31-08-2015, 11:07 AM
Oh dear - this is a bit of a saga, isn't it. I'm afraid that I've rather lost track of your problems, which is understandable given that they are spread across several threads on at least 2 forums 
All I can do is point you towards this thread again: http://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/...p?tid=4662 - specifically the last section of the last post "I think I have a virus - what do I do?"
In short, get the computer running in Safe Mode, then run a scan with Malwarebytes. Then CCleaner. Then spend a bit of time un-installing software you don't need - especially stuff you don't recognise. Go through the "Add/remove programs" (XP) or "Programs and Features (W7), then take a careful look in C:\Program Files. Use MSConfig to check what's loaded at start-up.
Once everything is up and running again, do an audit to make sure you're generally safe (e.g. don't use Internet Explorer or Outlook Express).
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this. Computers are complex, and so is malware. No two cases are identical. You have to be methodical, and work your way through the problem based on the symptoms. Some understanding of Windows is essential, and expect to seriously increase your level of knowledge whenever you tackle a problem like this (I certainly do!). Google is your friend - if at any point you don't recognise something - a process or a program - just search for it.
Other options? Pay someone to sort if out for you. Unfortunately, because every case is different, you might be handing over a blank cheque...
Or simply reinstall Windows. If you haven't done this for a while, you'll be amazed at the difference it'll make. Personally, I'd buy a new or s/h hard drive and do a totally clean installation, then copy across the contents of the old hard disc into a "backup" folder on the new. Naturally, taking precautions to make sure I didn't re-infect the new installation (viruses and malware can only do their "thing" when they have been executed - having them sitting on a hard drive is harmless unless you accidentally double-click their executables). A full scan from Malwarebytes will render the backed up files totally safe.
Obviously a clean Windows installation will have a period of minor pain as you discover which applications you need to re-install, but it's often the easiest and safest way to fix these problems. Assuming you have the installation discs, of course.
I appreciate that you might not consider yourself to be a computer expert, or you might not enjoy this sort of thing, but honestly, the best way to tackle this is to regard it just like any other engineering problem. The more you look into these things, and the more your understanding grows, the more enjoyable and rewarding it becomes. Easy to say, but try to hold on to that thought as the problem becomes really sticky
Is this your only computer? If so, that makes life harder. Perhaps now might be a good time to think about something newer? Some amazing bargains to be had - I brought a HP DC-7800 machine from eBay a couple of years back for less than £40, and it's the best machine I've ever owned. New enough to be dual-core, but not i3/5/7, so not sought-after. But a massive step up from Pentium 4 machines, and more than enough grunt to run W7 if needed. It's ex-corporate, so a bit tatty, but it lives under my bench so I can't see it! We regularly throw away similar machines at work, and the next batch will be of that sort of vintage, so I plan - if work are willing - to rescue a few and offer them on the forum in return for a donation to Children In Need.
If you're really stuck, I could probably sort out a Pentium 4 machine for you, and I'd be able to do a clean XP install, but it will be a bit slow...
Good luck!
All I can do is point you towards this thread again: http://golbornevintageradio.co.uk/forum/...p?tid=4662 - specifically the last section of the last post "I think I have a virus - what do I do?"
In short, get the computer running in Safe Mode, then run a scan with Malwarebytes. Then CCleaner. Then spend a bit of time un-installing software you don't need - especially stuff you don't recognise. Go through the "Add/remove programs" (XP) or "Programs and Features (W7), then take a careful look in C:\Program Files. Use MSConfig to check what's loaded at start-up.
Once everything is up and running again, do an audit to make sure you're generally safe (e.g. don't use Internet Explorer or Outlook Express).
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this. Computers are complex, and so is malware. No two cases are identical. You have to be methodical, and work your way through the problem based on the symptoms. Some understanding of Windows is essential, and expect to seriously increase your level of knowledge whenever you tackle a problem like this (I certainly do!). Google is your friend - if at any point you don't recognise something - a process or a program - just search for it.
Other options? Pay someone to sort if out for you. Unfortunately, because every case is different, you might be handing over a blank cheque...
Or simply reinstall Windows. If you haven't done this for a while, you'll be amazed at the difference it'll make. Personally, I'd buy a new or s/h hard drive and do a totally clean installation, then copy across the contents of the old hard disc into a "backup" folder on the new. Naturally, taking precautions to make sure I didn't re-infect the new installation (viruses and malware can only do their "thing" when they have been executed - having them sitting on a hard drive is harmless unless you accidentally double-click their executables). A full scan from Malwarebytes will render the backed up files totally safe.
Obviously a clean Windows installation will have a period of minor pain as you discover which applications you need to re-install, but it's often the easiest and safest way to fix these problems. Assuming you have the installation discs, of course.
I appreciate that you might not consider yourself to be a computer expert, or you might not enjoy this sort of thing, but honestly, the best way to tackle this is to regard it just like any other engineering problem. The more you look into these things, and the more your understanding grows, the more enjoyable and rewarding it becomes. Easy to say, but try to hold on to that thought as the problem becomes really sticky
Is this your only computer? If so, that makes life harder. Perhaps now might be a good time to think about something newer? Some amazing bargains to be had - I brought a HP DC-7800 machine from eBay a couple of years back for less than £40, and it's the best machine I've ever owned. New enough to be dual-core, but not i3/5/7, so not sought-after. But a massive step up from Pentium 4 machines, and more than enough grunt to run W7 if needed. It's ex-corporate, so a bit tatty, but it lives under my bench so I can't see it! We regularly throw away similar machines at work, and the next batch will be of that sort of vintage, so I plan - if work are willing - to rescue a few and offer them on the forum in return for a donation to Children In Need.
If you're really stuck, I could probably sort out a Pentium 4 machine for you, and I'd be able to do a clean XP install, but it will be a bit slow...
Good luck!
