Posted by Larry Hoover on December 28, 2004, at 8:58:57
In reply to serious computer troubles, posted by alesta on December 27, 2004, at 16:45:31
>
> hey, you guys,:)
>
> i awoke thursday to find that *none* of the programs on my computer were working (including internet software), and that my computer speaks german now. i spent about 5 or 6 frustrating hours trying to fix the problem unsuccessfully.I hope you're running Windows XP. You need to boot in safe mode. When you power up, just keep tapping the F8 key. You'll get a series of weird messages, but be patient. You'll get to a screen that allows you to boot under an earlier version of your operating system's registry ('start Windows under earlier restore point', or something like that). Select a date that precedes the beginning of this crappola, but not too far back in time.
If this works, go instantly online to: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp
This site will do a remote virus scan on your computer (so your computer won't know it's happening.....some viruses are activated by antivirus software...), and it will fix and delete the virus as it goes. Getting a restore point to work does not get rid of the virus. It just temporarily disconnects it from the computer's active files.
If you have to delete some files to eliminate the virus (the Housecall program will prompt you to make that decision, but only if needed), make sure you write down the filenames in case you have to restore them from the original Windows disk(s).
I think Nikki mentioned in another thread where you can get free updated antivirus software. But you should also get and run Spybot Search and Destroy, and install Spywareblaster (both free, but donations accepted by the authors).
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:434635
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041226/msgs/434953.html