Computer problems: A couple of obnoxious brats!

[sherryinutah]

Yesterday was not a good day for my netbook.  As soon as I would log in to use my computer I found I only had a minute or two before it would automatically restart.   

I was able to keep my computer on long enough to learn that Microsoft Security Essentials was detecting a couple of obnoxious brats.

The following are showing up on my netbook:

Virus: Win32/sirefef.R
Trojan: Win32/sirefef.AH

I tried to use Microsoft Security Essentials to disinfect and remove these guys but my netbook would restart before I could accomplish anything.   

I used a search engine to find information on how to manually remove them; however, even in safe mode, my computer would restart before I could delete certain files or remove registry entries.

I have another laptop I can use, which is what I'm using now, but I'd like to "clean up" my netbook because it's less than a year old.

Are there any computer nerds/geniuses or brilliant computer people that can offer suggestions?

Thank you!   

[stretch1967]

Have you been able to run a scan disk or aanyting like that? I was running avg and I kept coming across errors. I then I downloaded this 1  program I will have to look it up for you. I do want to let you know about a program called sugar sync 2 weeks ago I downloaded and got a trojan. I tried to reboot my computer and it dumped all of my memory. I had to reinstall windows. I have avast as my antivirus now. I will try and locate that program, I also want to put it back on my computer.

[jdenton]

I worked for a company that interfaced with government computers, and we were required to have AVG free on all our computers.  I have it, but I also have a security suite from my ISP that was free to download when I established service.  My son, who is in computer forensics, says that Google Chrome and Firefox as browsers are currently better options because they are less targeted by viruses by virtue of the fact that most people are using Internet Explorer.   Do some research, find out if you are engaged in unprotected surfing, get some info on the current best virus and malware protection.  If you use your internet for work, school, or just paying bills, you owe it to yourself to get the best you can afford.  Also, if you have someone work on your notebook, find someone who is familiar with those viruses and can eradicate them quickly.  Make sure the repair person you choose is not spending time (and your money) playing around with past fixes that have worked, or outdated methods.  This is something that changes daily, That's why it is important to allow your virus protection programs to update on their own, and even allow the Microsoft updates (if that is your OS).  I know it is frustrating, but hang in there, and don't let the obnoxious brats win!

[gennjen]

Yes, My computer sometimes takes a minute or two get it started. It's time to get a new one!

[95langy]

Have you tried system restore? It basically "takes your computer back in time". Basically it reverts your actions/downloads (anything that entered your computer) to an earlier time. For example, if you installed a game on your computer today, and use system restore and revert back to yesterday, your computer automatically reverts to that date and the game wasn't installed yet, meaning after you system restored, you wont have the game. The purpose of system restore is to revert in time, and "removing" possible downloads or updates or anything that could potentially bring nasty viruses and such to your computer. I'm not a tech person, so thats all that I know. You can look up tutorials online, since executing system restore is not difficult at all.

[kapeh12]

I'd suggest starting with the Restore option - if you don't see one when you boot up, the next time you try to boot up, press the F8 key multiple times.  Typically that will get you an extended menu which should contain direct access to the restore function.

If restore doesn't get you cleaned up enough to log on to run a virus removal tool, next try to boot up in Command Prompt mode (look for something in your boot options or extended boot options that say something to the effect of "command prompt").  If you can get to command prompt mode, the instructions here may help you manually clean it up:

http://forums.spybot.info/showthread.php?p=416139

The solution would require you learn a few commands to be able to navigate your directories via the command prompt.  If you are not familiar, here are a couple that should get you going:

cd = change directory
cd <file path> = change to this directory
cd .. = back up one directory
dir = directory listing - using this will show you all files/folders in your current folder location


Good luck to you!

[sherryinutah]

Thanks, everyone.  My netbook is working now.  As some of you suggested I used F8 and chose REPAIR COMPUTER because safe mode wasn't working.

I then used system restore and downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials again.  After it was installed I received updates and did a quick scan.  The virus and trojan didn't show up so I did a full scan.  Then they showed up as Java updates and I was able to disinfect and remove them.

[mrsbluesmith]

Thanks for the imput 95langley.  I agree on the system restore.  I've had to do that myself a few times.  I also use McAfee.  I love it!