Hi, guys and gals. The pest is back.

[babylonsister]

Seems I had a few viruses in Symantec. Since I don't own the software, I'm going to have to buy some to remove/replace.
I was advised to do a malwarebyte scan, and tried both the full and quick scans. I even nailed a few vile files. But both scans simply stopped scanning at IE. Has anyone ever heard of this?

I hate computers except when they work. x(

Thanks for any thoughts.

Oh, and last night I did a liveupdate on the Symantec I have; it scanned 99% of my files, but never got past that last %, and I did it twice. :shrug:

Edit to add: someone just recommended free AVG for virus protection, says it works well. Does anyone here use it, like it, or recommend it?

Thanks!

[TrogL]

1. Do a Trend Housecall

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Also Spybot Search and Destroy

The last wants to put in a daemon (sorry, I think in unix) that can be a bit of a pig, but worth it. It catches stuff no other package seems to even notice.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

2. Need more info. Operating system? Browser? etc.

What other "malware-like" symptoms (if any) are present? ie: Browser redirecting search reults, application error messages, pop-up warnings, computer slow or sluggish, etc...

"But both scans simply stopped scanning at IE. Has anyone ever heard of this?"

Unfortunately, this is a quite common occurence on badly infected machines. See these links:

Procedures to help resolve issues preventing MBAM from running:
http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=17607

Troubleshoot Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/how-to-use-malwarebytes-anti-malware-tutorial#troubleshoot

Some good self help removal guides:

How to use Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to scan and remove malware:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/how-to-use-malwarebytes-anti-malware-tutorial

How to use SUPERAntiSpyware to scan and remove malware from your computer http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/how-to-use-superantispyware-tutorial

How to remove the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using TDSSKiller:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-tdss-tdl3-alureon-rootkit-using-tdsskiller

Excellent malware removal forums:

BleepingComputer.com > Security > Am I infected? What do I do?:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum103.html

Virus, Spyware & Malware Removal @ GeekPolice.net:
http://www.geekpolice.net/virus-spyware-malware-removal-f11/

Geeks to Go! » Security » Removal Help for Virus, Malware, Rootkit, Fake Alert, Search Redirect
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Removal-Help-Virus-Malware-Rootkit-Fake-Alert-Search-Redirect-f37.html

[Earth Bound Misfit]

3. AVG is good, but has become too intrusive and a resource hog

IMHO. I use Avast Free anti virus for real-time protection, Malwarebytes & SUPERAntiSpyware as on-demand scanners, along with SpywareBlaster, hpHOSTS, AdBlock Plus Add-on in Firefox (with a few subscriptions) NoScript add on for Firefox and Online Armor Free 3rd party firewall. All these programs and add-ons cost me exactly $0.00 Dollars and I'm snug as a bug in a rug.

Free AV's
Avast Free download: http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Avira Antivir Free : http://www.free-av.com/en/products/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html
AVG Free download: http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?part=dl-10044820&subj=dl&tag=button&cdlPid=11014801
Micro$oft $ecurity E$$ential$: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Spyware/Malware prevention/removal
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
SuperAntiSpyware : http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?part=dl-6281995&subj=dl&tag=button
Spybot S&D (Another resource hog, IMHO): http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
SpywareBlaster : http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Hosts files
hpHOSTS : http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
MVPS Hosts: http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

For a MUCH more comprehensive list, go here: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3616&hl=freeware+replacements

[Egnever]

4. Couple of free cloud based apps

I am becoming a big fan of cloud based anti virus/ anti spy-ware.


Panda cloud is a free cloud based anti virus solution. It has a very small footprint and has excellent detection rates.
http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/

Hitman pro is a malware detection solution that is cloud based as well.

http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro

both rely on the cloud to collect virus/malware data and upload suspicious files for examination.

[babylonsister]

5. Thanks, everyone. I didn't respond because it

overwhelmed me. I took it to the geek squad at best buy; couldn't even download the AVG, or anything else for that matter. Seems to be all cleared up for the moment; they installed a free limited subscription to webroot antivirus spy sweeper. If anyone reads this, have you heard of that?

I think my next trick is to try to install the best virus catcher out there, if only I can find out which one that is, and if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

Again, thank you!

[Earth Bound Misfit]

6. If you went to the Geeksquad, one thing is CERTAIN.

You got HOSED.

You're on your own.

[babylonsister]

7. Huh? I couldn't log on anymore or download fixes. If I couldn't get

advice and needed a computer, did I have an option? They claim they removed about 400 viruses. I'm sorry if you feel insulted (you sound like you do), but I didn't know what else to do. Unfortunately, I obviously don't have your level of expertise.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[canetoad]

9. I'd be using a free anti-virus

probably Avast, backed up with the paid version of Malwarebytes. I've bought it, cost about $30 AUD. The difference between paid and free is that you can schedule an update and scan of your machine during the night (or day if you are a night owl!).

To remove every last vestige of Nortons, grab the Norton removal tool.
http://service1.symantec.com/support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Between these two programs, running Spybot every week or so and using Firefox with the NoScript add-on, you have pretty much every base covered....except if you like to hang around at hacker and pron sites :)

I'd stay away from online anything scans. Yeah I know, some are reputable but still, I don't like anonymous third parties doing ANYTHING to my machine. I've used AVG and Panda cloud av in the past and IMO they are too busy - they start doing their thing just at the moment I'm saving a huge Illustrator or InDesign file.

You could keep adding countless layers of security but in the end all you will accomplish is a slow, buggy computer and no idea of where to look for the conflicts.

Good luck, feel free to PM me and you are NOT a pest at all.

[babylonsister]

10. Thanks, canetoad. I appreciate the advice, and

your kind words. I was under the impression this was a group where questions were encouraged to help those of us not as well-versed in how to use a 'puter.

I do have a question; what is this NoScript add-on from Firefox, and what does it do? I think I was asked if i wanted to download that, but didn't because I don't know what it is or does.

Thanks.

[canetoad]

11. NoScript is a Firefox add-on

That blocks Javascript, Flash and other security vulnerabilities from running on your browser. To install go here https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox and search for NoScript. Follow the installation instructions.

When installed, you will see a little blue 'S' icon in the lower right corner of your browser window. Then you start the process of making a 'white list' of trusted sites by right clicking the icon and allowing all (or some) of the items to run on the webpage. There's more info on this page http://noscript.net/



It takes a while to build up your list of trusted sites, but it's definitely worth it. It's also an eye opener to see how much stuff runs on some pages, HuffPo for example.

While you're at it, get a copy of MozBackup, a freebie tool for backing up your Firefox and Thunderbird profiles. This will save your White List, along with your bookmarks, emails etc and is very easy to use. http://mozbackup.jasnapaka.com/

[Berserker]

12. Symantec ??????

Please try a free one like Avast or AVG. I use Avast and have never had problems.

[Lasher]

13. I use Microsoft Security Essentials

It's free and you can schedule automatic runs at night.

I use Spybot Search & Destroy, MalwareBytes, SuperAntiSpyware, and CCleaner for cleanup, and for any nasty things that get by MSE. It's all free.

Good advice upthread about using Symantec's removal tool to get rid of Norton.

Patience and determination will carry you through to victory over these evil viruses.