A god damn virus need help

Sean C · 03-13-18, 01:24 AM

I have used all of the previously mentioned anti-virus/security software at one time or another and can vouch for all of them. However, as Skybird mentioned, nothing beats a backup and/or system image.

If you have backed up your files from a time before your computer was infected, you can wipe the drive* re-install the OS** and restore your files. A system image can take you right back to the way your system was before the infection***. If you haven't done either of those ... well, you just have to hope that some or all of the anti-virus programs can get rid of the problem.

Of course, the best security is to not get infected in the first place. Be careful which sites you visit (I'm looking at you, Russia and China). Don't click on any/every link that pops up or seems to have what you want. Double and triple check their authenticity. Look for recommendations/links from reputable sites/sources. And even if you are being careful, for God's sake ...

BACK UP YOUR DATA TO AN EXTERNAL DRIVE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE!!!

The time it takes to do it will be well worth it if you ever find yourself in this situation. You'll be so glad you did.

*In addition to re-formatting, it's probably best to overwrite the entire drive many times with random data. There are several programs out there which will do this for you.

**If you're going to reinstall your OS, make sure you can access all of the drivers for your hardware. Either get them from the disk that came with your computer or take note of them in the device manager and download them from the manufacturer's website.

***Again, probably best to do the above, then re-install the OS and restore the image.

03-13-18, 01:24 AM	#7
Sean C Grey Wolf Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Norfolk, VA Posts: 911 Downloads: 12 Uploads: 2	I have used all of the previously mentioned anti-virus/security software at one time or another and can vouch for all of them. However, as Skybird mentioned, nothing beats a backup and/or system image. If you have backed up your files from a time before your computer was infected, you can wipe the drive* re-install the OS and restore your files. A system image can take you right back to the way your system was before the infection. If you haven't done either of those ... well, you just have to hope* that some or all of the anti-virus programs can get rid of the problem. Of course, the best security is to not get infected in the first place. Be careful which sites you visit (I'm looking at you, Russia and China). Don't click on any/every link that pops up or seems to have what you want. Double and triple check their authenticity. Look for recommendations/links from reputable sites/sources. And even if you are being careful, for God's sake ... BACK UP YOUR DATA TO AN EXTERNAL DRIVE AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE!!! The time it takes to do it will be well worth it if you ever find yourself in this situation. You'll be so glad you did. In addition to re-formatting, it's probably best to overwrite the entire drive many times with random data. There are several programs out there which will do this for you. If you're going to reinstall your OS, make sure you can access all of the drivers for your hardware. Either get them from the disk that came with your computer or take note of them in the device manager and download them from the manufacturer's website. **Again, probably best to do the above, then re-install the OS and restore the image.