computer help, PLEASE!!!

AWJDZ · #1 06-29-2004, 12:24 PM

ok, I have a virus or something on my computer. I keep getting crazy pop-up and screen whenever I am on the internet. It is making my computer slow and almost impossible to work with!!! Does anyone have any idea how to get rid of this junk and get it back to normal? I went to add/delete programs and deleted all of the unusual software that had been added and deleted all of the new shortcuts on my desktop. They keep reappearing and reappearing!!!! I really don'tk know that much about this kind of stuff, my virus software is showing nothing. help help help!!!

Senusret I · #2 06-29-2004, 12:46 PM

You need a spyware/adware removal program.

Try Spy Sweeper, Ad Aware, or Spy Bot Search and Destroy.

AWJDZ · #3 06-29-2004, 12:47 PM

^which one is the best, are they free, and how do i find them/download them? Thank you!!!!!

Senusret I · #4 06-29-2004, 12:52 PM

They say Spy Bot Search & Destroy is the best, but I've used all three at different times.

They are all free.

Try Google. Good luck!

Senusret I · #5 06-29-2004, 12:54 PM

Oh yeah, here are some other hints.

Stop using Internet Explorer. It sucks. Get Netscape, or download Mozilla Firefox (free) or Avant (free). They all have built-in pop-up blockers.

The Google toolbar also has a pop-up blocker. It might not stop you from getting spyware, but it stops the pop-up symptoms.

jonsagara · #6 06-29-2004, 12:54 PM

AdAware

IowaStatePhiPsi · #7 06-29-2004, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Senusret I
They say Spy Bot Search & Destroy is the best, but I've used all three at different times.

They are all free.

Try Google. Good luck!

*nods*
About once every 2 weeks, but for sure once a month I use Ad-Aware followed by Spy Sweeper and followed by Spy Bot Search & Destroy.
A 3-prong attack against spyware can't be beat.

ADPiShannan · #8 06-29-2004, 01:46 PM

I also was having bad problems with this too and downloaded Netscape to try it. It works much better. I do get pop ups when I go to some sites and they are bad, but the pop ups are less now and I love netscape

AWJDZ · #9 06-30-2004, 05:52 PM

ok...i downloaded ad-ware and have used it several times...it has gotten rid of some of the programs. NOW my computer has gone crazy. The icons on my desktop are extra large and the pictures are not clear at all. I have tried to minimize and change the settings, but it is not working. Any suggestions for this problem? Could I have a virus? McAffe is not picking anything up. HELP HELP HELP!!!! I am really begining to hate computers!

Senusret I · #10 06-30-2004, 05:59 PM

Call a professional, if you can afford it.

angelove · #11 06-30-2004, 06:04 PM

I am having the same problems - just started today. In addition to the weird popups and additional programs, various words on this board are underlined and act like links to even more ads. It seemed to start after I did that "Which SATC character are you?" quiz from the cool sites forum.

angelove · #12 06-30-2004, 06:55 PM

Thanks GCers!

I had no idea what was making my computer act weird and increase the pop-ups, but after reading this thread I downloaded and ran Ad-aware and Spybot S&D, and it's working fine now (knock on wood). I was dreading having to report the problem to our IT person, who despite being totally incompetent at her job is a total bitch from hell. So I'm especially glad that all of you gave such good advice.

Now let's hope AWJDZ can fix hers too ...

kateshort · #13 06-30-2004, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AWJDZ
ok...i downloaded ad-ware and have used it several times...it has gotten rid of some of the programs. NOW my computer has gone crazy. The icons on my desktop are extra large and the pictures are not clear at all. I have tried to minimize and change the settings, but it is not working. Any suggestions for this problem? Could I have a virus? McAffe is not picking anything up. HELP HELP HELP!!!! I am really begining to hate computers!

START button > Settings > Control Panel

Click on the Display icon

Click on the Settings tab

If Resolution is on 640x480, try 800x600; if it's on 800x600 try 1024x768 (or try 1024x768 if 800x600 still looks wrong)

Color palette = High, Font size = Small

Click OK

It may flicker and resize, then ask if you want to keep the settings. If it looks okay, click OK or Yes.

Hope that helps; if that doesn't fix it I have no clue what's wrong with it.

ETA: you may want to download and try another anti-virus program; a good free one is AVG Anti-Virus. Go to http://www.grisoft.com/ and click on AVG Free Edition on the left menu bar.... see if that helps any.

SSS1365 · #14 06-30-2004, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AWJDZ
ok...i downloaded ad-ware and have used it several times...it has gotten rid of some of the programs. NOW my computer has gone crazy. The icons on my desktop are extra large and the pictures are not clear at all. I have tried to minimize and change the settings, but it is not working. Any suggestions for this problem? Could I have a virus? McAffe is not picking anything up. HELP HELP HELP!!!! I am really begining to hate computers!

What kateshort said, and if that doesn't work, then maybe you accidentally got rid of a display driver. That happened to me when that horrid worm last year wiped out my operating system and I had to reinstall Windows XP. I downloaded the appropriate drivers and everything was fine again. But as for how to find the drivers you need... well, I'm no help there.

decadence · #15 07-01-2004, 06:42 AM

You WRECKED her computer???

Tch tch.

*shakes head*

Really people.

Lol.

AWJDZ, PM me if you're still having trouble and I'll help you sort it out.