Gee Another virus-I'm Shocked!!

[DeltaDart1]

Well I got yet another virus the other day. That's 2 in 10 months. I'm writing this on my back up computer that only works half*****. Last time I spent $125 for a fix and a good (CA) anti-virus program. I have no idea how my computer got infected this time but i'm about ready to unplug and try to live a computer free life. Now my question is how hard is it to delete everything and reinstall Windows XP? And is this the only solution when you get a virus? I'm willing to learn. Thanks.

 

[bullzi]

The only way your computer can get infected is by you downloading things or going to unsafe websites, it's pretty easy to avoid.

I always recommend backing up data and reformatting. Before you even connect your computer to the internet (or ASAP) get an anti-virus program. Personally, I recommend AVG Free.

 

[DeltaDart1]

I'm running AVG free right now.

My old computer which i'm using now(2002 Dell 4400)i'm running AVG. I was told that CA is much better so that's what I have been using on my 2 year old computer. I do not download anything.
The only thing that happened was a couple of weeks ago I get this pop-up message from Windows Security saying that my computer is infected and to download the program. This has happened before and I know it's not from Windows and I just click it off.
This time when I clicked off it started downloading any way. I tried everything I could to stop it and I thought I did. Well my computer simply stopped working a few days after that so i'm assuming that's what happened. What should I do in the future to stop these?
Is the only fix is to take it in and let the repair shop clean it and do a fresh installation or is this something I can do myself? Thanks for your reply and help. So you have had good luck with AVG?

 

[brentduo]

You should wipe your HDD every year I say and start fresh. It's easy, go into bios set cdrom at 1st boot device, put windows disk in, reboot, follow directions, delete partition make new one and format, install windows. goto bios take cd out switch boot device to HDD and reboot. done. Now install your programs and drivers.

Avg works fine for me. Like bullzi said don't down load weird crap and you'll be fine. Don't goto weird websites and click on popups.

 

[63083]

to save yourself the trouble of spending a lot of money getting it fixed, just buy a new hard drive.

 

[Gebucht]

My old computer which i'm using now(2002 Dell 4400)The only thing that happened was a couple of weeks ago I get this pop-up message from Windows Security saying that my computer is infected and to download the program. This has happened before and I know it's not from Windows and I just click it off.

That is a virus in itself im afraid, and its very difficult to get rid of. However, try running Malwarebytes Anti Malware, see if that fixes the problems Otherwise just backup data and reformat, the best way to solve things

AVG is (IMO) the best antivirus tool you can get, that and Advance Windows Care together should be all you need (Along with common sence not to go on suspicious websites...)