Bad adware spyware on my PC.

Resetting the router:

1. Disconnect the router from the cable modem (not cable box).
2. Remove the cable modem's power cord and let it sit for a few seconds.  Then plug it back in.
3. Wait for it to connect back up to Comcast (ie. the lights on the front stabilize).
4. Now connect the computer's ethernet cable to the ethernet port on the cable modem, if you have a separate computer from your iPad.

thank you, I   will   try it. Just need more coffee - a lot more!

@the_soulful_mr_t, one possibility for you is backing up your computer to an external hard drive, reloading Windows, and then restoring your files. It will take a long time, but it's likely to work if you have the license key and the installation medium that are right for your computer.

Is this a laptop or a desktop? You could also replace the internal drive with a new one and try Linux without messing with the old hard drive. In addition to doing this, you could restore your personal files form the old drive to the new one without damaging the original copies. The old drive serves as a backup drive.

Sorry to bring Mac issues on this thread, but..

Ridski what you suggested. Activation screen still interrupts. I might have done it wrong.  

Tom_Reingold said:

@the_soulful_mr_t, one possibility for you is backing up your computer to an external hard drive, reloading Windows, and then restoring your files. It will take a long time, but it's likely to work if you have the license key and the installation medium that are right for your computer.

Is this a laptop or a desktop? You could also replace the internal drive with a new one and try Linux without messing with the old hard drive. In addition to doing this, you could restore your personal files form the old drive to the new one without damaging the original copies. The old drive serves as a backup drive.

Oy. Sounds like a nightmare. It's desktop.

Removing a hard drive from a desktop is a matter of opening the case, clicking or unscrewing the drive out and removing the cables. That's the easy part. Loading Windows is tricky because you have to find the medium and license key.

lazydog said:

get a Mac  "> 

Well that is an interesting comment.  I am 3 weeks into removing a virus from a Mac Book that my wife has.  I'm pretty sure I got the basic problem removed but now she keeps finding stuff that has changed or does not work the same.

Spoke with the Apple folks about this and the comment was, well Mac are less of a target than PC so you are still better off.

Made me feel real good, that comment did.  The virus creeps are everywhere after every thing out there so watch out!!!!!!!

I had a very similar problem. Malwarebytes, then Norton, then Norton Power Eraser seem to have helped (you get Norton free if you're on Comcast - just download it from the Comcast site). I also uninstalled the bubble dock program, and several others. Going into taskmgr and seeing what's running can also help you find what needs to be thrown out.

After my ongoing Comcast Xfinity nightmare, I wouldn't download anything from that company!  

Start your computer in safe mode then run Malware bytes and when it has finished restart your computer again in safe mode then run your other spyware program you can do it a third time running avast. then start it as usual. 

Some times you need to be in safe mode to allow the software to really clean things out.

smhollow said:

Start your computer in safe mode then run Malware bytes and when it has finished restart your computer again in safe mode then run your other spyware program you can do it a third time running avast. then start it as usual. 

Some times you need to be in safe mode to allow the software to really clean things out.

I did this and it didn't work. (It was suggested above my Tom R, I think.) My PC is still riddled with adware.

So, I'm at my wit's end. I've run the [free versions of] these programs over and over, in safe mode and not and they each find hundred if not thousands of bad files and spyware and adware crap. But, my browser sessions are still riddled with ads and pop ups and now the computer is running slowly and badly. 

I can't afford to buy a new computer. I CAN afford to buy the Professional versions of SuperAntiSpyware or MalwareBytes but I'm skeptical that these versions would make a difference. Would they?

I might also be able to pay someone to clean this PC. Does that make sense? What would they do different from what I've done? 

Any guidance would be appreciated.

From what you describe, it would make sense to let an expert have a go at removing the malware.  Such a person is apt to have more powerful anti-malware software than what you are presently using and would have a better idea of how to use that anti-malware software most effectively.  

If you bring your computer to Ralph at One Stop Repairs, he will remove your hard drive and run antivirus programs while it is attached to his (ostensibly) virus-free computer. This is a big advantage, because the virus on your computer might be thwarting the anti-virus software. He also doesn't charge a lot.

Another idea is to run the Linux version of AVG, if it's still available. You make a bootable USB stick or CD, boot off that, and scan your hard drive. I used to use it with good success. This software is entirely invulnerable to all Windows malware.

And the critical question is, do you have the Windows installation medium (DVD) and license key? It may be time to reload Windows anew.

Tom_Reingold said:

And the critical question is, do you have the Windows installation medium (DVD) and license key? It may be time to reload Windows anew.

I don't believe I do.  

Tom_Reingold said:

If you bring your computer to Ralph at One Stop Repairs, he will remove your hard drive and run antivirus programs while it is attached to his (ostensibly) virus-free computer. This is a big advantage, because the virus on your computer might be thwarting the anti-virus software. He also doesn't charge a lot.

