virus help

[Stick]

Any help for a virus that will not let me go on to any internet sites? A sign just keeps coming up and tells me to purchase protection software. I feel like it is a scam.

[HUSKER55]

Wish I could help you. I will tell you what I know, which ain't much.

Some of that free virus programs come from questionable sources. Stick with AVG or PCTOOLS.

Try going into your control panel and remove the program causing the problem. If it isn't there then I have no clue and you will have to wait till someone smarter than me comes along.

happy holidays

:)

[Stick]

Maybe I should be more specific. No matter what site I try to go on it says Application can not be executed. File is infected. If I click yes to fix the problem, it takes me to Antivirus Live and asks me to purchase a package.

[feelup1963]

HUSKER55- WHAT IS AVG? THANK U IN ADVANCE

[headhawg]

You undoubtedly have some kind of malware on your system. Do you have any kind of anti-virus/anti-malware program installed on your computer? If you do run a full scan. If you can't, try starting Windows in Safe Mode (press F8 before Windows starts to load) and then try to do a scan.

[Dave Schwartz]

Try this link...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=antivirus+live

[raybo]

I would try to restore to a point prior to the infection. If that won't work then anti-virus software might do the trick.

[Pcon04]

Had the same thing on my sons computer
couldn't do anything like u say even in safe mode.
I had to do a complete reinstall losing all data.
It was a real pain and I didn't have time to keep fooling with
it.. That's the best I can tell you.he now has a flash drive to
store all his program and files hope u have backed up your data

Pcon

[judd]

HUSKER55- WHAT IS AVG? THANK U IN ADVANCE
avg is the best protection out there

[headhawg]

Everyone has their software preference but here are the results of a recent lab test: Anti-Malware tests (http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/2009/12/av-testorg_releases_real-world.php) These results are going to surprise some people, I think. Also, these are for the commercial (paid for) versions not the free ones. Here is the test for the free stuff which likely perform worse overall than the pay versions: Free AV test results (http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/1597/free_antivirus_software.html)

There's a good article here (http://antivirus.about.com/od/antivirussoftwarereviews/a/antivirustests.htm) regarding tests. Read the third paragraph which describes the main difference between free and commercial versions of AV software.

And for those of you who are not computer-savvy, you need to run one anti-virus program, but you can have more than one anti-spyware program as they will detect different things.

[racko]

I wound up bying spy dr. had a bit of trouble loadind it. You have to load it in safe mode. Customer support was good. It didnt seem to work well with my free avg9 so i removed that program. prbablty spent 10 hours with this itiis a pain.

[Canarsie]

I use a few anti spyware programs but find this the best to use on peoples machines. It got rid of a nasty piece of malware on a friends machine he bought me a bottle of scotch :D

Try it and read it carefully think it will do the trick.


http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html

[wilderness]

avg is the best protection out there

AVG has a terrible vulnerability caught by webmasters (http://www.webmasterworld.com/search_engine_spiders/3615360.htm) in the spring (despite repeated notifications it took AVG some months to correct the vulnerability). Most webmasters are still seeing small quantities (users that haven't updated) daily.

Please see the "third paragraph reference (http://antivirus.about.com/od/antivirussoftwarereviews/a/antivirustests.htm)" in headhawg's reply (http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showpost.php?p=806743&postcount=10) concerning the difference between FREE and Commercial AV software's.

[Marshall Bennett]

I would try to restore to a point prior to the infection. If that won't work then anti-virus software might do the trick.
This is the way to go . Restore to a day prior and see if it doesn't disappear . I've gone to sites that launch this anti-virus protection claiming you've been infected when in fact they only want you to purchase their product . Don't bite , I've done the restore and back in business . It's a scam .

[Dave Schwartz]

Apparently, nobody clicked my link.

What he has IS a virus. That link points to the appropriate removal tools.

[raybo]

Apparently, nobody clicked my link.

