PC repair for dummies (like me)

My daughter's laptop (~1 year old), running Windows 8, needs help. From what little I can deduce, it's seriously infected with a virus (or multiple). I'm just above clueless when it comes to computers, so, as I usually do in such situations, turn to this team for help.

What should I do first? I assume I need to download and run a program to root out any concerning files? I appreciate the help!

If you don't have an anti virus install AVG

You also need to install a malware and and spybot program.

I use two (unlike anti virus programs you can run multiples)

I use SUPER Anti-Spyware (I know horrible name, but it is a good product)

and Malwarebytes both have the free versions linked and both have premium versions. I have never used the paid versions and get by just fine.

Install all of them and run the updates. Do a system scan with the anti virus, reboot, do a system scan with Super Anti Spyware, reboot, then Malwarebytes, reboot.

Post results or PM me if you need more help.

Since it's likely genuine windows (ie not pirated), you could also use Microsoft Security Essentials as your antivirus. I've used it on my last 3 computers and it work just fine. Bonus: It's free, and without the "upgrade now" popups AVG likes so much.

I'll definitely second the Malwarebytes suggestion.

I like the MSE but some viruses are written specifically to go around it.

It's Microsoft, what are you gonna do?

Its often easier with nasty ones to just wipe it and start over.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: Its often easier with nasty ones to just wipe it and start over.

Yes at this point it is best to start over.

• Stop using pc/laptop.
• Confirm that you have a restore disk or USB drive. If not, request one from manufacturer of PC/laptop.
• Use a clean computer to change all passwords for sites that are important, banks, medical, insurance, etc.
• Save any files you need from infected PC/laptop to USB stick that has nothing else on it.
• When you have the factory restore USB/disk, format the hard drive. Full format.

Start over with any type of software that can protect you. But most anti virus is defeated by the user clicking "yes install" to the virus. User diligence is more effective than any firewall software.

If it's a newish laptop and she doesn't have much to back up, and if the laptop came with a driver disc to make it easy to reinstall all the necessary drivers, +1 for wiping and reinstalling.

Otherwise +1 for Flight Service's suggestions.

Flight Service wrote: If you don't have an anti virus install AVG You also need to install a malware and and spybot program. I use two (unlike anti virus programs you can run multiples) I use SUPER Anti-Spyware (I know horrible name, but it is a good product) and Malwarebytes both have the free versions linked and both have premium versions. I have never used the paid versions and get by just fine. Install all of them and run the updates. Do a system scan with the anti virus, reboot, do a system scan with Super Anti Spyware, reboot, then Malwarebytes, reboot. Post results or PM me if you need more help.

I finally got a chance to work on the laptop. Thanks for all the help Flight Service! I followed your directions and each step found all kinds of crap. I think it is good (for now). Thanks again for the tech tips. I truly appreciate it!

Protip:

DO NOT USE INTERNET EXPLORER for browsing the web. Its crap. Only use it if it absolutely needed for specific sites.

Download and install Mozilla FireFox, then get the NoScript and Ad-Block add-ons. This will cut down on the number of infections from nasty javascript and ad servers that are compromised.

I second Microsoft Security Essentials over AVG, but almost anything is better than nothing.

Remove any/all unnecessary software on the system. Many systems come pre-loaded with junk software (not so much anymore) but it can cause weird issues and reduce performance sometimes.

Second, configure an administrative account with a very strong password that you can use to manage software and settings on the PC. Do not provide this account info to your daughter. Set your Daughter's account to a standard User account. This will stop software installs and some of the other junk from getting on the box because Micro$haft likes to give everyone admin rights by default because they suck at security.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhCgu2Mej-Y

http://www.ricksdailytips.com/limited-windows-account/

Set up a calendar reminder for you and your daughter to update the system every month on the Second Tuesday. This is when Microsoft releases updates and you can take a few moments to logon as the admin and update the system, verify Adobe Flash is up to date along with FireFox and any drivers or firmware for the system.

Another option? Ditch Windows and install Ubuntu Linux, Open Office and Firefox and get on with life. Or buy a refurbished Mac on the next go around. Seriously. Windows is catnip for viruses and will never be fully secure due to its very nature.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9uRDYSy-xo

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2013431/10-reasons-to-choose-ubuntu-12-10-over-windows-8.html

Hope this helps

So, reviving this thread to ask what the cool kids are using for antivirus software these days?

I just bought an HP Win8 laptop to use for our club, and since I will have it at home on my personal network some times, I want to make sure it's not vulnerable. It came with 30 days free McAfee (from HP) and 6 months free "Titanium Security" or some such (from Best Buy), but I'd rather not have a subscription cost unless it's truly worth it.

I am happy to do as suggested above, but I have heard mixed reviews about AVG. Is there something better? Thanks.

AVG Free is good. (free.avg.com)

It's a bit annoying/intrusive of your attention but it has a very good detection rate.

Thanks for the prompt reply. Intrusive may be a problem since this will be used in autocross T&S. I imagine it would drive the timer nuts to have that pop up a couple of times during a 5-hour autocross.

You can configure it to pretty much keep its mouth shut but it will be some extra work.

Alternatively you could install Linux alongside Windows, Linux viruses are practically nonexistent (especially for a typical home PC vs. a server).

I have used AVG for years and I have never had any significant issues with pop-ups.

The free version?

I run Avast. I've run AVG in the past, it was fine. I just like Avast a little better. Avast is my generic virus protection software I leave running on the machine at all times.

I'll also have the free version of Malwarebytes. That is not running, I have it ready to be run manually when I want to.

Ccleaner to deal with messy startup scripts and registry.

Windows Firewall.

Windows anti-malware whatever.

The LAST thing I ever want running on a machine is McAffy. That thing is hard to get completely removed once it's been installed.

Perhaps the next to last thing I want running is whatever Bestbuy is offering me.

The free one will often pop up a status area notification to ask you to update, or tell you it's updating, or ask you to activate a feature...you can turn all those notifications off though.

All right, thanks, fellows.

Best antivirus (on top of an actual program running, i just run MSE) is to set up all your documents and save folders on another partition, then make an image of the OS/programs partition once you have the computer set up to your liking and put it on an external hard drive. That way if things get too messed up, you can always format C:/, put that image you made on it, and have it back up quickly like nothing happened.

I've run Webroot for a number of years now. It's the only antivirus I've ever paid for and I've never had a machine infected while it was running so I'm pretty happy with it. My experience with many of the free packages is they are almost as bad as the viruses themselves.