OT Free Antivirus

Submitted by HelloHeisman91 on

My computer just went bonkers with spyware and malware security warning and then went on to tell me after after a scan that it is going to cost me $40 to fix it.  Does anyone know of a free program that can clean this up? 

Geaux_Blue

July 8th, 2010 at 6:05 PM ^

that gives you a price for the fix it recommends?

i have a feeling it was a spyware website app that caught your eye

try HijackThis! in the meantime

Dark Blue

July 8th, 2010 at 6:14 PM ^

I use malwarebytes, I also use avast for virus protection. Both can be obtained for free, using www.cnet.com

fwiw, I have used both of these products for quite a while and haven't had any issues with viruses or malware in quite a long time.

leftrare

July 8th, 2010 at 6:18 PM ^

happened to me just this week, and it's happened in my office several times.

malwarebytes is decent.  But, the simplest thing to do is run a System Restore. (Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore.)  This is assuming you have your system restore feature turned on.  It should run a "restore point" daily.  You simply pick a day before you had this problem and run it.  It shouldn't take more than 10 minutes.  All your files and settings will then be fine; but if you installed any programs since the restore point, you won't have them -- nor will you have the annoying malware.

Griff88

July 8th, 2010 at 6:46 PM ^

If this is XP then try the following...

Turn off system restore and try installing/running malwarebytes first. However, this virus may prevent malwarebytes from running. If this happens, try running an online scanner such as this one:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

This is the same company that makes the hijackthis utility.

If the steps above do not work, and the virus is preventing you from running antivirus/malware programs... boot into safe mode and run the programs from there.

Here are 3 free antivirus programs to choose from:

http://www.free-av.com/

http://www.avast.com/index

http://free.avg.com/us-en/226285?cmpid=fs_hp_testc_226285

mstier

July 8th, 2010 at 6:48 PM ^

ComboFix

It's unique from other progams.  Instead of looking for virus signatures (and thus requiring lots of updates all the time to keep up with any and all new viruses), it looks for problems with key windows files.  I'm not a computer guy, but a close friend of mine owns a computer repair business and this is what he suggested to me.  It's the only thing that has ever completely solved any virus problem I've had.

After you run ComboFix though, I'd suggest getting some of the aforementioned products which might do a better job with the spyware.

ckersh74

July 8th, 2010 at 6:57 PM ^

I use Avast and Spybot Search & Destroy. I'll scan the machine once a week or so with S&D. It's slowed the machine down a bit, but I think I can fix that.

W0lv3r1n3

July 8th, 2010 at 8:51 PM ^

AntiVirus: Avira AntiVir  - Easily the best free AV based on the detection percentage. It has pop-up ads on updates, but they're extremely easy to disable; it's just a matter of googling what file to change/remove.

Depending on what you need, you may prefer Avast. Avast is another good option but has slightly lower detection percentages. AVG is the third free option, but it's lagged behind the other two in recent years and I wouldn't recommend it anymore.

FireWall: Comodo - People debate about the best security programs until it comes to firewalls, where the choice is often pretty unanimous. Comodo is probably the best one out there, included paid programs. However, it has many, many pop-ups on the agressive settings, so it may be best to look elsewhere if you're not very computer-savy.

Scanner 1: SuperAntiSpyware - Has what's considered one of the best overall detection rates for malware, adware, etc.

Scanner 2: Malewarebytes - Cleans up some of the nastier messes, but isn't as well-rounded as SAS.

ATL Blue

July 8th, 2010 at 10:05 PM ^

I know you've already fixed it, but is this by chance the virus that you got?  http://lifehacker.com/5499124/how-to-remove-xp-antispyware

A buddy of mine got that a while ago and asked me to fix it for him.  I just remember that the virus kept telling him he had to pay to get rid of it (which, of course, was bogus but he kept clicking it). I also remember it being a bitch to remove.  

Glad malwarbytes fixed it for you.