Virus-infested PC Disaster
Well – it finally happened.
I guess it was just a matter of time before my kids’ computer was infected with a virus.
It had been getting slower for a while. But a while ago, the strangest thing happened. All browsers on the PC were unable to connect to the internet. The machine still had connectivity because online services worked. But I had 4 different browsers installed and none of them could connect to a page.
This machine has had either Norton Antivirus or Windows Security running on it since Day One. But neither was good enough to stop whatever this bugger of a virus was doing.
I downloaded and ran several other anti virus programs but nothing worked. Finally, for the first time in my lifetime of using computers (since 1983) I had to throw in the towel and bring it to a PC expert to see if they could disinfect the PC.
Long story short – they couldn’t. So I had them wipe it clean and reinstall the operating system, Windows Vista.
Here’s the good news. I have awesome backup. All data is backed up online using Mozy Online Backup. So no worries about losing the kids homework, etc.
But I have had the PC home for seven hours and I have been installing Windows updates non-stop since then. Have probably rebooted the machine 15 times already. The guy at the store told me it could take two days to do it. And that’s before I install any apps. Ugh.
Moral of the story: Backup your files online. Automatically. I use Mozy, but Carbonite is another option. Less than $5 per month for peace of mind. Do it now – before this happens to you.
BTW – My kids are instructed to ask me before they download and install any software on the PC. They are far more careful than most kids probably are. If it can happen to a PC that is protected with up to date virus software – and NO bit torrent or sketchy file sharing, it can happen to anyone.
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January 6th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
I’m sure you already know this, but why not setup a password protected Admin on your kids computer and set them up with limited rights user profiles, that way very little can get in and nothing can be installed.
May 22nd, 2011 at 11:54 am
There are two type of accounts, Standard and Administrator. To help minimize viruses with adults and children, there should only be one administrator accounts and the rest standard accounts. Most viruses want to install files that start when your computer starts. Using a standard account minimizes the threat of viruses because most of them will not be able to install without Administrator rights.
You can also run spyware scans once a month to help your computer run better. The good news is that they all have free versions. I recommend at a minimum Advanced System Care, Spybot Search & Destroy and Malware Bytes. The other package that will help eliminate files that are no longer needed is Ccleaner. Like a car or any other appliance, your computer needs cleaning and these software tools will do the job.
You can find out more about this products by visiting my site.
July 27th, 2011 at 4:01 am
I’ve got my laptop connected to the internet via wireless router and it hardly if ever gets attacked by trojans etc..
Bizarre..
But my desktop computers always at war (lol)
I use AVG, Ad Aware and Zone alarm(firewall only) all at the same time for brute force protection and auto detection.
Better to be safe than sorry I say!
October 20th, 2011 at 12:52 am
Have your PC’s or laptops infected by viruses really pissed you off! Good thing there’s a software to at least avoid those stuffs! Anti-virus really helps in protecting your computer.
January 27th, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Interesting post.I had a virus on my computer not to long ago that knocked out my d drive? Its crazy to my that there are so many viruses out here on the web nowadays ?