Help: AVG AntiVirus Free

[cchu518]

Setting up a "boot" Linux Ubuntu thumbdrive is useful as well. Just Google it!

 

[jac_solar]

If you haven't fixed it, I'd suggest trying to boot up in Safe Mode (While you're in BIOS, or your computer is just starting up, type F-10, or F-10 at one of the screens before the Windows screen.) and manually deleting them.

Write down the names beforehand. Also, while you're in safe mode, search the registry for the same names - if you don't know how to do this; Windows Start > All Program > Accessories > Run > Type in Regedit. Once in the Registry Editor program, hit ctrl-f, or go to Edit > Find, and write the names of the files into the search box.

It could also be a good idea to go to the Run procedure, type in msconfig, go to Startup - this will list all the applications that will start when Windows starts. You'll most likely only need a couple of things, such as Virus software, Firewall software, any possible hardware software (USB, Graphic card software, and so forth.). You can quickly find out what a program does by typing the name that appears in the list into Google.

If that doesn't work, I'd suggest trying out ComboFix. It's a heavy duty type of virus clearing program that, once started, runs until it's done and then reboots, giving you a full report.

Here's the site:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/combofix/

Also;

Please note that running this program without supervision can cause your computer to not operate correctly. Therefore only run this program at the request of an experienced helper.

I'd also suggest downloading, and running, some sort of ad-ware software such as Spybot.

 

[Bufford]

AVG is no good anymore, it's been known to be prone to false positives. Either way try running a test as an administrator. My suggesting also is to use malwarebytes, it's detected stuff that my antivirus failed to pick up.

I have to agree, I used AVG for years and I got malware all too often either with the free version or the paid version. Its got holes big enough to drive a truck through, and doing scans it would always bring up files as 'locked not tested'. I moved on and had success with Avast, and now a paid subscription to Trend and it has been working well.

 

[Bob W]

I have to agree, I used AVG for years and I got malware all too often either with the free version or the paid version. Its got holes big enough to drive a truck through, and doing scans it would always bring up files as 'locked not tested'. I moved on and had success with Avast, and now a paid subscription to Trend and it has been working well.

We had Trend Micro on the machines at work, but it would bring those older computers to a crawl. Probably not an issue with a newer computer.

 

[DB731]

Any sense in using something like this? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Freeze_(software)

 

[Bufford]

We had Trend Micro on the machines at work, but it would bring those older computers to a crawl. Probably not an issue with a newer computer.

Trend does use a lot of resources, and will not run on my older machine, for that reason I use Avast on that one.

 

[jac_solar]

Any sense in using something like this? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Freeze_(software)

That seems to be a restoration program. As in, it "copies" the entire system setup at whatever time or point you may choose, and reboots it to that point every time you restart. So, for example, if you delete some files, rename some files, and then reboot, it'll be back to where it was prior to your messing around. This particular software seems to be dedicated to networks of many computers, offices, and so forth.

Windows has it's own restoration system, though: Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore. Unless you've turned it off or something, it'll probably have some restoration points (Snapshots of the exact state of your Windows harddrive at certain points - running these snapshots will restore your Windows harddrive to the point indicated by the program. Keep in mind that your other harddiscs won't be affected by this, and any non-portable software installed on those discs after the restoration point might need to be re-installed. (Since the registry was also restored back to the point you chose.)

 

[DB731]

Can someone please help me understand steps 2, 3, and 4 here? http://blog.teesupport.com/how-to-remove-inline-hook-win32k-sys-virus-from-your-computer/

Specifically:

a) "and then end all inline hook win32k.sys running processes". What do those look like? Do they have the words "inline" or "hook" in their names? If they do, I have not seen one on my computer or on the provided sample screen for that matter.

b) How do I get to the "user profile" listing where I can look for those files noted in the example?

c) How do I get to the registry editor? How do I search and clear the specified files?

d) How do I "check the effectiveness"?

Thanks again.

 

[Cougar Allen]

If you can't understand those directions DO NOT try to edit the registry. You'll only mess things up. If you have an actual problem, take your computer to a local repairman and let him fix it. Many virus alerts are false alarms, though. If you're not sure whether you have a virus or not a local repairman could set your mind at rest....

 

[DB731]

If you can't understand those directions DO NOT try to edit the registry. You'll only mess things up. If you have an actual problem, take your computer to a local repairman and let him fix it. Many virus alerts are false alarms, though. If you're not sure whether you have a virus or not a local repairman could set your mind at rest....

Here's what happened. AVG found two items, won't let me delete them. Won't let me select them. And when I click on "remove all", nothing happens. Unlike last time, they're not gone. Other software (Housecall, Avast) found nothing. Malwarebytes found 5 items...5 different items from what AVG found. I guess those have been removed as I followed the steps. Then I did another AVG full scan, same story with the two mystery items.
So, I am beginning to wonder if different virus removal software are recognizing...each other. But, I agree. I am not touching this without my brother looking at it. He's somewhat of a computer geek...whereas I can turn them on/off. Maybe.

 

[RevDevil]

If you want free try MS Security essentials or panda cloud and then pair it with Komodo's firewall. Best bet is to buy a newerish physical firewall. Avast is very resource heavy at least the free version. Malaware bytes works well for removing threats.

You can do the same thing with any decently priced router, there is really no need for a full blown firewall appliance for home use. I hate those things and they are always a PITA to configure properly, and when something goes wrong they can default to blocking all traffic. The newer version of Avast is what I would recommend, even the $20 /year open is solid. Panda cloud, AVG, and MS Security Essentials all pretty much suck these days. The folks at work that telecommute have Avast installed (mandatory) and have no problems with resource commandeering or anything else.

Setting up a "boot" Linux Ubuntu thumbdrive is useful as well. Just Google it!

Ubuntu is a good solution as is Puppy Linux, both can operate from a thumbdrive or a CD. :thumbup: