Help with a virus, please! - Democratic Underground

holeinboatoutatsea

(417 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 08:42 PM
Original message

Help with a virus, please!

I work with someone that bought a used computer from another co-worker. She can use her email and run programs that are already on the computer, but heres the problem:

When she downloads a file/program, it won't let her install it. It gives her an error message something to the effect that it can't find the dll file. Her ISP said she probably has a virus, but offered no help with getting rid of it.

Any ideas out there in DUland?

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Gman

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 08:54 PM
Response to Original message

1. go to

http://www.grisoft.com and download the free AVG software. it will also have instructions on what to do if you suspect you have a virus prior to installation.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

proud patriot

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 08:55 PM
Response to Reply #1

2. Yeah that's the one I use also

:thumbsup:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

holeinboatoutatsea

(417 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 08:56 PM
Response to Reply #1

3. I'll try that one, but

I tried another free antivirus. It downloaded fine, but wouldn't install. Nothing installs.

Thanks for the input! The instructions about prior infection should help. I'll let her know.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

papau

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 09:24 PM
Response to Reply #3

7. A virus scan by the "trend" website as you wait. - link below

http://housecall.antivirus.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

holeinboatoutatsea

(417 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 09:26 PM
Response to Reply #7

8. great

thanks! I'll let you know if it works!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

democracyindanger

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 08:57 PM
Response to Original message

4. A particular file/program

or any file/program?

Maybe the co-worker uninstalled and deleted a bunch of stuff before he sold it, and inadvertently deleted some shared files.

I'd reformat and reinstall everything. It's a pain, but at least your friend would have a fresh starting point.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

holeinboatoutatsea

(417 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 08:59 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. She doesn't have any of the program/driver disks

only the old computer!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

democracyindanger

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Mar-15-04 09:03 PM
Response to Reply #5

6. I hope

she got an amazing deal. At some point, she'll probably have to reinstall something. :(

What OS is she using? I might be wrong, but if it's Windows XP she might have problems getting updates, especially if the seller is using the same software license (i.e. he kept the original XP disks to install on his new computer, which would mean HIS computer would be registered with MS for updates, etc...not hers).

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Thu May 02nd 2024, 07:53 PM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.