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Recommended AV to use on Windows XP?
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August 8, 2011
5:45 PM
Gibbster
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How you know when you have a virus but it does not effect your computer?

 

What tools could you recommend to find them?

 

Thanks, Gibbster

August 9, 2011
1:36 AM
rodken
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Hey Gibbster, I like to use F-Secure every now and then http://www.f-secure.com/en_EMEA-Labs/security-threats/tools/online-scanner. It removes the malware if you want (unlike others that try to sucker you into downloading their soft.

There are other online scanners (BitDefender, ESET) which work really well also, but I find sometimes it (malware) stops those from loading, but for some reason F-Secure isn't affected.

Lately for just adware/spyware I've found Spybot S&D http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html works better than AdAware or SUPERAntiSpyware.

If that doesn't help Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org is good also, could be some false positives though if you don't know what to look for.

What are you using?

August 12, 2011
3:36 AM
catman
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rodken said:

Hey Gibbster, I like to use F-Secure every now and then http://www.f-secure.com/en_EMEA-Labs/security-threats/tools/online-scanner. It removes the malware if you want (unlike others that try to sucker you into downloading their soft.

There are other online scanners (BitDefender, ESET) which work really well also, but I find sometimes it (malware) stops those from loading, but for some reason F-Secure isn't affected.

Lately for just adware/spyware I've found Spybot S&D http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html works better than AdAware or SUPERAntiSpyware.

If that doesn't help Malwarebytes http://www.malwarebytes.org is good also, could be some false positives though if you don't know what to look for.

What are you using?

I agree with Rodkin.

I have Avast running. The only other program that I also use "Spyware Blaster", http://www.javacoolsoftware.com

What Rodkin says about Adaware and SUPERAntiSpyware, they do not work that well and are often prone to false positives, which is a real pain the ass!!

August 14, 2011
8:12 AM
Gibbster
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See the problem is I just found out that I have like 45 windows updates using this program that basicly tells you everything about your computer called Belarc Advisor. I used a long time ago it worked real good. The problem is windows update on windows xp won't work on this laptop but the other one. The story is my uncles have told me I have been giving them viruses through the internet or emails so I am trying to figure out whats going on.

 

Link to new post about Windows Update on my computer: /forums/talk-it-up/does-anybody-know-how-to-install-windows-updates-but-not-run-windows-update-in-ie/#p15181

 

Thanks for all the help can always count on you guys, Gibbster Smile

August 14, 2011
8:18 AM
Gibbster
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I am using Malwarebytes Anti-malware and Old Version of Symantech AV from my uncle.

August 15, 2011
12:40 AM
rodken
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Hey Gibbster, no matter what else you do (besides replacing that old Symantec AV) you really need to update your windows. There should be no way that you can't update unless your validation isn't working, which I would contact MS and correct it. Or you could search around and do it that other way, but let's not discuss anything of the sort here.

You could always use your other comp to send them emails until you figure it out.

This is probably not what your actually asking for. And if it isn't (if it's that other thing) than this is the wrong place. Good luck!

By the way did you try the other scanners?

August 16, 2011
6:23 AM
Mags
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If you have a legal version of XP then follow rodken's advice about contacting MS.  BTW it could also be a problem with too many reinstalls of the OS.  MS is known for only allowing so many reinstalls of an OS.

Next, As for Spybot, it used to be a great program, BUT it no longer is.  I used to use it but stopped a few years ago when it just wasn't as good anymore.

I would highly recommend Avast for your XP machine and still keep Malwarebytes.  What one misses the other might find.

Secondly, try going into Safe Mode and running your AV software.  Sometimes running AV software in normal mode doesn't find deeply imbeded viruses, but will find them when in Safe Mode.

Hope this helps.  

August 16, 2011
10:58 AM
Jyo
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Hmm…that's funny, I always thought Malwarebytes and SUPERAntiSpyware(yea, the name kinda stinks) were one of the better scanners. 

 

In any case, Mags is right, try a scan in Safe Mode, because it is "safer" that way. Non-core components of the operating system are disabled in Safe Mode, and usually malware cannot execute because of this. So using the two scanners I recommended above, you should have a better chance of detecting malware now IF there is one.

 

Edit: You should also have the portable version of SUPERAntiSpyware ready, saved on a usb drive or something, for the future. All I can say is, SUPERAntiSpyware has always done a good job for me (this is experience from actually catching malware multiple times and removing it with this – in safe mode of course!).

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