Poorly computer!

[Cobbystock]

I'm having trouble clicking on links. I'm ok on the forum links etc. but if anyone posts a link to another website, or even to another topic in a different forum my computer freezes. This happens on other websites too. -& I can't use links in e-mail. I think a virus may have cause this-though not really sure. Have no viruses on my hard drive now though.
Can anyone help with really simple suggestions? Thanks Kath

[Perry]

Kath, lots of activity around the board today. I'll give you some ideas on what I think you should do when I get some time to gather my thoughts. I hope some others will chime in and comment on tools to remove adware, spyware and computer viruses.

[Cobbystock]

Thanks Perry, according to my virus killer I've removed any viruses. Don't know anything about spyware though.
Thanks Kath

[jroche5998]

Two really good anit-spyware packages both free. Download then run them. Sometimes they can't remove something and will ask to run on a reboot say yes and reboot it's OK. Those are the worst kind of spyware programs.

Spybot - www.safer-networking.org

and Ad-Aware SE www.lavasoft.de

try spybot first then adaware. Since you can't link in the post just cut and paste the above URL's into your browser window and download the free version of both.

Adaware will find a lot more than spybot but I run them both spybot then adaware and have been very successful. If you have problems with tons of popups this will find and remove any hidden programs.

If you have problems let me know.

[loonatika]

I was gonna say its spyware too - but if you run those programs and it still happens let us know. I know a friend had this problem on a 98 computer and there was something in the MS knowledge base about it.

[higgies]

Lavasoft's Adaware is probably the best, and also try out Spybot Search & Destroy. Those two together should pick up anything on there!

[Elleth Faewen]

In addition to the good advice you've received above, do you have any popup blocking software? I am asking because from what you described it sounds like your computer locks up when a second browser window is opened.

[Perry]

Can't express enough how Spybot and Ad-aware have saved my butt this year. Excellent advice, guys.

[Jake]

I usually wouldn't drag a topic up however Cobby hasn't responed yet so i'll offer a bit of advice. Spybot + Ad-aware are great but heres a few other things to try.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

This is an online virus scanner, believe it or not I have Norton and I update it frequently however it missed 6 items that the online scanner detected. I trust this more than Norton.

I assume you've downloaded Ad-aware already, if not install it and configure it as below, this is the best way to make sure you get EVERYTHING, just print this out and follow the instructions to make it simple.

Click on the Gear icon on the left to get into these settings.

In the general window select this stuff..
-Automatically save log-file
-Automatically quarantine objects prior to removal
-Safe Mode (always request confirmation)

Click on the Scanning and select this..
-Scan Within Archives
-Scan Active Processes
-Scan Registry
-Deep Scan Registry
-Scan my IE favorites for banned URL’s
-Scan my Hosts file
-Under Click here to select drives + folders, choose:
-All of your hard drives

Click on the Advanced and select..
-Include additional process information
-Include additional file information
-Include environment information

Click the Tweak and select..
Under the Scanning Engine:
-Unload recognized processes & modules during scan
-Include additional Ad-aware settings in logfile
-Under the Cleaning Engine:
-Let Windows remove files in use at next reboot

Click on Proceed to save these settings.

Click Start and on the next screen choose...
-Use Custom Scanning Options
Click Next to begin the scan.

When finished, mark everything for removal and get rid of it (right-click the window Save All from drop down menu).

Restart your computer.

[Cobbystock]

Sorry I wasn't able to reply as when I'd run spybot my computer packed up completely & I've only just got it back from the repair shop.(Was a bit strapped for cash what with Christmas & all that!) E-mail still isn't working & now I'm waiting for the lad at the shop to pop round & sort this out.
I've decided to use the firebox browser from Mozilla as it seems more secure from viruses. I'm a bit wary of trying spybot again, but I'll look into the other suggestions. Thanks a lot for all your help. Kath