Spyware and Trojan infection

[∞]

Hello everyone, I have been hacked. My computer has been infected with Spyware and now I can't even open anything. Whenever I open the firewall, it says I have no permission. I am writing this right now from safe mode. What do I do?

[Kamerat]

Reinstall your operating system, or preferably install Linux, your much less likly to get any malicious software with Linux. Even when you can't hold your fap hand steady.:lol:

[psgchisolm]

If you can go here forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22 go into Malware Removal. Try taking out your internet cable and then try to open stuff. Go into task manager and type everything you see here. Whenever not using the internet unplug the cable, it's probably sending all of your personal information to them now.

[FreeFocus]

That sucks. Wipe the hard drive as a last resort.. Can you get McAfee and Symantec while in Safe Mode?

[Chairman Wow]

if you can get hold of something to scan your computer with and identify what's causing the problem... like the specific name of the trojan/malware, you can google it for removal tools. unless it's a large-scale infection, in which case probably the most effective thing to do is to simply format your drive and reinstall your operating system from scratch.

[Manic Impressive]

I use this http://www.superantispyware.com/ as well as my anti virus software

[∞]

That sucks. Wipe the hard drive as a last resort.. Can you get McAfee and Symantec while in Safe Mode?

It won't let me use it in regular....

[∞]

Let me see of normal mode can use it. The problem is a program called "System Tool" keeps popping up. It shows me all the Trojans, but demands I pay for it :confused:

[FreeFocus]

You can also try System Restore btw. I had trouble a few months ago with some XP Security 2010 bullshit and System Restore + virus removal ended up working.

[The Idler]

Use a live CD.

[DecDoom]

Let me see of normal mode can use it. The problem is a program called "System Tool" keeps popping up. It shows me all the Trojans, but demands I pay for it :confused:

That program is likely another bit of spyware.

Back up your important data on flash drives if you have them, or something else, and reformat your hard drive. It's probably the easiest way.

When/if you reinstall Windows, make sure you get some good anti-virus.

[RMH94]

As previous posters said, reinstall your OS but backup important data first.

I recommend you install AVG internet security it's by far the best one I've tried :)

[Bitter Ashes]

*mutters something inaudiable about Linux fanatics*
Virus scanner should do the trick. AVG's gone downhill a bit lately I hear. Windows had actualy done one recently which believe it or not I have on reliable advice is actualy pretty good. I'd image you'd get hold of it through Windows Update.
A lot of spyware gets in through banner ads too. There are free appilcations that remove all the ads (which is nice anyway) and do a lot for keeping your computer fresh as a daisy. :)

[∞]

How do I restore OS?

[DecDoom]

How do I restore OS?

The company that manufactured your computer may have included a "recovery disk" or a "recovery partition." If you have a disk, insert it into the CD drive, reboot Windows, and follow whatever instructions the disk gives. If you don't have any disks, watch your computer when it boots. There'll usually be some kind of prompt to load the recovery partition (usually a function key).

If the version of Windows you have now isn't the same one that was originally installed on the machine, you'll need to use the installation disk for your version of Windows.

[∞]

Well I did system reboot which only worked on my Safe mode.
Idk, which one restores everything in every system because my other mode won't let me open anything.

[DecDoom]

The system restore, if it were a recovery partition, wouldn't be in Windows. You would see the option for it when you first turn on the computer, literally on the very first screen you see. It'll depend on what brand of computer you have as to what logo you see, but if you have a recovery partition, you should be able to access it from there.

This all assuming you actually do have a recovery partition.

[Political_Chucky]

If this problem is still happening, a way I got rid of spyware in my laptop was by going to my control panel and opening up Windows Defender on my Windows Vista comp. It opened up when nothing else would for some reason. If that doesn't work, try to locate where the spyware is through the search...but I don't know if those programs are included in everything as you mentioned or whether it will work in safe mode.

[∞]

Fixx'd. I reset the entire thing.

[ComradeOm]

For future reference, I find SpyBot to be pretty good at keeping my PC free of spyware and the like

[Decolonize The Left]

For those interested, please post important info related to issues such as this in this thread (http://www.revleft.com/vb/personal-computer-security-t147685/index.html).

- August

[FreeEire]

Two options are normally open to you: format the hard drive and re-install the Operating System or go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore and then pick a restore point as old as possible.

Always have backups of important files and photos, I lost years of work and personal stuff last time I had to format. You can use an external hard drive or even a USB flash drive for this, or if you trust storing online you can use Microsoft's free 25gb Skydrive feature (requires hotmail account).

I find prevention is better in the long term, as here's an extract from my post in the computer security thread:

While anti-virus software is a good cure, I prefer prevention. Use a program such as Windows Steadystate (https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=d077a52d-93e9-4b02-bd95-9d770ccdb431&displaylang=en&pf=true) to freeze your computer in a clean state and it will then reset to this clean state after every shutdown or restart. This means that any viruses or malware is wiped clean after you finish broswing. Network Admins use this type of software on public computers to avoid 99% of technical and security problems.