help please

[lman2]

I just bought an old alienware computer that was running windows xp and had a bunch of viruses. It seems the previous owner didn't know what he was doing and deleted a lot of the main programs too because I couldn't access anything, such as the "uninstall programs" menu or "system properties" etc. I took it to my friend and he installed windows 7 and told me that should take care of all the problems. It seems to be running smoother. I just downloaded malwayrebytes on it. Should I also download tdsskiller and OTL on it too? Or does anyone know of any other antivirus/malware etc programs I should download on it? Any advice on how to get the best use out of this computer. I plan on using it mostly for gaming. I happen to be really bad with computer jargon so if anyone could give me as simple instructions as possible I would really appreciate it. =D

P.S. By installing windows 7 did he erase any of the alienware software? Not sure if there is even such a thing (like I said bad with computers lol) but I don't have any install disks or anything like that so if it is missing that software anyone know how I could go about replacing it if its even necessary

[daledoc1]

Hi,

A couple of questions and suggestions...

1) Is this the same computer for which you are working with TheDarkKnight here: http://forums.malwar...howtopic=117657 ? If so, please stay with your helper in that topic until you are given the "all clear". He can also assist you with selecting AV programs and other security apps to prevent reinfection, once you are cleaned.

2) The question about "best AV" has been asked here and at other security communities hundreds of times. There is a sticky topic about this here: Free Antivirus Recommendations . There is no one solution that works for all users and all computers.

Additional helpful posts here at the forum can be located with a routine search, such as:

http://forums.malwar...ndpost&p=552502

http://forums.malwar...ndpost&p=552503

There is a similar post here: http://www.bleepingc...ost__p__2316629

There are many good free and paid options out there, so you may want to run a google search to find side-by-side comparisons and reviews of the many AV products.

3) TDSSKiller and OTL (as well as Combofix and other, similar tools) are NOT designed or intended for home computer users to install or run on their systems. Rather, they are speciaiized malware removal tools that should only be installed and run with guided assistance from a trained malware expert. Running them on one's own can cause serious damage to one's computer.

Most computer infections these days originate between the chair and the keyboard.

So, in addition to keeping one's OS, browsers, plug-ins (especially Java, Flash, Shockwave, etc) updated, and in addition to keeping one's programs (especially MS and Adobe) fully patched, and in addition to layered security through a robust, updated, realtime antivirus + a realtime antimalware program (such as MBAM PRO), and in addition to a firewall (either hardware or software), one needs to practice "safe hex".

This involves NOT downloading ANYTHING (media, programs, files, documents, etc), ESPECIALLY if it's free and sounds too good to be true, UNLESS one is absolutely sure of the source; NOT using torrents or similar file-sharing programs (one of the most commmon sources of malware these days); and NOT clicking on any link without first verifying (via your AV and browser security extensions, etc) that it is safe.

Modifying one's hosts file can be another layer.

Programs such as Secunia PSI are helpful for keeping up to date: http://secunia.com/p...s/consumer/psi/

HTH,

daledoc1

[lman2]

Hello, thank you for your response.

No this is a diffrent computer than the one thedarkknight is helping me with. This is an alienware desktop I recently bought from a friend. It was working horribly when I first got it, couldn't run any programs on it. After intalling windows 7 it seems a little bit better, but sometimes it does seem rather slow, and sometimes the screen will flash black for 1 second (although im not sure if that may just be something with the moniter) I ran Malwayrebytes and it said I had a few threats. I tried cleaning them, but im sure if their is a serious threat its not something I will be able to fix on my own with just Malwayre bytes. Could you help me figure out if there's something wrong?

[Porthos]

I took it to my friend and he installed windows 7

First I would worry HOW windows 7 was installed.....(people don't just install $100 operating systems for free)

That being said, How much ram is in this computer processor ect.

[daledoc1]

No this is a diffrent computer than the one thedarkknight is helping me with. I ran Malwayrebytes and it said I had a few threats.

EDIT:

@ Porthos: Sorry I didn't notice that you had also already replied while I was typing.

@ lman2: Yes, Porthos makes an excellent suggestion. Insufficient RAM is one of many possible reasons for a "slow" PC (see >>HERE<<). Having said that, if it's already infected, then I would still suggest checking it/cleaning it of malware as a first step.

Hi:

Well it sounds as if the first thing to do for this second-hand machine is to check it and clean it of any malware.

Any other fixes would need to wait until that is complete.

Once you are clean, you can come back here, if need be, for any remaining performance issues.

Since we don't work on malware-related issues in this section of the forum, the best bet would be to start a new topic in the malware removal section.

Please start by following the instructions here: I'm infected - What do I do now?

Then please start a new topic here: Malware Removal - HijackThis Logs

-->> Since you already have an open topic there for your other computer, please be sure to put some wording into the subject line, such as "second computer". That way, the experts and mods won't mistakenly think that you've started a second, duplicate topic for the same computer.

HTH,

daledoc1

[lman2]

I believe he torrented a copy of windows 7. I'm guessing that's a bad thing... It has 2GB Ram and an Intel® Pentium® D CPU 3.00GHZ PROCESSOR

[daledoc1]

Well, since it's running an illegal version of Windows, there's a good chance it may very well be infected, given the software source.

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be able to assist you further with that particular computer unless the illegal OS and any other illegal software are removed.

That's because software piracy violates forum policy, as explained here: Piracy

Sorry about that,

daledoc1