[computer] locked up from spyware, how to fix?

Dabamf · 04-24-2008, 12:33 PM

I'm helping someone w/ their computer but it is 100% bogged down from either a virus or spyware and I can't do anything because it takes 5 years to open up a program. Is there a command or something to stop all 3rd party programs or something through windows or the ctrl+alt+del screen? I would not be able to even run adaware or something, much less get online, download & install it.

Malakriss · 04-24-2008, 12:35 PM

Put the adaware on a disk or flash drive. Open windows in safe mode, run adaware and nuke as much as possible.

Zehn - Vhex · 04-24-2008, 12:43 PM

start -> run -> type 'msconfig' hit enter
go to services, select 'hide all microsoft services' and uncheck everything.
go to startup and uncheck anything you don't recognize.

Reboot.

Also known as the 'clean boot'

Can help in some cases.

Ronne · 04-24-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zehn - Vhex

start -> run -> type 'msconfig' hit enter
go to services, select 'hide all microsoft services' and uncheck everything.
go to startup and uncheck anything you don't recognize.

Reboot.

Also known as the 'clean boot'

Can help in some cases.

It's generally advisable to run like this all the time, at least from a performance perspective. 99% of the time HP anything doesn't need to be running, nor does the myriad of other bullshit auto-start programs.

Kevincheese · 04-24-2008, 03:10 PM

NUKE IT

Desidero · 04-24-2008, 03:15 PM

Sort of a mix of other posts, since they didn't seem to take into account the fact that you can't get online in your current state.

Restart your computer and press the F8 key a bunch to get the boot options menu. Choose "Safe mode with networking".

Once your computer starts up, go online and get ad-aware or run whatever antivirus program you have (Windows Defender is also alright, though not the best, obviously). If your problem persists, visit TrendSecure | TrendMicro™ HijackThis™ Overview and attempt to run it on your computer under a normal boot rather than safe mode. Choose "run scan and save a log file". Then go back to safe mode with networking and post the contents of that log file here for exciting dissection.

Zehn - Vhex · 04-24-2008, 08:05 PM

Though my own personal favorite option is just to reformat. $$

Kaio · 04-25-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zehn - Vhex

Though my own personal favorite option is just to reformat. $$

this... If any relatives come to me now I either reformat or use their restore discs to save me time.

Radahr Manasponge · 04-25-2008, 03:40 PM

I never leave home without a couple thumbdrives:

Bootable linux (Hiren's)

Bootable MS-DOS w/NTFS

Bootable BartPE/miniWinXP

all of the above have Hijackthis, Adaware2007, Spybot Search & Destroy, some A/V tools

pretty much takes care of anything, except physical failure of hard drives

04-24-2008, 12:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dabamf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,797 +5 Internets	[computer] locked up from spyware, how to fix? I'm helping someone w/ their computer but it is 100% bogged down from either a virus or spyware and I can't do anything because it takes 5 years to open up a program. Is there a command or something to stop all 3rd party programs or something through windows or the ctrl+alt+del screen? I would not be able to even run adaware or something, much less get online, download & install it.

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04-24-2008, 12:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
Malakriss Your lack of intelligence is an insult to humanity. Get a fucking clue Join Date: May 2002 Location: Obviousville Posts: 2,765	Put the adaware on a disk or flash drive. Open windows in safe mode, run adaware and nuke as much as possible.

04-24-2008, 12:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
Zehn - Vhex Lord of the Dance Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 6,452 +61 Internets	start -> run -> type 'msconfig' hit enter go to services, select 'hide all microsoft services' and uncheck everything. go to startup and uncheck anything you don't recognize. Reboot. Also known as the 'clean boot' Can help in some cases.

04-24-2008, 03:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
Desidero Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 84 -1 Internets	Sort of a mix of other posts, since they didn't seem to take into account the fact that you can't get online in your current state. Restart your computer and press the F8 key a bunch to get the boot options menu. Choose "Safe mode with networking". Once your computer starts up, go online and get ad-aware or run whatever antivirus program you have (Windows Defender is also alright, though not the best, obviously). If your problem persists, visit TrendSecure \| TrendMicro™ HijackThis™ Overview and attempt to run it on your computer under a normal boot rather than safe mode. Choose "run scan and save a log file". Then go back to safe mode with networking and post the contents of that log file here for exciting dissection.

04-24-2008, 08:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
Zehn - Vhex Lord of the Dance Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 6,452 +61 Internets	Though my own personal favorite option is just to reformat. $$

04-25-2008, 03:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
Radahr Manasponge Angry Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Florida-ish Posts: 307 -1 Internets	I never leave home without a couple thumbdrives: Bootable linux (Hiren's) Bootable MS-DOS w/NTFS Bootable BartPE/miniWinXP all of the above have Hijackthis, Adaware2007, Spybot Search & Destroy, some A/V tools pretty much takes care of anything, except physical failure of hard drives