IF you CAN download and run anti-spyware programs, then, steps, I recommend
If an anti-spyware program diagnoses a virus/trojan, but states it can not repair it, then do a google search for that diagnosed/named virus/trojan. Download the specialized “fix” from a recognized “safe” site, such as cnet.com, or other sites that users will recommend
IF YOU CAN NOT control your PC browser, etc., then:
- run Microsoft "Task Manager" <ctrl> <alt> <del> and forcibly STOP your PC browser. Then open your anti-virus program and do a full computer scan for virus/trojans. Once you have control of your PC browser, then download and run Malwarebytes (see above). Download and install a 2nd browser (Firefox or Chrome); uninstall the browser software which originated the problem.
- if task manager can not stop the virus-infected program, then hold the power button or pull the plug on a desktop, or hold down power button (or remove the battery) on laptop . THEN PROCEED TO EITHER A. OR B.:
A. Use a previously-created rescue media. OR, From a clean PC, Google search for a free rescue disk i.e. Kaspersky (support.kastpersky.com); Norton Bootable Recovery Tool (security.symantec.com/nbrt ), etc. Download and follow directions to burn a bootable ISO CD/DVD disk or create a bootable USB drive.
Then on your infected PC, boot and immediately click "Del", "F2", as required to configure "Setup" in your BIOS. Select "Boot"; and configure to boot FIRST to the DVD/CD or USB media that you have just burned or created. Reboot, and follow popup directions as the software boots on the bootable media. After cleaning the PC, reset the BIOS setup to the normal configuration of booting first from the hard drive. If no virus was found, then, it is possible only your browser has been hijacked - perhaps the "home page" was hijacked.. DO NOT launch your browser where you experienced the virus; instead use an ALTERNATIVE browser. Follow the directions at top of this page to download and run antivirus from https://www.malwarebytes.org
B. boot your infected PC in “SAFE” mode – with networking
during cold start, alternately click F2, F8, F10 – until you see the Windows boot menu. Choose SAFE mode, with networking. (one of these- F2? will bring up BIOS setup menu – if so, click “exit without changes”, and continue to click F8 and F10 until you see Windows boot menu.
Use an ALTERNATIVE browser (Do not use the browser with which you experienced a virus). Then:
1. open your anti-virus software, update the software, and do a complete system "SCAN"
If an anti-spyware program diagnoses a virus/trojan, but states it can not repair it, then do a google search for that diagnosed/named virus/trojan. Download the specialized “fix” from a recognized “safe” site, such as cnet.com, or other sites that users will recommend
If the above does not solve the problem, then WHILE IN SAFE MODE:
2. RESTORE Windows to a known good state.
THEN download and run anti-spyware program.
If an anti-spyware program diagnoses a virus/trojan, but states it can not repair it, then do a google search for that diagnosed/named virus/trojan. Download the specialized fix from a recognized “safe” site, such as cnet.com, or other sites that users will recommend.
IF THE VIRUS/TROJAN IS NOT WELL-HIDDEN, then the following, WHILE IN SAFE MODE, may help get your PC to state where the browser can be used to download and run anti-spyware.
3. remove most everything/all? from the startup folder:
click the lower left windows globe; type msconfig in the “search programs and files” box; select “startup” tab, and uncheck everything.
(remember what was checked, so you can restore them later)
THEN reboot, and download and run anti-spyware program (above)
4. IF THE BROWSER AND NETWORK ARE TOTALLY HOSED (no matter what you do): go back and follow step "A" above (go a a clean PC, and create a bootable rescue disc)
8/6/2016