type of bad thing]. I have
McAfee Managed VirusScan 3.0.0.572, and I could not update it - the
last update was 04/26/2005. [I have the program set to automatic
updates - which I check most days, so the updates are current.] I
realize that anti virus programs are not 100% effective, but I would
like to know how to find bad thingies and then get rid of them, even
if that bad thingy prevents me from doing so?

My O.S. is Windows XP Pro with S.P. 2.

Thank you,

Barry Karas

In answer to your question the best method is prevention in the first place
but barring that the next best method is a variety of up to date products as
no one product will likely ever contain the entire database for all malware
products.

Malware Cleaners and Repair :
http://kgiii.info/windows/all/general/malwarefix.html

There's some links and some info there on cleaning, it's pretty generic as
that's the point of it. More specific questions get more specific answers
usually but the above site can be used to get some basic information,
cleaning routines, and links to some free products that will get you started
on your way. Believe it or not you can get pretty decent protection without
paying a single red cent for it if you want.

--
Galen - MS MVP - Windows (Shell/User & IE)

"You know that a conjurer gets no credit when once he has explained his
trick; and if I show you too much of my method of working, you will
come to the conclusion that I am a very ordinary individual after all."

Sherlock Holmes