PC VIRUS? please help!

[bubblegut]

Hi there,

I am looking for anyone who can help me sort out my pc without me having to take it to the shop to get it fixed (which I cant afford!), basically I think I have a virus, dont think too serious, just my pc skills are not shall we say advanced lol.

My pc; Dell 170 desktop with windows 2000.I use the pc for a few online games, downloading music and films from reliable sites through limewire and that is it.

A few days ago, random pop ups would appear, tring to install spyware amongst other stuff, which when i close them it just appears again and again and again. there is also a ! sign on my desktop saying spyware or something or another is copying files from your pc, i cannot get rid of this. also despite getting rid of the download pop ups, it randomly makes a desktop item for 3 different things.

when I google somthing and click on the link it automatically goes to ''myshovel.com'' or http://s2fnew.com/404.php and i have to type in the addy in in the address bar, my control panel has disapperered!!! when i searcdh for it and click on a certain thing, it says is adminstrator restricted, but i am the ADMINISTRATOR for the pc!

when I go to download a pop up blocker or virus remover when i click on link for example to download, it always go to dnserror.org a dodgy search site i think. Also i/exploere randomly closes down saying error.If anyone could help me in anyway, i would be much grateful as with xmas im skint and cant afford to take it to the shop and its driving me mad...

Many thanks

Ian

 

[psaila]

I am not a computer expert but I will try to help from what I know. Have you tried to run some kind of anti spyware software such as Lavasoft Ad-aware or any antivirus (Avast antivirus is a good and free antivirus which you can download from www.download.com) Another good and free antispyware software is HijackThis which you can also download from download.com. This is particularly useful for when a spyware hijacks and changes your homepage.

I think that when spyware and viruses take over your computer sometimes the best and only solution would be to format the hardisk and do a fresh installation.

 

[bubblegut]

Hi there, thanks for your reply. I have just tried downloading that avast thing but it wouldnt let me again. when i click to download the download pop up is replaced with going to the dnserror.org webpage ( which must be dodgy! ) stopping me from doing it.

you mentioned the harddisk/drive, what can I do with this, is there a way I could perhaps delete everything from my hardrvie and sort it out?

 

[oscaryu1]

Yes. A reformat will do wonders on that computer right now. It will erase everything though, so backup anything important. Either go to my computer and open the recovery parition and run it, or get your O/S disk that came included with the computer and and run setup from there.