synthesis204

So, my mum is a firm believer of you-won't-get-viruses-unless-you-do-something-stupid, and never allowed me to install any antiviruses/antimalware/antispyware on her computer...until her internet stopped working.

At first, she would automatically be redirected to an ad-filled google-look-a-like site whenever she would google/ask.com/yahoo anything, and this would only work in Firefox -- Safari would show a "can't connect to the web proxy server(HTTP)" error, and Chrome/IE8 show the typical cannot connect screens.

I brought over Spybot, Malwarebytes, AVG9, and MSE (at different points, for no potential conflicts) to scan over her computer. I recovered 3 trojans, 5 malware, and a couple dozen pieces of spyware/adware on her computer, and promptly removed it.

Since doing this, I can no longer access internet on the computer at all, either wirelessly or wired, regardless of browser. It also turns out my dad tried to fix her computer...and by that, I mean he uninstalled all browsers except IE8 and removed all my antiviruses/etc in favor of installing Norton 360.

I built the computer...here's the spec list

4GB Corsair XMS 1066 (2X2GB)
Intel E6400
GIGABYTE GA-EP43T-UD3L 775 Motherboard
EVGA 8600GT
[Insert generic 500W PSU here]
Samsung Spinpoint 320GB SataII

Any ideas? I'm kicking myself in the arse for not paying attention to specifically what she was infected with, but it was a hefty list and I didn't think my father would be going around doing anything to her computer.

Takaharu

After a virus outbreak on a single machine, reformat that sucker.

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synthesis204

I already have the discs handy, but the parental units want me to see if I can manage to "save" the computer. I may end up just copying any of the files she needs to a flash and reformatting when they're not looking.

Judas

your likely going to waste more time trying to recover a swiss cheese machine.. the results and damage has likely gotten to the point that getting things working again may result in nothing but future problems popping up all over the place... or a reinfestation shortly after.

Norton 360 is probably one of the worse things to install IMO.... even the newest one recently is driving many users nuts and causing huge problems...

Beyond that..

if you want to try..

go into IE's options and connections.. make sure there isn't a dial up connection listed.. and make sure there isn't a proxy forced...

Then fully reset the windows firewall back to defaults...

Those are usually the first 2 places to look..

lastly check the HOST file for windows.... google it to see an example of what it should look like for xp/vista

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synthesis204

I hate Norton, but oh well. Not my computer.

Already checked over the firewall and settings in IE to no avail. I think I'm going to end up just wiping it once I'm done moving houses.

blibbax

Firstly, go crazy at your Dad :P

Secondly, yeah, recover what you want (user settings and files), make sure that what you've taken is virus free, then reinstall windows. Once done, install firefox, remove IE and install a decent free AV. Then, come up with some kinda program to run in the background that simply powers off the computer if an executable related to IE or Norton is run :P

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synthesis204

Sounds like what I'm going to do. My mother has conceded and is allowing me to wipe everything clean once I copy her important data over to an external. Probably going to end up putting Avast and possibly Malwarebytes on her computer on minimal settings for her -- and she's fine with Firefox, so I'll end up doing that.

blibbax

Don't Avast and Windows between them already have malware covered?

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synthesis204

Malwarebytes tends to pick up some things Avast overlooks (in my experience). Spybot would do the job, but its teatimer functionality kills the processor. And MSE is also very hungry -- running all of them in the background on my mum's poor 2.2ghz dual core would not be very kind (especially with her 32-bit limited 3.25gb of ram).

blibbax

Upgrade to 64 bit at the same time as wiping the drive :P

I made a very, very similar system for my own mother a few years back. It's in many ways better the one I run today, in fact, and her e6750, like my OCd e2220, still holds up great

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synthesis204

Only have the 32 bit discs, I'm pretty sure. Be nice if I could find the ISO somewhere...

blibbax

Can't be hard. Yargh mateys, as you would say...

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synthesis204

So, update.

I'm going to end up removing any sensitive files she needs (a la work) tmw via flash drive and thoroughly scan those. I'll then wipe her computer and install XP.

Now, issue.

Does the WinXP Pro install disc have both 32 bit and 64 bit versions, or just 32? I don't seem to recall.

She also is throwing a hissy fit. She wants Norton 360 ("because that's what our highly-paid tech support at work puts on our computers") and refuses to try anything else. Likewise, my father still doesn't trust 64 bit ("most programs still don't work!") but he won't bother checking.

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Tyrsonswood

Only 32bit on the XP pro CD...... 64bit is a different package entirely.

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synthesis204

Ugh. Suppose I'll just throw XP 32 on there. She only goes on facebook, email, and youtube, so I won't really bother torrenting 64.

And ty Tyrs.

Edit: Just for curiousity's sake, are the XP cd-keys bit-type specific? I know on Vista and 7 the 32 bit keys work to activate 64 bit versions as well (and vice-versa), but not sure for XP.

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Tyrsonswood

Not positive, but I don't think they are universal..... 32bit keys for 32bit, 64bit for 64..... I never had the 64bit version though.

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Neshi

put on another antivirus, and just change the icon to the one used for Norton

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If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live?

Life is just too damn short for if's and maybe's

Takaharu

Blimmin' heck, showing your youth there! XP is 32-bit unless it specifically states 64-bit. This goes for the serial numbers too; they're not interchangeable.
XP 64-bit sucks anyway; it was brought out for people to try and make use of the 64-bit aspect of their processors but practically nobody used it so there wasn't much designed for it, drivers included.
This was back when I tried out XP 64-bit and there were about 3 AV programs that were compatible. Nowadays you may have a bit more luck if you really wanted to use XP 64-bit but considering the time it's got left...

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synthesis204

I was 8 when XP came out. Leave me alone Tak >.> Thanks for the info

And yeah, just throwing XP32 on there.

__________________
Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer:
Fold for HH!