Laptop problems - Virus?
JOHNOR
Posts: 3,163 Forum Member
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Hi,
Apologies in advance as it's probably something simple, but I am absolutely useless with computers.
My laptop is a Sony Vaio, and it is running so slowly, keeps crashing/freezing and telling me that whatever site i'm on is not responding, then it tells me windows is checking for a solution to the problem (never comes up with a solution! I have to close the browser and start again) I'm also getting something popping up at the bottom of the screen asking me do I want to recover webpage, again this doesn't work.
Another thing that happens every few days, is something called PC performer comes up when I switch laptop on, it starts running a scan, telling me there's all kinds wrong with laptop and asks me do I want to purchase protection, which which clear all virus's etc. I always click no.
I'm assuming my laptop has virus's? No security etc? Can anyone advise what the best course of action is? I need my laptop for work, so need to get it sorted asap. Was going to take it to a shop but thought i'd ask here first.
Thanks in advance.
Apologies in advance as it's probably something simple, but I am absolutely useless with computers.
My laptop is a Sony Vaio, and it is running so slowly, keeps crashing/freezing and telling me that whatever site i'm on is not responding, then it tells me windows is checking for a solution to the problem (never comes up with a solution! I have to close the browser and start again) I'm also getting something popping up at the bottom of the screen asking me do I want to recover webpage, again this doesn't work.
Another thing that happens every few days, is something called PC performer comes up when I switch laptop on, it starts running a scan, telling me there's all kinds wrong with laptop and asks me do I want to purchase protection, which which clear all virus's etc. I always click no.
I'm assuming my laptop has virus's? No security etc? Can anyone advise what the best course of action is? I need my laptop for work, so need to get it sorted asap. Was going to take it to a shop but thought i'd ask here first.
Thanks in advance.
0
Comments
If so then to start with, run a full scan and post back the results.
If you don't already have it, download and install Malwarebytes
https://www.malwarebytes.org/
You just need the free version (orange download button). Run a full scan with that and see what happens.
Removal tips (including Malwarebytes) here
http://malwaretips.com/blogs/pc-performer-virus/
You should always pay attention when installing software because often, a software installer includes optional installs, such as this PC Performer. Be very careful what you agree to install.
Always opt for the custom installation and deselect anything that is not familiar, especially optional software that you never wanted to download and install in the first place. It goes without saying that you should not install software that you don’t trust.
Press Windows key + R , type taskmgr and hit Return
Click on unwanted entry and 'End Task'
Had the laptop for about 3 years I think, I don't think at this point there is any anti virus software on it.
If I download malware bytes, will these issues be rectified? It will stop freezing & crashing and all these pop ups will stop?
I need to get it running smoothly again, it's affecting my work.
No anti-virus:o
I'm surprised you got this far without something more serious.
Install something pronto - there are plenty of free programs to choose from such as Avast or Avira.
Malwarebytes will help clear your current problem - it may not be the complete solution - but see the instructions given in the link in post 4 and heed the comments about installing programs
It could also be a good idea to run ADWcleaner available here http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/dl/125/
Anything else I can do?
System Restore to a time before the problem started.
Also, you can reset your browser to remove add ins.
Keep scanning with Malwarebytes until it shows no more results.
You're better off scanning in safe mode without networking because sometimes you can't remove some files, as 'Windows is using them'.
1> back up all data files and documents
2> factory reset. Reboot and it is F10 or similar
3> then install Avast antivirus free
When you have multilple programs to re-install this is a life-saver http://ninite.com/
Avast is amongst the listed programs and they will all be automatically installed
It does what it says "No toolbars. No clicking next. Just pick your apps and click Get Installer." and it's FREE
Always when installing programs read the options carefully
A factory re-set will also restore all the 'added value' (?) junk that Sony shipped it with so this may be useful
http://pcdecrapifier.com/
Best thing for you to is reboot your laptop and while its booting up keep pressing F8 as it boots up you meet a screen that will have multiply oprtions on choice safe mode with networking, let it load windows in safe mode, then download and install malware bytes and run a scan in safemode once that finishes its scan and hopefully removes the malware, goto your start menu goto command prompt
and run this command
sfc /scannow
what this will do is check all windows file and if they are curropt in any way then it will try to repair them for you once that finishes try running a browser in safemode try visiting a site of any kind ie facebook for instants and check if you still have the same problem
Another possibility is that some malware cleaners can damage the o/s by taking out more than the malware.
You can get more specialist help here…
http://www.techsupportforum.com/forums/f112/
But the quickest and surest way is likely to be a factory reset to do a new install of the o/s.
But if you back up programmes to reinstall, be wary of reinstalling the malware too.
2) Install Malwarebytes.
3) Shut down the laptop completely (using the Start menu, as normal)
4) Start the laptop, then immediately press F8 a few times until...
5) ...some text comes on screen which gives you the option to start Windows in SAFE MODE.
6) Move the cursor onscreen to select SAFE MODE, press Enter.
7) When Windows is finished starting up, run Malwarebytes again.
8) Let it do it's thing and follow it's advice.
9) When Malwarebytes is all done, Restart the laptop from the Start menu as normal.