Help! virus still there after reformat of computer

bbrother · 10-24-2004, 07:20 PM

My friend got some kind of virus or something on his computer. He would get pop-ups like crazy, even when you are not using internet explorer. So I used kill disk (free version, single pass all zero's) and then reinstalled windows xp professional. As soon as windows boots up for the first time the crazy pop-ups start. What the heck is going on here. Does anyone know how to fix this, i dont know how the virus or spyware could still be on there after killdisk and with a fresh install of windows.

Thanks in advance

atlharry · 10-24-2004, 07:23 PM

Put the computer behind a firewall or enable window's XP's free firewall. See if that helps.

nottastocker · 10-24-2004, 07:24 PM

I may be completely off, but this sounds like a remote server is sending the adware to your computer anytime you're online. Have you installed all your Windows Updates? Are you on a LAN? Maybe there are other infected computers on the LAN. That's all I got.

bbrother · 10-24-2004, 07:32 PM

No lan just connected straight to the cable modem. If it is sending spyware to the computer what ad-ware program could get rid of it.

xBrady · 10-24-2004, 07:34 PM

First off: what pop ups is he getting?

xBrady · 10-24-2004, 07:35 PM

Second thing: Is that a legal copy of Windows XP?

atlharry · 10-24-2004, 07:40 PM

bbrother -

have you tried the windows firewall yet? sounds an internet server is sending you (and many many many others) direct pop ups. I'm not sure if they found a way throught the windows firewall (which is probably pretty easy), but if you put it behind something like a linksys or netgear router (basic NAT firewall), you should stop getting the pop ups.

bbrother · 10-24-2004, 07:41 PM

They are for a bunch of porn websites, and the copy of windows is legal, it was used for previous install which did not have problems so it isn't an infected copy of windows.

nottastocker · 10-24-2004, 07:44 PM

Are there any service packs or other updates available?

xBrady · 10-24-2004, 07:48 PM

I would put money on it that it would stop if you installed SP2

abfgry · 10-24-2004, 07:48 PM

Make sure the mesenger service is turned off. Do all the windows updates. Use Adaware and Spybot Search and Destroy at least once and week and make sure they are updated. Use up to date antivirus software and get some sort of firewall program.

windowsupdate.microsoft.com - windows updates
download.com - adaware and spybot
zonelabs.com - zonealarm firewall
grisoft.com - AVG antivirus

All are free. If you think there may be a virus on it again alright do a housecall scan.
housecall.trendmicro.com

Hope that helps.

abfgry · 10-24-2004, 07:51 PM

Sorry, you can turn off the messenger service by going to
start
run
type "services.msc"
find "messenger"
double click on it
change the drop down box to disabled
press the stop button
press apply
press ok

Arathranar · 10-24-2004, 08:13 PM

A PC can get infected within minutes of connecting to the Internet if you don't have all the patches installed. It could be that.

EBFoxbat · 10-24-2004, 08:13 PM

Install and run: Spybot S&D and AdAware

Did you format the hard drive when you fresh installed? Because reinstalling an OS over an existing version of itself often won't help.

xBrady · 10-24-2004, 08:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by EBFoxbat

Did you format the hard drive when you fresh installed?

Read the post and you will find out.