What he has IS a virus. That link points to the appropriate removal tools.

The reason I suggested he do a restore, to a point prior to being infected, was that he said he couldn't use his browser, at all.

Does the link you posted take care of the browser problem? If it does, then the link itself must be able to defeat the part of the virus that won't let the browser work. If not, then he won't be able to access any of the sites the link brings up.

On 2nd thought, he obviously has access to another computer or he wouldn't be posting here, so he could get to the tools to remove the virus using the uninfected computer.

[Stick]

Reading this from a different computer. I can not go on any sites or get to any links on the infected computer. Can I save the removal onto a flashdrive and then bring it up on the other computer?

[Stick]

That did not work.

How exactly do a perform a restore to the point before it was infected?

[headhawg]

You didn't post what OS you have so just Google "system restore" along with the version of Windows you have as the keywords. Some site will give you step-by-step instructions. Make sure that you pick a date to restore from that was before the day you got infected.

[racko]

start the computer in safe mode.....tab the f8key during starrtup

[Dave Schwartz]

I have had this virus.

Here are some instructions to get rid of it:

Is your computer infected with Antivirus Live? Well you can take comfort in the fact you're definitely not alone! This nasty virus seems to be making its way across the net at a devastating pace. Don't sit on your hands, get rid of the virus right now.

Once installed onto your system, it's game over for you. The virus infiltrates the registry and starts creating false pop up alerts. You may also notice modifications to your desktop background and browser. The software will use spyware to record sensitive information like social security and credit card numbers.

So how did Antivirus Live get into your CPU? There can be a bunch of different ways. In particular:

• Downloading music, multimedia, and other files especially off of P2P networks. Make sure you are using trustworthy sites and scan your files before you install them. Many programs can come with bundled spyware, adware, and viruses.

• The virus got onto your CPU through a security gap in Adobe. Unfortunately Adobe software has some security bugs that infections like Antivirus Live use to get onto your CPU. To avoid this problem have antivirus software with real time protection functioning at all times.

• Grabbing malicious applications or freeware off the net. There is a reason why many of these programs are free. The developers are paid instead to bundle the software with malicious items.

While those aren't all the way you can be infected, they are just a few. If this has happened to you, the first thing to remember is ignore those annoying pop up danger warnings. Yeah you are infected. But the pop ups are just trying to scam you out of money and are created by the virus itself!

Antivirus Live Removal

In order to remove Antivirus Live you need to eliminate all its parts at once. This can include but is not limited to:

Removing all Antivirus Live related processes (any malicious EXE files)

Removing any associated DLL files (Dynamic Link Library) Removing any dangerous.lnk files associated with the virus

Go into the registry, locate and remove dangerous files in following directories

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
HKEY_CURRENT_USER

Remember that you must remove all remnants of the malware before you reboot. Otherwise the virus will simply restore itself the next time you boot up.

These removal instructions were created for computer experts who know how to properly distinguish dangerous files. Getting rid of the wrong registry files can serious damage if you don't know what you are doing.

Fortunately there is a way to remove Antivirus Live even if you aren't great with computers. With the proper removal software you can eliminate the virus in minutes. I have found one in particular that also provides real time defense to combat potential dangers.

Tired of viruses infecting your computer? Want to surf the web with the peace of mind that your computer is safe and secure? Get your free scan from the top virus protection and remove Antivirus Live.

Jim Marshall is an expert computer technician with fifteen years of experience in the industry. Since his own computer was destroyed by malicious software, he has been studying antispyware, adware, and malware systems for years. His website details the comprehensive results of this research, ranking the best antispyware and antivirus programs available.

http://www.spyware-fix.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Marshall


Probably the best way to do this is to purchase the PC Tools solution.

[Dave Schwartz]

System restore will not likely remove this virus. It may, however, screw up a few other programs.

[racko]

i had to download the spy doctor in safe mode because it had me so screwed-up it blocked the download of spy doc!

