computer related question

[headcase]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place. I know there are serious computer geeks on this board and I am lost...

I downloaded a virus, or multiple viruses through a peer to peer. They compromised my virus protection, replaced my wallpaper with a message about being infected and a link to get software, changed my startup menu, and other things. I was able to delete my old virus program, install Norton's trial which found and removed four trojans, and I deleted then reloaded IE7. Now my problems are this:

I can not log into my hotmail. It goes through my log in and then it just tries to connect forever.

My internet locks up after a while.

I am unable to go to my task manager. I hit ctrl-alt-del and the choice screen comes up like normal, except the option for the task manager is unbolded and I am unable to get into it to end an unresponsive program.

On this website, when I move between forum topics, I get pop up web ads.

I am running xp home. Any help would be appreciated before I spend for a new laptop.... thanks

[sjl127]

Use windows restore to a previous date.

[tec]

Get these:

http://lavasoft.com/

http://free.grisoft.com/

The former is your basic spy-ware/ad-ware detector and removal program. The latter is, for being free, an excellent virus detector and removal program. Although I'd recommend going to a computer store, talk to a professional, and purchase a tangible anti-virus/firewall/etc program. Depending on who you talk to, you will get different answers as to what is the best. I run Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security as my main protector. The best way to protect your computer and personal files are safe browsing and limited downloads.

Damn, I guess I really am a geek.

Edit: Get rid of Internet Explorer, that browsing program is garbage. Get http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/ asap.

[IV_Warrior]

Ubuntu linux.

[str8shooter]

If they don't work, I'd give combofix a try. Google it to see if you recognize any other similar symptoms, but your email issue seems to be a big clue to me.

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/comb...o-use-combofix

[RugerFan]

It sounds as if the viruses messed up your computer's registry. you can try what sjl said and use your restore disk to restore your computer.

[soberbyker]

Use windows restore to a previous date.

System restore (not to be confused with a restore disk) would be my answer as well. Restore to a point you remember everything being good to go. One thing most folks forget though, after you use restore to get to a good point you need to empty all restore points so you don't keep the bad crap on the computer hidden in a restore file.

Windows XP System Restore Is Easy to Use <--- CLICK

[widearea]

System restore prob won't work...Since it has been compromised and you are unsure of how badly...I would back up my documents\pics\music\email\favorites and do a restore to a factory state..most of the vendors provide a way to do this through a hidden partition and is generally a painless process. What is the laptop brand...we can prob tell you the keystrokes needed to accomplish this..Just remember to backup and verify on another pc that you did in fact backup...

But any of the other suggestions would work if its not in too bad of shape..I would add to the list spybot and hijackthis and process explorer.

[LorDiego01]

try to back up important documents.

Then nuke the hard-drive by formatting it raw.

Its the only way to be sure. Furthermore, I would NOT try to log into your email, or any other website, while your computer is compromised.

And one last thing....

DO NOT DOWNLOAD PORN FROM PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS. GO TO A REPUTABLE, FREE WEBSITE.

[widearea]

try to back up important documents.



DO NOT DOWNLOAD PORN FROM PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS. GO TO A REPUTABLE, FREE WEBSITE.

stay off the web entirely...usnenet