Worst Virus Ever
 

Yeah, I have a serious problem on my computer. A virus of some sort, would be my guess. It acts like the AIDS virus, actually. Here's why I think this: I am unable to run LiveUpdate at all. It says I'm not connected to the internet, which I obviously am. (I've got a cable modem, and I'm proud of it, since they went big time here in Ecuador just about a year and a half ago. Why do you think that I call this place the God-forsaken land of slow internet? *AHEM*, restart the paragraph, if you like) If I try to download some other scanner, even if for a trial, the website gets locked up. Those little "scan your computer from the internet" websites don't work. It SAYS I've payed up until 2005, so I don't think I have to. So far, I don't have any SERIOUS problems with the speed of the machine, or any other such things, but I'm a sitting duck and I know it. So, here I am, asking, no, BEGGING you all for help here. What could this virus be, and how the HELL do I get rid of it? If anyone knows anything I could do, give me a hand here. Thanks.

-Gorefiend

BTW, I hope this is the right section. If it should go in Off Topic, then I apologize to the mods in advance. Thanks.

Hook up a second computer on a network and have it run a fully updated scan and disinfect over the LAN. Also, try Spyware removal tools first...this doesn't sound like virus work to me.

Stinger. Google Stinger. Stinger is the Febreeze of computers. At least I think so, anyhow.

ACtually, it might be a virus. I believe a new version of Bagel or whatever targets antivirus programs. Ah, here we go. I don't know what to do about it, though. Came out pretty recently. Just try the normal gamut of Firefox + Thunderbird + Windows Update + antivirus + AdAware + Spybot. If you need links to any of those, just Google it.

I've got all of those (ChaosMage's sig....) And I'm not on a LAN. I'lll ask about taking my computer to school (they do have a LAN, and a good set of Antivirus scanners) As far as Thunderbird, I don't use Outlook anyways, so I see no reason to get it. Thanks guys. Anyone with good information, or anything of the sort, you can also contact me at sposas@hotmail.com

Anyways, what I am hoping for is at least a proper definition, so I can ask for a "cure." Thanks again.

Edit: this wouldn't be a program that goes by wmon32.exe, right? Thanks.

this thing sounds like a virus that used to disable my antivirus softare and prevent me from goin to de sites to download other antivir programs. it was a hell of a virus...neer found out wat it was but i got rid of it the old fashion way ...format.

or a clean plate
 

I agree with Dac. Save all of your DOCUMENTS that you don't want to loose to a disc and reformat. Nothing like starting with a clean slate.

Formatting is the coward's way out. Also, do a google search for file names like wmon32.exe to see what they are.

Before you do that, however, download bazooka and hijack this. Run them both and write down anything they turn up that you don't immediately recognize. Look them all up on google. Once you find them you should be able to find what they are and how to most effectively remove them, if they're actually malware.

Go about doing so.

Ok, last question. Using Stinger, it found a virus. It "fixed" it, but it returns after I turn off the computer. (I DID turn off system restore!) should I delete it, considering that the file it was in is in the WINDOWS folder? JUst though I'd ask a panel of experts.

wmon32 is, in fact, infected by a virus as well. I used zone alarm to shut off internet access to it for the time being. looking through google shrotly. as far as reformatting, i've none of the cds for that. I REALLY don't have the wish, or skill, to go through the whole process. Besides, I've my own, arcane reasons....

I'll look for those programs now too, Krylo. Thanks.

And, I am now able to successfully run LiveUpdate (after "fixing" the first virus through stinger....) YAY!!!! now I gotta get rid of this one.... thnks for the help, everyone!

And then install Linux.