[headhawg]

System restore will not likely remove this virus. It may, however, screw up a few other programs.Probably true, but it's a free solution that might work. Not likely, but possible.

I am not a big fan of paying for something that can be done for free. Most people that post these kinds of questions here are not computer experts by any stretch which is why I hesitate to answer these questions. Here is the manual solution for the problem. But Stick, if you don't know what you're doing either go with Dave's solution and make the purchase for the automatic removal or get someone else to help. Antivirus Live Removal (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-antivirus-live)

[BIG RED]

A freind of mine George got hit with this virus.
It totallly handcuffs you (which means in virus speak, it's a good virus :confused: )
What I did to help him, was give him a updated free sweep that knew this virus (spywareterminator). He couldn't function at all on his computer, so we downloaded it on a disc, and ran it from there. It worked.
This is a nasty virus...but can be gone.

Best O'Luck

[Dave Schwartz]

If there is an .exe fix, one needs to find a second computer. Load the fix onto a thumb drive and load it on the infected computer.

[raybo]

That did not work.

How exactly do a perform a restore to the point before it was infected?

Try:

Start
Programs
Accessories
System Tools
System Restore

Then follow the prompts to select a restore point prior to the date it was infected.

[Stick]

This virus won't let me finish the restore. When my computer comes back on it says that the process did not complete. Also, can't get into safe mode.:bang:

[Zenyatta To Crush]

This virus won't let me finish the restore. When my computer comes back on it says that the process did not complete. Also, can't get into safe mode.:bang:
I've had this happen numerous times with my computer. My safe mode also would not load. You could probably waste hours and hours trying to get rid of it and nothing could work. What I suggest is just transferring any important files and programs you need onto disks and memory sticks, then use the recovery cd that came with your computer to reinstall everything. It sucks, but that may be your only option. Just make sure next time you have better virus protection software...or be sure to make backups of programs in case it happens again. Sorry dude....good luck!

[headhawg]

You could try to make a bootable cd with AV software on it. Try this (http://www.free-av.com/en/tools/12/avira_antivir_rescue_system.html).

[Stick]

Can I burn the CD on a Mac and then put it on a PC or will this not be able to read?

[Rwahi1]

Stick...Did you get rid of the virus?..... if not....then I know of a program that will help you and its free. Go to www.malwarebytes.org and download Malwarebyttes Anti-Malware. This is the best program to get rid of that virus.
After you download.... if the virus does not let you run the installer just rename the installer to something else and then install it, update the program and run it in safe mode. Then run it again. You got to run it 3 or 4 times. Let me know how it works out. I know a another method but you got to try this first.
Raman

[bigmack]

Try this link...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=antivirus+live
I haven't seen that before. lmgtfy is ingenious

[Dave Schwartz]

Mackster,

Yes, it is. I think Al Gore invented it. <G>


Dave

[bigmack]

I think Al Gore invented it. <G>

Man, that guy gets around.

GVid may be of interest to a guy like you.
http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/video.html

[Stick]

A friend of a friend came and picked up the computer and removed two viruses somehow with another working computer. I just wanted to thank all the people who responded and tried to help. I appreciate it.

[Track Collector]

Everyone has their software preference but here are the results of a recent lab test: Anti-Malware tests (http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/2009/12/av-testorg_releases_real-world.php) These results are going to surprise some people, I think. Also, these are for the commercial (paid for) versions not the free ones. Here is the test for the free stuff which likely perform worse overall than the pay versions: Free AV test results (http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/collection/1597/free_antivirus_software.html)

There's a good article here (http://antivirus.about.com/od/antivirussoftwarereviews/a/antivirustests.htm) regarding tests. Read the third paragraph which describes the main difference between free and commercial versions of AV software.

And for those of you who are not computer-savvy, you need to run one anti-virus program, but you can have more than one anti-spyware program as they will detect different things.

Thanks headhawg! I found your linked articles were very informative and helpful.