So I'm not exactly sure when I got this, but probably about 1.5 months ago I got the Trojan Win32 FakeXPA. It disabled my malware protection, firewall, antivirus program, Windows updater, basically everything but Windows Defender. I have Symantec Business Edition, my neighbor gave it to me. I had the full AVG 8.5 suite before, but he deleted it because my computer was running horribly slow. I was reluctant because the Symantec was JUST antivirus. He said I shouldn't have to worry about anything since I have Windows firewall, malware protection... I trusted him I was looking around on what appeared to be a safe site, wasn't even porn, then this thing pops up, starts downloading. I close my browser immediately, go in to my downloads, delete this thing, run a virus scan, nothing. I eventually try running Windows defender and it finds this trojan. I deleted it. However, now every time I turn on my computer I get many errors that say "Windows Host Processes were closed." When I try and turn on my malware protection from Windows Defender, it gives me an error message, "This program will not run. The service cannot accept control messages at this time." This always happens. This guy from another forum told me to: run disc defrag CCleaner and check the registry A-Squared (free) Ad-Aware Spyware Blaster I was also told maybe just reformat the whole hard drive. I don't want to do that since I have an Adobe suite and I don't think I will be able to re-download it after I delete it. Please help me!! I saw Kyle recommended Anna run Malwarebytes, should I do this as well? I'm seriously at a loss!! This is really frustrating. Do you think these sound like a good idea?
I actually never did try any of those things because I wanted some other opinions. Are those even safe? I didn't want to download one of those then find out they are bad!! Are they bad? Should I use Malwarebytes instead? Is CCleaner safe?
So last night I downloaded Malwarebytes and CCleaner then ran Malwarebytes (first) then CCleaner both in "safe mode." Malwarebytes found nothing (which is bullshit!!). I tried to run a defrag before I did these, but it wouldn't allow me. Actually I can't run any of the administrative tools. I can't unload any programs I might want to get rid of like Symantec. My computer won't allow me to run carbonite, it says it cannot access the registry and will not run. I just tried to open Symantec LiveUpdate and it gave me an error, "explorer.exe The service cannot accept control messages at this time." There are some other funny things, even though it is Vista, the task bar, start menu, and all programs are appearing in a Windows 98 theme. It says it is set to run in the Vista theme though. All of my icons on the desktop are gone except for the recycling bin. My background is still a picture of my dog. However, the user picture on the start menu is different, it is the default orange flower. It was the proper picture when I booted up and had to click the correct user. Windows Defender (or anything actually) will not update even if there are updates to run. I have been trying to get the new Firefox for it, but it won't complete the download. Apparently right now I can't even OPEN Firefox. Ugh. FML. WHAT THE FUCK CAN I DO? Do any of you techy WF'ers live in the SF Bay Area? Wanna help me before my neighbor gets back from Japan? Does anyone know anybody who can help me around the North Bay who is really good and 100% trustworthy? I'm at wits end with this computer. What I have done: [-]run disc defrag[/-] <-- wouldn't work [-]Malwarebytes[/-] <-- no infected files found [-]CCleaner and check the registry[/-] <-- ran, fixed all but 1 problem What I have to do if you recommend them: delete Symantec re-download AVG 8.5 full A-Squared (free) Ad-Aware Spyware Blaster Please help me!!
^Please read above post too! I am running a Windows Defender full scan right now. I'll give you all an update in like 6 hours when it's fucking done scanning all 1,500,000 files (not even kidding).
I am going to reformat soon. I am just trying to back up all of my files. I just don't know where some are located. Where are MS Outlook files saved? Is is possible to save my Adobe Suite, my Google Chrome bookmarks, or Google Earth saved locations? This is frustrating.
Not trying to rub salt in the wound here, but this is a good example of why people should be using some sort of backup system. It doesn't matter what kind of computer you have, or whether or not you'll get viruses or malware, there's always something that could make your drive puke on you. At least in this case you'll be able to save everything (if you can find it), even if it is a hassle.
I do have Carbonite. I just don't know if my Outlook files and various Google files are saved since I don't know where they are located.
Might be worth a try: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/4714...oft-security-essentials-is-excellent-edition/ Haven't used it myself but it's MS's new free utility, and it seems to be received pretty well so far.
