Guys...I need your help: malware/virus/"vimax" related

[Andrew.Glose]

So recently, my computer has been having loads of problems.

I can't do microsoft updates

I can't update my anti-virus programs

I often get re-directed and experience pop-ups (which I never had a problem with before) while on the internet.

And I've begun seeing these "vimax" male enhancement ads ALL OVER the place. In places they shouldn't be, and that I know they normally wouldn't be. I've searched google, and it appears that it's happening to other people as well, but when I try to view the forum/site, it redirects me to...wherever-the-f***.

I've also been experiencing windows explorer crashing, here and there.

And Ableton actually had to close down earlier today when I tried to load my stuff up. Twice. Which is extremely rare.

A few days ago, I found a NASTY trojan on here, and I THINK I got rid of it by using "Exterminate It" anti-virus.

And last night, I couldn't regrag my c drive.

Anybody know what's going on?

You're help is greatly appreciated.

Andrew

[Nappa]

Originally Posted by Andrew.Glose

So recently, my computer has been having loads of problems.

I can't do microsoft updates

I can't update my anti-virus programs

I often get re-directed and experience pop-ups (which I never had a problem with before) while on the internet.

And I've begun seeing these "vimax" male enhancement ads ALL OVER the place. In places they shouldn't be, and that I know they normally wouldn't be. I've searched google, and it appears that it's happening to other people as well, but when I try to view the forum/site, it redirects me to...wherever-the-f***.

I've also been experiencing windows explorer crashing, here and there.

And Ableton actually had to close down earlier today when I tried to load my stuff up. Twice. Which is extremely rare.

A few days ago, I found a NASTY trojan on here, and I THINK I got rid of it by using "Exterminate It" anti-virus.

And last night, I couldn't regrag my c drive.

Anybody know what's going on?

You're help is greatly appreciated.

Andrew

What did you do prior to having said issues?

[Andrew.Glose]

The only thing I can think of, is I downloaded an Arcsoft torrent to play a blu ray disc. I also updated to Vista Service pack 2.

[doktorfeelgood]

What are you running for anti-virus and anti-spyware/malware programs? If it's Norton for anti-virus, IMHO Norton is useless and costs too much anyway. I called my local ISP one night for a tech issue and the tech that I got on the phone recommended me to uninstall my Norton and download Avast for free. He said he was using it, that it worked excellently, and that it was for free. So I've been using that for anti-virus now for 2 years and have had ZERO issues. As far as spyware/malware, I use Super Anti-Spyware and that also works very well for me and is free as well. Here are the links.
You have nothing to lose to check these out. And I would confidently tell you that both of these programs do what they say very well. They have for me. )-(

http://avast.com/ You want the free Home Version.

http://superantispyware.com/ You want the Free version here also. Best Of Luck

[fdeck]

+1 for free Avast.

Do you have valuable files on your computer? It might be worth building a bootable Linux CD so you can explore your hard drive and copy your valuable files to a backup drive (after making sure it is empty of viruses), before you work on restoring your system. I had to do that once. Puppy Linux is one that boots very quickly and is easy to use for this purpose.