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Original poster

WARNING re AdAware virus

52 replies

littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 12:13

Following from a thread of yesterday I downloaded free AdAware software from a link on mumsnet .... and now have located a virus from it!!! ARRGGGHHHH!
Sorry tech don't wish to embarrass you
Thought it best to warn other mns who downloaded this so that they can get rid of it before your PC's pack in

OP posts:
nutcracker · 30/09/2004 12:18

Oh no. I am having big probs at the mo as i keep getting spyware pop ups and i run pest patrol and get rid of them but they come back.

I am almost positive i have got another virus, it just hasn't appeared yet.

My last virus only appeared when i got rid of all the spyware.

Bloody things, drive me mad.

codswallop · 30/09/2004 12:19

i have a proble with mumnet and viruese too

pc keeps crashing

SoupDragon · 30/09/2004 12:19

\link{http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/com/This} is a pretty good free online virus scanner. Check all the boxes telling it to fix everything automatically and it works like a dream.

SoupDragon · 30/09/2004 12:20

Sigh... This

SoupDragon · 30/09/2004 12:20

I've not had any noticable problems with MN and viruses BTW.

Original poster
littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 12:36

Thanks soupdragon, I'm having a go with that now - I'll try anything to be virus-free!!

OP posts:
enid · 30/09/2004 12:41

have you all not got a virus scanner??? Go and buy MacAfee - it also dectects and removes spyware. Its very good and doesnt clash with some drivers like Norton can.

Original poster
littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 12:42

yes enid I have got a virus scanner that I run regularly and a firewall that I've since updated - but stilllll get rid of the little b*ggers

OP posts:
enid · 30/09/2004 12:44

if you can't get rid of them despite a virus scanner and a firewall then there is probably some spyware embedded deep in your system - do you get the Bullseye Network Offers popup? Do you have Windows XP?

Original poster
littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 12:45

I don't get the popup but I do have windows XP

OP posts:
nutcracker · 30/09/2004 12:47

My brother has just complained to Mcaffee after having their virus protection and still ending up with a virus.

enid · 30/09/2004 12:51

I would say your browser has been hijacked by the search2000 malware.

I also have this problem. I have removed most of it via MacAfee but the next step is very techy and I don't quite feel ready for it.

The reason I ask about Windows XP is that often viruses can be stored in the System Restore setting. If you can turn off System Restore and then run a good virus/adware scanner it will solve a lot of the problems.

nutcracker, if your brother regularly updated his Macafee then its just bad luck. Obviously new viruses are being sent out the whole time and sometimes the updates don't come out quickly enough. Just a fact of computer life I'm afraid.

codswallop · 30/09/2004 12:52

ooh i had bullseye despite having norton

Original poster
littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 12:52

Thanks for the advice enid - but how do I turn off the system restore?

OP posts:
enid · 30/09/2004 12:57

go to start menu, choose 'help and support', then click on 'undo changes with Sytem restore' in Pick A Task. There should be an option in there to turn off system restore. It will tell you that all your previous restores will be deleted. Click yes, restart and run spyware/virus scanner. it helps.

Original poster
littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 12:58

Thank you
the panda thing soupy recommended is still running, but when it's finished, I'll give it a go

OP posts:
fuzzywuzzy · 30/09/2004 12:59

little missbossy go to;

  • Start
  • Control panel
  • Performance and maintenance
  • System
  • Click system restore tab from system properties menu
  • on upper left hand there's an option to tick box to turn off system restore on all drives. Hth
Original poster
littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 12:59

BTW enid, you're definately right about the nortons. I've run that this morning, but the panda activescan from soupdragon has already found an infected file

OP posts:
emmatmg · 30/09/2004 13:10

I'm running the panda one now, does anyone know how long it takes? or does it depend on the PC.?

Original poster
littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 13:14

well it's still running on mine

OP posts:
nutcracker · 30/09/2004 13:22

Mine is still running and saying it has found an infected file.

What will it do with it ??? PLease say it will get rid of it for me, as i won't have a clue.

I'm amazed by the way as my own virus protection says i have nothing wrong.

nutcracker · 30/09/2004 13:23

Make that 2 infected files

Original poster
littlemissbossy · 30/09/2004 13:24

Nutty, mine's just finished and it gets rid of infected files automatically for you - but then you can follow further instructions to do the system restore thing enid was talking about

OP posts:
nutcracker · 30/09/2004 13:25

Right are you going to do the system restore thingy ???

I may leave it until my brother can supervise me

nutcracker · 30/09/2004 13:29

Oooh meant to ask which bit you are scaning ??

I wasn't sure so it is doing 'my computer'