computer gone mad

[lou77]

hello: my computer turns on and off on random days, at random hours, it is
connected to a LAN...i've checked BIOS, power scheme, etc., it is a compaq,
desktop, had it over a year and half...no antivirus though, have spybot
search and destroy, ad-aware, but when i go into regedit and find--porn, a
whole list of screwy websites comes up, casino, pornfinder, etc..., can you
help please, thanks, lou

 

[GreenieLeBrun]

hello: my computer turns on and off on random days, at random hours, it is
connected to a LAN...i've checked BIOS, power scheme, etc., it is a compaq,
desktop, had it over a year and half...no antivirus though, have spybot
search and destroy, ad-aware, but when i go into regedit and find--porn, a
whole list of screwy websites comes up, casino, pornfinder, etc..., can you
help please, thanks, lou

First back up your data, email etc. etc..

Are Spybot S&D and ad-aware up to date? If not update them and do a
full scan.

Go to an online anti-virrus scanner such as
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan and scan your machine for
viuses.

Get an anti-virus program, there are many of these and opions differ as
to which is best. There are a number of free ones such as AVG, Avast!
and clamwin - do a google search for free antivirus.

Next install a firewall, again do a google search for free firewall.

If the above do not get rid of your nasties then do a complete reformat
and reinstall. Remember to reinstall anti-spyware, anti-virus and if
you wish a firewall.

 

[Malke]

hello: my computer turns on and off on random days, at random hours,
it is connected to a LAN...i've checked BIOS, power scheme, etc., it
is a compaq, desktop, had it over a year and half...no antivirus
though, have spybot search and destroy, ad-aware, but when i go into
regedit and find--porn, a whole list of screwy websites comes up,
casino, pornfinder, etc..., can you help please, thanks, lou

The computer has not gone mad. You didn't protect it properly and now it
is severely infested with malware.

Go through these general malware removal steps systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

If the procedures look like more than you want to do - and there is no
shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a
professional computer repair shop (not your local version of
BigStoreUSA).

After the machine has been cleaned, practice Safe Hex:

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971 - So How Did I Get
Infected Anyway?
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm - The Parasite Fight
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2006/02/05/82584.aspx - MVP
Harry Waldron - The Family PC - How to stay safe on the Internet
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm - Eric Howes on
Rogue Antispyware Programs
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp - Protect Your PC
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/ - Home Computer
Security

Malke