Virus on my computer?

[Babs09]

Ok well all of a sudden my virus scan popped up last night scanning some threats. All saying low risk. Is this harmful?

Also... I can't visit really any sites now. I had to go back 10 times because I get this page that says this Page is harmful.... we recomnded you dont go here. I ignore it but instead of ignoring it... it takes me to there software site asking me to buy it.

~babs09

[caesarboxfan]

Re: Virus on my computer?

Sounds like you have a very nasty virus that probably isn't low risk. Have you updated your antivirus software recently?

If not, you might want to, and then run a new virus scan.

Let us know if the problem continues.

[ni_teach]

Re: Virus on my computer?

When software says "low risk" it normally means it does not delete your hard disk, this doesn't mean that you do not have a problem.

make sure that your virus software is up-to-date and let it remove this problem. Just don't' ignore it because of the term "low risk.

I would also recommend installing more than on software to protect yours computer. I really like super-anit-spyware and it is free. This software has gotten rid of things that some of the most expensive software has not.

SUPERAntiSpyware.com | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!

[Trekkie Dad]

Re: Virus on my computer?

Or it could be a fake virus alert that's hijacked your browser. It will open a window that looks like your desktop that reports an infection. Then it will try to get you to purchase a removal program to rid you of viruses you don't really have.

I occasionally see these fake warnings on my Mac (with their window that looks like a PC desktop, a dead giveaway). Closing the browser window causes yet another window to open with the same "dire" warning. I usually have to force quit the browser to get it to go away. On a PC, it might alter your registry to open itself again when you restart your browser.

Use a legitimate virus/malware removal program to get rid of it.

[Babs09]

Re: Virus on my computer?

I think its a browser hijacked because when I get the red thing that blocks me from going to that site the Html is about:blank.


Still cant get it and I am getting frustrated.

~babs09

[Babs09]

Re: Virus on my computer?

Heres a picture.

[caesarboxfan]

Re: Virus on my computer?

Yes, it seems like it's a browser hijacking virus.

Have you tried updating your antivirus software and running a new virus scan?

If I may ask, what antivirus software are you using? Maybe we could help point you in the right direction.

[Sambo]

Re: Virus on my computer?

The browser hijack viri often contain snippets of code that prevent updating your virus scan or worse installing a new one. They also place tags in your registry that reinstall the hijack after you have cleaned the files.

What has worked for me - once I discovered how to use it - was to boot in safe mode and do a system restore to a restore point prior to the hijack. Then the cleaning tools can be run effectively without the hijacker first disabling them.

[Trekkie Dad]

Re: Virus on my computer?

Sambo's solution sounds good to me. Even if you don't do a system restore, booting in safe mode to run your virus checker is a good idea if you suspect something is afoul. I always like to try less radical solutions first.

I noticed you're using IE as your browser. It seems to be the most vulnerable to hijacks, and for that reason alone I usually run an alternate.

[aimster]

Re: Virus on my computer?

I hate IE because it's so buggy and as TrekkieDad said, more susceptible to hijackers even though Microsoft constantly claims they've improved security on it.

I use Safari and Firefox. Opera is pretty decent too. I even showed my mom how to use Safari because IE was acting hinky on her.