trouble upon trouble

[PeterMc]

Hey people, new member here, and hoping for some x-mas advice ASAP.

I have a laptop using Windows XP that's infected with something I can't seem to be rid of. Have tried ad-aware, spy-bot, and Windows own Live OneCare.

Because I can't seem to be able to run the set up on Google Chrome, I've also tried the Google-suggested Malware mbam program (configured to XP), but that doesn't even respond. So, here I am.

Here are the issues:

1. google searches are redirected to other ad pages

2. certain basic pages will not open: when a a virus scanner tries to update off the web I get an error--"connection failed"--even though the machine is online with an active page.

3. Perhaps the most alarming is that the the System Restore does not function--stops responding at the "Confirm Restore Point Selection" page.

I am no techie and really need to get this thing back on its feet before I get back to work.

If it matters, it's a Dell Vostro 1400 laptop networked (wireless) as a secondary computer.

Ideas??

[exile360]

Greetings and welcome. Please follow AdvancedSetup's instructions here to see if it is helpful in getting MBAM to run: http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.p...amp;#entry35969

After that, please follow the instructions here:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2936

and post your logs in a new topic here:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=7

Please be sure not to install any software or use any removal/scanning tools exept those that you are

instructed to by the expert who will be assisting you as doing so can make their job much more difficult.

I hope I was helpful. Good luck and safe surfing.

[PeterMc]

The first advice worked like a charm. You guys indeed rock. Everthing seems to be running smoothly now.

Question: I'm using the malwarbytes free program but don't find any way to schedule scans--are they automatic?

Greetings and welcome. Please follow AdvancedSetup's instructions here to see if it is helpful in getting MBAM to run: http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.p...amp;#entry35969

After that, please follow the instructions here:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2936

and post your logs in a new topic here:

http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/index.php?showforum=7

Please be sure not to install any software or use any removal/scanning tools exept those that you are

instructed to by the expert who will be assisting you as doing so can make their job much more difficult.

I hope I was helpful. Good luck and safe surfing.

[exile360]

The first advice worked like a charm. You guys indeed rock. Everthing seems to be running smoothly now.

Question: I'm using the malwarbytes free program but don't find any way to schedule scans--are they automatic?

Hello again, scheduled scans are only available in the paid version of the software. It gives you that plus auto updates and realtime protection and costs about $25 for a lifetime license. If you see any signs of infections whatsoever, please consider following the other 2 links from my previous post.