PCA Forums

Well I downloaded a bunch of stuff and I got some strange spyware/virus crap on my computer. It changed my desktop background with an image indicating "spyware detected on your pc." The problem is, my computer keeps on restarting once I get into windows xp. I'm in safe mode right now and I did attempt a system restore but oddly enough it only had one restore point which was after the crap got on my computer. What should I do?

By the way, is there a way to watch videos with windows media player while in safe mode?

Download "Malware Bytes Antispyware" That should take care of it for you.

eGo

It fixed it. The scanner found over 40 infected files. Thanks a lot.

I'll forwarn you that if it got that bad, that you may still have something on your system. If you notice you system slowing down or other "bonus" software pop up, I highly suggest Flying Penguin's post & site to clear this stuff up. I myself prefer to format & reinstall windows or use a backup, because once the deed is done, Windows just never feels the same to me.

I believe there still might be something on my system indeed. Sometimes my monitor displays broken pixels and then disconnects from the computer by saying no input signal found. My monitor is definitely not the problem because I've tried this with another monitor as well and I'm having the same problem. Just now it happened three times upon attempting to turn on my computer. I had to boot in safe mode just to be able to use the computer. In that case, I take it it's not my visual card since it's working fine in safe mode.

Is it possible that my my hard drive is causing the problem? I have less than 2 gigs left on both partitions.

Well, don't jump to conclusions just yet. It kind of sounds like your video card (if you have one, if you don't it could be your motherboard). The fan may be bad (check to see if it's spinning), or it may well have crapped out on you. I've had a few cards that worked just fine in safe mode that went stupid in windows. I'm pretty sure it's because of the way they handle colors. In safe mode, there are only 16 colors, but in regular windows, there are normally millions. Usually viruses don't shut monitors off (none that I've seen yet).

Agreed, it doesn't sound like hard drive or a virus. Sound like the video card (since you've eliminated the monitor). When you get a "no input" fro mthe monitor it means the video signal has stopped coming from the video card.

My Spyware Removal Guide is located here BTW: http://theflyingpenguin.com/spyware-removal.shtml

Alright, thanks a lot guys. I'll look into it.