Another idea is to run the Linux version of AVG, if it's still available. You make a bootable USB stick or CD, boot off that, and scan your hard drive. I used to use it with good success. This software is entirely invulnerable to all Windows malware.

Where is Ralph and One Stop?

Jesus, my computer is totally fukced. 

One Stop is on Burnett St off of Springifeld Ave. Had no idea he fixed computers. You can google for exact address.

One Stop Repairs

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I made a few calls this morning to various "computer repair services" including One Stop. 

One I called (http://www.rescuecom.com/) wanted $198 to fix the computer (which would be done remotely without my taking the computer anywhere or a service person coming here) and they suggested I sign up for a $29.99/month service contract. It would include anti-malware software (he wouldn't say which) and cover all my electronics including my iPhone, my tablet, any game systems or other electronics. (How would they service my tablet remotely?) I thought they were local to me in Verona, which is why I called them but there's no way to tell from the website where they're located. I told them, when they insisted I give them a CC number, "no thanks, I'm shopping around."

I also spoke Ralph at One Stop. He said it probably won't cost more than $100 unless Windows has to be reloaded. I'd have to take it to Maplewood (I live in Verona now) and he'd have it done in a day or two. I liked his approach and style. No hard sell, etc.

I'm going to try to dash down to Maplewood at lunchtime tomorrow and drop it off.

I'll keep you posted.

Ralph will set it right. It sounds like he has the installation medium if he needs to reload Windows so he'll either remove the viruses or create a new virus-free installation.

Does Monster still do this kind of work, too?

Dropped it off at One Stop today.... stay tuned.

I've been hesitating to post but - here goes. 

I picked up the PC from One-Stop on Monday and fired it up. Frankly, it's worse than before. The browser runs even slower than before. I type a word and then count to 10 before the letters show up. Ads are popping up all over the screen, at about the same rate as before. My guess is he ran the same anti-malware programs I did - with just as much success.

The browser screens look like web pages from 1996.The display seem very low res. 

I'm extraordinarily disappointed. I fear that now I will have to buy a new computer. Fortunately I have my work laptop.

I haven't called Ralph. I haven't the heart. Plus I'm up in Verona and he's in Maplewood. I drove there twice and I don't want to do it again. He only charged me $74 and made a fuss that now it runs faster and he vacuumed it all out. 

Maybe I should have gone with the $198 remote service I mentioned above. 

Alas.

The remote service sounds sort of like a scam to me. The problem with spyware removal is that it can take quite a bit of labor for a 'real' infection, and if the computer is old then it's going to quickly get to the point where repair is more than a replacement computer would be. To top it off, sometimes a computer will seem cleaned and then the infections come back.

My general rule is that if the computer doesn't get cleaned through a normal amount of spyware scanning (which at work is generally running Malwarebytes and then HitManPro - occasionally I'll do something else if quick research leads me somewhere) then it's time to wipe the computer and start over.

You may want to let Ralph know that the computer isn't any better and see if he can help you installing Windows from scratch. If the computer has an OEM version of Windows he might have install media that will work with it. (Don't worry about understanding that sentence, he will). He'll probably give you a break off any further work as well.

Keep in mind that you'll only get Windows back, so you'll need to have install media and licenses for things like Office, etc if you want them back on your computer. When I worked with consultants we usually would charge people for 2 hours of work for a computer rebuild and it was closer to 3. Our billable rates were $125 an hour so that labor is generally worth $200-$250. That's something to keep in mind if weighing the option to get a new computer.

qrysdonnell said:

The remote service sounds sort of like a scam to me. The problem with spyware removal is that it can take quite a bit of labor for a 'real' infection, and if the computer is old then it's going to quickly get to the point where repair is more than a replacement computer would be. To top it off, sometimes a computer will seem cleaned and then the infections come back.

My general rule is that if the computer doesn't get cleaned through a normal amount of spyware scanning (which at work is generally running Malwarebytes and then HitManPro - occasionally I'll do something else if quick research leads me somewhere) then it's time to wipe the computer and start over.

You may want to let Ralph know that the computer isn't any better and see if he can help you installing Windows from scratch. If the computer has an OEM version of Windows he might have install media that will work with it. (Don't worry about understanding that sentence, he will). He'll probably give you a break off any further work as well.

Keep in mind that you'll only get Windows back, so you'll need to have install media and licenses for things like Office, etc if you want them back on your computer. When I worked with consultants we usually would charge people for 2 hours of work for a computer rebuild and it was closer to 3. Our billable rates were $125 an hour so that labor is generally worth $200-$250. That's something to keep in mind if weighing the option to get a new computer.

Thank you for that info but Grrrr, not a happy camper!

That's really too bad.

Tom_Reingold said:

That's really too bad.

I see you followed up.

The_Soulful_Mr_T said:
I see you followed up.

No, I didn't contact him.