WINDOWS WON'T START...

[Pikey]

I thought I would bring this to someone's attention before I did something
stupid--again.

I'm going to talk with my I.T. supervisor at my school later Monday afternoon.

It started Saturday night... I downloaded a file and scanned it first after
it downloaded it with my anti-virus software. It was in a .rar folder, so
when I saw that there were no errors, I opened the .rar folder and clicked on
the file itself and scanned it again. Nothing. No errors, viruses, or
malware. So I thought, at least.

I opened it and everything seemed fine. Then my FireFox started to receive
errors as did my internet explorer and my anti-virus program. I can't open
FireFox anymore, nor can I open my anti virus software so I can properly scan
my system.

Also, my system (CPU) runs at %100 all the time, according to my task
manager. So when I click on something, it takes forever for it to open up.

Maybe this was stupid of me, but I decided it would be best to start the
computer in safe mode in an attempt to use the anti-virus software.

Now, only the prompt comes up saying that an error has occurred. It gave me
options to start windows normally or to start in safe mode--but no dice. I
won't let me do either now. Or anything else--after 30 seconds, it restarts,
and it does it over again. :/

What in blazes happen? Is there anything I can do?

Now, I can do an non-destructive system recovery, but I'm afraid another
"error" will occur and then I'm really screwed. All my pictures, word files
and videos will go up and smoke--it's happened before. I didn't have a
chance to back-up everything properly either. Which was idiotic and I deeply
regret it.

Should I proceed with the non-destructive system recovery? If it's
successful, I will still have all my files.



Stuck & Worried,
Pikey

 

[Leonard Grey]

If you're going to see your IT supervisor soon you may as well save your
question for her or him. The only thing you've told us is that you
downloaded a .rar archive. That's not nearly enough for someone to even
guess what happened to your computer.

 

[pikespeak]

It was a crack for a program. It was an .exe file. Yes, I'm an evil person
for trying to crack a program.

After that it went haywire as stated above.

Pikey

 

[Daave]

You downloaded what you thought was a crack for a program that turned
out to be malware that packed a strong punch. Furthermore, you did this
on a computer at school. Now you are asking us if you should "proceed
with the non-destructive system recovery?"

Seriously, what kind of answer are you expecting?

 

[pikespeak]

HA HA HA!

No, you guys are great.

The computer is at home. It's my personal computer. The IT supervisor is a
friend of mine. I was just hoping for an answer before Monday afternoon, if
possible.

I seriously don't know what to do.

Any ideas?

 

[pikespeak]

I know I seem kind of desperate--it's because finals are due this week and
well, they are on the computer...my home computer.

 

[Leonard Grey]

Live by the sword...die by the sword.

 

[smlunatick]

It was a crack for a program.  It was an .exe file.  Yes, I'm an evil person
for trying to crack a program.  

After that it went haywire as stated above.

Pikey





- Show quoted text -

As previously stated, you downloaded a program "crack" which

1) Is not from the program's manufacturer / publisher.

2) Downloaded from "questionable" web site

3) Can be from someone of "questionable" morals.

Several of these type of "no-cd" / un-restricting "patches" have
hidden applications that can ad viruses and malware. Never rely on
these downloads.

 

[pikespeak]

Yes, I understand and thank you.

I was able to get windows turned on. All my stuff is still here.
Everything--knock on wood.

My AVG still won't start, though. It says it is not a valid Win32
application.

Firefox works just fine--so no problems there.

 

[titus12]

Run MRT.exe ( Malicious Software Removal Tool) if you have it on your
computer. Something like what happen to you happen to me. The MRT.exe
fixed my problem. Search for it on your computer.

David