Help?

[clocketpatch]

I think I've just found some sneaky bugger viruses on my machine. They're lurking in this file: C:\SWSETUP\HPGame\games which is full of stuff I DEFINTELY didn't download. Because I deleted my HP games ages back. And these long strings of numbers don't look very game like to me any way.

Thing is, my AVG didn't detect this. I was getting a bit suspicious when I got "No Threats Found" on multiple scans, because usually it at least picks up on internet cookies, right? Then I looked at it during a scan only to discover that it wasn't checking any files. Because it was stuck on THAT file.

So, now I'm stuck. how do I delete these things? They're slowing down my computer and making me nervous. I don't keep any kind of banking info on my computer, but I don't want to be a zombie spam bot either. And I *would* like to be able to check my credit card bill at some point without fear of these things yoinking my info.

I understand that the SWSETUP folder contains base software for the computer, so I really don't want to go removing things from there willy-nill and accidentally uninstall my operating system as a result.

Suggestions?

Comments

[abbyromana.livejournal.com]

Wiping depends on what version of Windows you have. There should be a program "System Tools that allows you to go back before the issue. On my computer it is called "System Restore". If it doesn't work, then there is something more technical you can do.

While the computer is first starting up, there is a black screen right before the Windows symbol appears on the screen. During this time, you'd click F2. A gray and blue menu will appear. Along the top you'll see several drop down menus:

Main Advanced Security Boot Exit

Now, what you do from there can get complicated, so really I suggest doing any rebooting at a computer store whether on campus or Best Buy or whatever equivalent you can get to. Otherwise, you might risk making the issue worse. Of course, you could look up what to do via the Microsoft Website, if you so feel self-directed.

Another virus defender might be a better solution. I suggest considering it first before taking these steps.

*huggles*

I wish you all the best, and now, understand why you haven't replied to my last email.

[garpu.livejournal.com]

It's been my experience that just doing a system restore won't get rid of some viruses...only way is to format the drive and reinstall everything.

[abbyromana.livejournal.com]

I find it depends on what the issue is and how far back your restore points go. Some can be removed by simply going back to a point before it existed, which is the point of "System Restore".

But I agree, that there are viruses that require a complete reboot and re-installation of the software, including Windows.