e mail virus, help

[Laddies]

I have a virus in the email section of my computer that spams everyone on my contact list, has anyone had the problem or know a cure.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: e mail virus, help

STEP One get on another computer and CHANGE ALL your passwords.

You need to start scanning for the virus and 99% chance it came in via email either as an attachment or as part of a FWD email that someone sent. It could have been laying dormant in your hard drive for a LONG time.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: e mail virus, help

To be totally sure, reformat and reinstall your operating system.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: e mail virus, help

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Download the free version, boot into Safe mode (hit "F8" key on startup) and run a scan. If it finds something, after it's done removing it restart and repeat the process to make sure it's gone.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: e mail virus, help

A program that I swear by is AVG. It is a free anti-virus program available on-line. I've run it for 8 years and never had a problem (touch wood) on the three machines I run. It also has a built-in email scanner that checks for viruses imbedded in emails that you receive. To make it even better, it updates itself regularly with the most current virus signature databases. Download and install it, run the "check for updates" then perform a deep scan. It will take quite a while but it is thorough.

 

[Laddies]

Re: e mail virus, help

Thanks guys, just changing the password and running my AGV free stopped the problem.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: e mail virus, help

Thanks guys, just changing the password and running my AGV free stopped the problem.

You may have had a key logger on your computer and it still may be there. I would not use that computer for any sort of online banking and change all my passwords.

I would then do a clean install of the OS.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: e mail virus, help

Thanks guys, just changing the password and running my AGV free stopped the problem.

Did AVG report that it found something?

 

[Laddies]

Re: e mail virus, help

No, neither did ad-ware

 

[Navigator_Victory]

Re: e mail virus, help

Malware bytes does pretty good if you can get it to run....without the viurs stopping it....also if you have any erors google the error and more than likely you will find someone who has had the same problem

 

[bruceb58]

Re: e mail virus, help

Go to this site and follow the instructions at the top of the page and then post your results on their forum. The mods will review your results and give advice very quickly.

http://www.techspot.com/vb/menu28.html

I have gotten rid of viruses with the help form these folks. Having said that, my computer never seemed the same and reinstalling the OS was the only sure real cure in the end. I would rather be extra careful and not have my private data/passwords compromised. The fact that you had to change your password to stop activity would be worrisome to me.

I created an image when I reinstalled my OS so it won't be as painful the next time.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: e mail virus, help

Stepdaughter had the same issue. We're still getting spam emails from the account she closed over a year ago. Best bet is to let your friends know that account is closed. Might be a good idea to also let them know that you're not selling viagra via the internet!

 

[dlindeblad]

Re: e mail virus, help

This online scan works well too: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ It takes a bit ot time, depending on your internet connection. So if you live out in the sticks like many Yoopers do and still have dial-up, it can be a drag. Let us know how all goes, but as others have posted a format and complete reload of the OS is best.

Just for kicks, what emailing program are you using that is sending out email to your conacts list. Is it outlook, Microsoft Exchange, or an online account?

 

[mjgates]

Re: e mail virus, help

No, neither did ad-ware

So you had a virus, neither avg nor ad-aware found, quarantined, or deleted anything? If that's the case, I seriously doubt you are virus/spyware free. Try Avira or Avast Free antivirus and see if it finds anything. Uninstall or disable avg before you install another. Antivirus programs generally don't play well together. IMO, Avira is the best free anti-virus on the market.

Spyware. Malwarebytes, as suggested above, is a good program. Run both scans in safe mode. F8 while booting. And make sure they are up to date.

 

[joed]

Re: e mail virus, help

What email do you use? If you use online email like hotmail or gmail, it could have been that someone hacked your password. It happenned to my Gmail account and simply changing the password to a different and more secure one will stop the problem.

 

[matth121]

Re: e mail virus, help

if you still have this problem or if your not sure if your pc is secure, i'd be glad to give you a hand, especially considering the help you've given me. Computers are my profession and i don't mind telling you, i'm pretty good at what i do. A faulty ignition can't be diagnosed from thousands of miles but a computer can. Also, AVG isn't very reliable. I'm sorry to say, but I fix these things daily and most problems are with people who run AVG- remove it and try something like NOD32, you'll most likely find some stuff that slipped past AVG. Once i virus makes it past your AV software, it can become undetectable to it...in other words, once it's in, the software won't find it no matter how many scans you do. Ultimately, no software is completely safe with newer styles of malware...they trick you into installing it yourself...ex- a window pops up and tells you its found viruses on your computer- click here to fix. happens to alot of people who just don't know the difference between a fake virus scanner and their own. If it's still a problem, i can remote in and fix er up for ya if you want, and you'll be able to watch the whole time from your side. as long as your not on dialup, lol.
Matt