Damn MSN virus....

[The Bone Collector]

Ok, so the other week I was STUPID enough to click a link a fellow MSN contact sent me, clearly they had the virus too... but I didn't realise it was a virus untill I clicked it.
I managed to get rid of that trojan, but now I have a gaping hole where more trojans and viruses are getting into my system. Everyday, AVG issues a "Threat Detected" message to me... and I remove the virus. Now, I cannot re-install Windows to get rid of this issue... and AVG clearly isn't keeping the viruses from making their way into my computer. I refuse to pay for Norton, as I had it on my computer once before... and un-installed it immediately.
Is there anything I can do to stop this crap from clogging my system?

I thought if I cleared all my cookies... the viruses wouldn't have a loophole into my system. Will this help at all?
Is it even the problem?

[echo_trail]

I had the same thing before, and clearing the cookies didn't do crap for me. I never fixed it.

[JupiterShadow]

Might wanna think about doing a reformat?

[bja888]

Gotta extra computer sitting around that you can filter your connection through?

http://www.hackosis.com/index.php/2007/11/27/all-in-one-security-gateway-untangle/

[blackdevil0742]

I'm afraid that the process to remove the virus is very painful and takes time. I got a virus on my laptop that kept coming back even after several boot scans. On the avast forums there a list on what to do and there are experts that help you. But unfortunately it takes time so I did a complete system restore so I got it as if it was shipped to me again.

1. Disable System Restore and re enable it after step 3.
2. Clean your temporary files.
3. Schedule a boot time scanning with avast with archive scanning turned on.
4. Use SUPERantispyware and/or Spyware Terminator to scan for spywares and trojans. If any infection is detected, better and safer is send the file to Quarantine than to simple delete than.
5. Test your machine with anti-rootkit applications. I suggest avast! antirootkit or Trend Micro RootkitBuster.
6. Make a HijackThis log to post here or, better, submit the RunScanner log to to on-line analysis.
7. Immunize your system with SpywareBlaster or Windows Advanced Care.
8. Check if you have insecure applications with Secunia Software Inspector.

[Graham]

Got that from echo a while back... reformat. That is the only way to do it.

[Flamingo]

This thread would be so awesome if it wasn't about computers.

[Clawbug]

This thread would be so awesome if it wasn't about computers.

No, but if the noobs kep themselves away from these kinds of threads.

Anyway how can someone be dumb to click that link AND download a .pif/.com file and EXCECUTE it? HOW!?

Seriouslt that kind ofpeople shouldn't be using internet.

[NinjaGimp369]

I just reinstalled msn, completely got rid of the virus.

[FliesLikeABrick]

Might wanna think about doing a reformat?

Got that from echo a while back... reformat. That is the only way to do it.

This is the only way to get rid of viruses anymore.  Otherwise you're going to forever have your computer infected and either sending spam or capturing your private information and sending it to some scammer. 

[Melbanana]

I just reinstalled msn, completely got rid of the virus.

you still have it.

[jrgp]

I thought if I cleared all my cookies... the viruses wouldn't have a loophole into my system. Will this help at all?

Just so everyone here knows if they don't already, cookies have absolutely nothing to do with viruses getting into your system. They can't create loopholes or malicious pathways. Their sole purpose is to enable websites to store simple information that they place on your computer so they can refer to it later. They only hold information that those sites create, or you give to them, not information that is already present on your computer. They cannot search your computer for information and then later give them to the site. Think of them as a bunch of .txt files that can't be modified, only read, placed or deleted.

Now, I cannot re-install Windows to get rid of this issue

What do you mean? If you have the windows XP install cd that came with your computer, which you should, just boot to it, delete your current partitions, and create a partition in the free unallocated space and install to there.

[Fluffy]

Just save your porn on something external and reformat. Like everyone said it's the only way to be sure.

[tehsnipah]

Just save your porn on something external and reformat. Like everyone said it's the only way to be sure.

porn huh.... good idea. besides, just pay norton man, it will help you a little...

[a-4-year-old]

Just save your porn on something external and reformat. Like everyone said it's the only way to be sure.

porn huh.... good idea. besides, just pay norton man, it will help you a little...

norton won't do shit foo. reformat. If you don't have a windows bootcd you can easily get one from microsoft.

[jrgp]

porn huh.... good idea. besides, just pay norton man, it will help you a little...

Norton is crap, believe me. Use something else, like Avast, AVG, etc.

[tehsnipah]

got it. thanks you 2

[O.R.I.O.N.]

Norton buttraped one of my old computers; I've never used it since.

[The Bone Collector]

I cannot re-format, because I DONT want to. I'm not the only person who uses this PC... and I cannot back anything up as I can't afford an external HDD to back up to.
Is there NOTHING else I can do?

[Graham]

Too bad... suck it up and tell your family you screwed up. If they use it too and they don't choose to format they are retarded and shouldn't be using a computer anyway.

And yes you can burn everything to cds/dvds/use mp3 players. I got about 6 dvds laying around here with the crap from my format. However don't back up any exes. Just videos/music/pictures. Every program can be redownloaded. It only takes a few hours(If that) to get your computer back to normal if you have everything in order.

Oh also if your drivers where hard to find or if you don't have the original cds find them now and just copy down the link.