security and spyware

[alisterben]

How do i secure my computer from spyware?

[racknrail]

Hi alisterben...

Welcome to PC101

I'm not an advanced expert, but i can help. It's most important to make sure your computer is already clean before you move ahead. Go do an online scan at either Housecall or Panda. If you're clean then go get Malwarebytes Antimalware and/or Superantispyware. They are both next generation applications in spyware control. SpywareBlaster is also another layer of protection.

Make sure your Windows updates are all up-to-date. Also make sure your anti-virus is up-to-date and working. Next, be sure you have a good firewall in place. I do not recommend using Windows firewall either. Go get a decent firewall like Zonealarm or Ashampoo's firewall.

Good Luck!

[azbet]

I got hit by the av.exe virus and I tried to quarantine it and now I cannot run any exe on my laptop. any Idea on how to resolve this without having to reformat my latop...

[racknrail]

Originally Posted by azbet

I got hit by the av.exe virus and I tried to quarantine it and now I cannot run any exe on my laptop. any Idea on how to resolve this without having to reformat my latop...

Hi azbet...

Welcome to PC101

First try this:

Go to the Start, Run, and then type msconfig.
The System Configuration Utility window pops up on your screen
On the column of tabs displayed,
Select Services and untick av.exe to disable it
Select the Startup tab and untick av.exe to disable it
Click Apply, then OK

Reboot your pc/laptop, and download Revo Uninstaller
Install Revo and run the application.
Remove or delete all items under av.exe or the virus in question.

Then download Comodo System Cleaner portable version.The portable version of Comodo System Cleaner can be deployed on any kind of removable storage media (for example, a USB key fob). This application is designed to store its configuration information and data on the storage media containing its program files. You do not have to install the software on each computer. Instead, the application runs straight from the removable storage device.

If all that fails, I would try running Malwarebytes from safemode with networking. In safemode with networking you should still be able to update Malwarebytes, which is very important.

Let us know if you're successful. Good Luck!