Comments on: Spyware Horror Story: Computing blind

How do you fix a computer when you can't see your system folders or icons?


by dirty55409 July 11, 2008 10:26 AM PDT: One key point I always stress is to BACK UP EVERYTHING you hold near and dear to your heart. And not to have that back up plugged into your computer at all times(because it can get caught up in the virus/malware/bad stuff if it is plugged in at the time of infection. External HDDs are inexpensive these days, you can go on newegg and find them for cheap. Back up your music, documents, videos etc, and if something irreparable happens to your computer you can always pop in your recovery CD, wipe your computer clean and have a fast as new computer (after about 4 hours of reinstalling and set up) this would be the last resort. Regardless of the nature of computer problems, I tend to reformat my computer every year or so. Wiping it clean makes it run beautifully too.; Like this Reply to this comment


by kireji16 July 11, 2008 6:14 PM PDT: I completely agree with you dirty55409 that is always my motto "back it up" and that is why I have an external 500GB HDD. But besides the point, I would've done something different especially with AVG and ad aware. I believe a good online scanner from NOD32 (http://www.eset.com/onlinescan) would've detected anything the avg and ad aware wouldn't of and cleaned the computer.; Like this Reply to this comment


by gnrdisko July 15, 2008 3:35 PM PDT: Totally agree about the backup philosophy....but surely the crux of the matter is prevention and/or cure? Since loading spybot s&d 1.5.2.0 I have had exceptional protection, and when friends have had symptoms of attacks I have recommended this and so far it has detected all critical threats. Coupled with AVG free, Zonealarm free, and Stopzilla, I am happy to say I personally have not had a successful attack in over 2 years,since I set this configuration.; Like this Reply to this comment


by askpcguy September 23, 2008 12:50 PM PDT: It disappoints me to see editors outright recommend re-formatting and re-installing windows as a response to malware or spyware infestation. Sure that is super easy to achieve, but the behavior that lead to the computer being infected will be repeated. Thus needing to reformat a second time.

Here is a story that serves to educate everyone in dealing with spyware infections. Covers both the causes of infections and most importantly, how to remove them.

http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000888.html

Also, using software such as Spybot search and destroy's advanced tools will help. Additionally, use an online anti-virus scanner such as Trend Micro's Housecall. Its free.

Chris; Like this Reply to this comment