POP up virus question.

when you get the time, also try to run Spybot Search & destroy. do a web search for a download site for it. you may have a program that you inadvertanly downloaded that has/had some sort of "extra" program included, and that's what might be trying to pop up. the Spybot program will give you an extensive list of anything remotely possible in doing this pop up. it could be an ad marketing site that was embedded on a site you visited.

another great program would be A2Squared. again, do a search on google for that. this program gets rid of Maleware, something which Spybot, Ad-Aware will not eradticate.

and above all else, it could also be a program that you have ( a safe program) that is trying to open up, but the files are corrupted, and you may have to un-install/re-install that program if you need it.

 

one way (but its a slow way)to find out which program you have that is corrupted, would be to go into your programs list, and one by one try to open each one up. as each program opens up succesfuly, you'll know its not that one causing the problem(s). as soon as the program in question doesn't open up, well, that COULD BE the one..............but then again.......many programs rely on the DLL's from many other programs, so it could lead to a false "positive".

now, once you find the program in question, and if you have a copy of it on a cd or dvd, then un-install that program, then re-install.

i have found too that many times an anti-virus program or any other running program AT START UP, will have a "splash screen". this may also be what you are seeing. the "splash screen" of a program that is either trying to "start up" when you normally turn on your pc, but is getting foiled by the corruption in the files.

post back with your results.

 

Guest accounts are NOT a good thing. The permissions on those are too unrestricted. I could go in as a guest and do all kinds of nasty things. It's too complex to explain but shut that account OFF.

Make a limited user account for the kids. Set the permissions as to what they can and cannot access. PERIOD. Use net nanny or something like that as well.

First turn off system restore, why because it doesn't matter how many times you remove the bugs they come back VIA the system restore. Re run the Ad Aware and Spy bot

Start the computer, hit F8, go to safe mode with network support log in as the REAL Administrator most computers have a hidden Administrator account that has ALL the permissions. It doesn't matter if the account you normally log in with is an administrator account, it is not the TRUE administrator account, then Go to http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx run the tool, see what it finds let it remove it
Let us know what shows then.
Don't forget to turn system restore back on after you get done.

 

Add a Firewall like ZoneAlarm Professional {also has a spyware detector in it} and SpySweeper - if anything is there, they will find it. Don't go for freebies as they don't have the backup required for a major problem and possibly half or more of them are just as bad as the problem you already have.
Both programs are around the $30 yearly mark with unlimited support!!!!

 

I Hope it works for you. I deal with these things all the time so it's a process of elimination. Each computer has different software and services running and unless you know what EACH program requires to have to operate then going through each program won't solve the problem. I go on line all the time in safe mode but then again I have been building computers, servers and networks for about 10 yrs now as well as being licensed Microsoft OEM System builder among other things. IF you find that you cannot get on line in safe mode then down load any programs that you are going to be using into a shared folder, then you can get to it from ANY user account.
Just remember that if system restore is ON when you attempt to remove any ad ware, spy-ware, and viruses then you have wasted your time trying to get rid of it. Just remember to turn it back on when you get done.

 

Windows recommends after a random reboot or freeze (a crash) to run chkdsk
Start, my computer, right click on your hard drive, select properties, select tools, error checking click "check now"(chkdsk).
Ad-Aware SE Personal
I run this daily
SpywareBlaster 3.5.1
I update once a week (keeps bad pages with known malware that cold cause damage from being displayed.)
Spybot - Search & Destroy
Daily or every other day
CwShredder
This is one I only use once a week or month lol but good to have
AVG Anti-Spyware
daily
CCleaner
weekly
A list of bad spyware programs
Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
Download and update (update is very important before you scan) boot into safe mode (You do not need to boot into safe mode every time to run programs. Some malware cannot be fully removed or detected unless you are in Safemode, This is why I recommend running it the first time in safe mode then perhaps once a month in safe mode)
With some computers if you press and hold a key as the computer is booting you will get a stuck key message. If this occurs, instead of pressing and holding the "F8 key", tap the "F8 key" continuously until you get the startup menu.
Scan the computer,

Boot backup into Normal mode, download
CodeStuff Starter manage your startup programs
Disable all startup programs that you "do not" need running at startup.
A guide to hep keep a smooth system.
Maintain your system with Windows XP
Diskeeper
The best program to use for defragging