Tag Archives: Virus

Q. How do I know if a website has a virus?

Downloading files from websites (especially pirated files) is risky no matter what. The files may not be what you think they are, and may contain malware installers.  Or the site may be ‘poisoned’ and try to automatically download malware to … Continue reading

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Q. What is running on my PC?

How do I tell what programs are running on my machine that aren’t listed on the Task Bar? Hit Control – Alt – Delete — this brings up the Task Manager. Windows XP http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/taskman.htm Windows 7 http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/window-on-windows/reap-the-benefits-of-windows-7s-task-manager/2576 You can now … Continue reading

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Q. What is a Rootkit?

A rootkit is a persistent virus that is much harder to remove than a normal virus because it gains privileged access to the machine, modifies the system at a low level and cloaks its visibility. Once established, rootkit infections often … Continue reading

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Q. Is there any Internet security threat if I only visit reputable sites?

Yes there is a threat even if you only visit ‘safe’ places.  You could get a virus through emails, which redirects your links from what you thought was a reputable site to a phony site.  Banner ads on a reputable … Continue reading

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Q. Every time I go to a website from Google, it sends me to some different website with advertising

You have a Google Redirect Virus.  It is a type of virus called a Rootkit, and can be missed by antivirus programs. Restart your machine in Safe Mode with networking (hit F8 at start time) Disable SpyBot TeaTimer if you … Continue reading

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Q. I got a “Windows Recovery” virus – I removed it but now all my data folders are empty.

It sounds like you may not have completely removed the virus,  it doesn’t delete the files, but it hides your data folders and shows you fake empty folders. Follow these instructions to remove and repair Windows Recovery, SmartHDD, HDD Recovery, … Continue reading

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