I Think I Have a Virus....Help!

Edward_Elric_1308 · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 10:42 am Post subject: I Think I Have a Virus....Help!

Get this:

The other night, about two weeks ago, I was trying to download Photoshop 9.0 from Limewire (don't know why, as I have a dial-up AOL 9.0 connection to the Internet, but that's not the point). When it finally downloaded, an icon appeared on the desktop. The icon was of an alien's head....yeah....0_o....anyways, the icon read, "Photoshop 9.0 (Cracked)". I clicked on it....nothing happens. Then, when I go to drag that icon to the Recycle Bin, I get a message that says it's being used by another user. OH BOY. Rolling Eyes

So....I restart my computer, and then I finally delete the icon and empty the Recycle Bin. Then, I noticed my computer being slow a bit. Guess what. Later that week I get a pop-up message (not pop-up ad) in a standard Windows XP message box. This scared me. Crying or Very sad

The message said:

Cyniphile (God of the net)
Windows has been taken over by me! I rule you! =)

That scared the living crap out of me. So, NOW nothing works, I cannot bring up Control Panel, My Computer, and other vital files.

WHAT SHOULD I DO???? Shocked

cstdenis · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:09 pm Post subject:

p2p is a dangerous source for warez.

Just use a virus scanner and clean your system.

Edward_Elric_1308 · Posted: Tue Sep 19, 2006 9:23 am Post subject:

I don't have one currently, but since I have a dial-up connection, downloading Norton or McAfee would take loads of hours. Plus I don't have the money. Sad

I understand McAfee and Norton are the best, so I'm trying to at least get Norton. Would that fix my problem, because the virus has disabled some programs. I don't even know if it would run.

Maybe I'll take it to the computer maintance shop downtown....

Sad

GreenSlime89 · Newb Joined: 25 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

If you have XP you should have a system restore option in your accessories menu click on it and go as far back as you can then restore the system. Once you've done this go to http://www.grisoft.com and download AVG - it's THE best free virus scanner about.

Get a firewall: Go to http://www.zonealarm.com and get the free zone alarm firewall - it's not completely water tight but it's the best you can get for free.

Get spyware scanner: http://www.lavasoft.de Update all of these frequently! It might take ages but unless you wanna fork out for a new PC it's worth it!

I hope this helps - if it doesn't work I don't know what you should do - go to your local computer shop and ask about removing viruses maybe?
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MrBiggles · Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:24 pm Post subject:

If worst comes to worst...
Format,
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Soon we will have to choose between what is right, and what is easy.
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Dewroo · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:22 pm Post subject:

Dear PC user

Next time you try to download something illegaly, Torrent it.

Edward_Elric_1308 · Posted: Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:03 am Post subject:

Problem fixed. It's as good as new. Very Happy

Jhihmoac · Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:11 am Post subject:

I have to agree with Dewroo...

"Complete" free versions of industry-standard programs such as Photoshop CS2 (technically CS2 is called 9.0) from ANY free d'load site may be tempting, but rest assured...there's going to be some trouble that rides along with it...You're better off purchasing it outright...or, finding someone you know who has an old version they no longer use that they can give you...

and yes...GET a firewall!