IT Queries: Computer problems answered

I am getting a series of errors appears when I boot up my PC.
Error loading C:\\PROGRA~1\\MYWEBS~1\\bar\\5.bin\\MWSBAR.DLL

thanks – Grahame

You have some spyware on your computer, or at least the remnants of it. It sounds like the My Web Search program has been partially removed but Windows still wants to start it. The first step is to scan your computer for spyware.

Once you’ve cleared your computer of any spyware infection, you need to use the MSConfig function to check what’s starting up.

Spyware can be a difficult thing to remove, if you find you are stuck then call an experienced tech

The computer just closed to a blank screen with the message no signal detected. We are running XP. I updated Norton Antivirus and then tried to scan in case of a virus and the computer just goes to the blank screen with no signal detected

The “No Signal Detected” message means exactly that; the computer monitor isn’t getting a signal from the computer. Basically it means the computer is off or the cable to the monitor is disconnected.

Sometimes it means the computer’s graphic card has failed.

In your case, it means the computer is shutting down when you run Norton. This is serious.

Either Windows is crashing due to a memory problem or, more likely, you have an extremely serious spyware infection.

We’d strongly suggest you call out a service technician to have a look at your system.

MY PC IS SAYING \”VIRUS FOUND JS/DOWNLOAD AGENT\”
WHAT DO I DO?

I AM RUNNING WINDOWS XP HOME EDITION.

First, you turn off your caps lock key. Writing messages in capitals is not good form. Some tips for writing emails and Internet messages can be found at our PC Rescue website.

The message indicates a web site has attempted a “drive by download”, that is it’s tried to install some malware while a user was visiting the site.

The virus checker should have a “fix” or “delete” option. Do it.

If the message continues, it indicates you have a malware infection that keeps re-installing the agent. To remove this, follow our Removing a Trojan instructions.

Removing a persistent spyware infection can be a difficult, irritating job. You may need a computer tech to clean this for you. Make sure you back up all your important data before the tech arrives.

“When attempting to download images from some websites, I am asked to download a program “Video ActiveX”. Do you know if it is safe to allow this program to my PC?

Also, when I try to cancel the image download, I am not able to without accessing Task Manager and closing Internet Explorer. Can you advise an alternate method?”

Both of these problems indicate a spyware infection. Active X downloads are the favourite methods of spyware writers. Firefox and Opera don’t have built in support for Active X and this is why we recommend them over Internet Explorer.

You must check your computer for spyware. We’ve previously posted the instructions to do this. We’d also strongly recommend you stop using Internet Explorer and start using an alternative browser.

I have adware.mywebsearch.df on my PC. the counterspy ware and Bullguard cannot remove it. Do you have any suggestions?

Unfortunately many antivirus and security programs struggle with spyware infections. We suggest you follow our instructions for Removing a Trojan.

We’re not great fans of Bull guard and we don’t know much about counterspy, but the fact neither program can deal with the infection shouldn’t fill you with confidence about these products.

We’d suggest other programs such as AVG, F-Secure and Kaspersky.

Hi,
Im not to bad with computers but latley of got the \”megaclick\” virus were it takes you to the megaclick page whenever you clickany link and claims it doesnt exist(obviously a lie since google does exist)
Ive tried all my virus programs wich are

Greg

Greg, you have a spyware infection. Page hijacking, where the start page is taken over by the bad guys, is a classic trick of these people.

To fix it, follow our Removing a Trojan advice. Before starting, make sure your Spybot Search and Destroy is fully up to date along with the other removal tools.

My PC keeps shutting down. What might the problem be?

This is one of those problems that could be a number of things. It could be hardware or software related.

The key to finding out is by noting when it shuts down. If it regularly shuts down due after several minutes work, then it is probably hardware related. Shutting down when a certain program or document is opened, usually indicates a software problem.

You’ll have to note when the shutdowns actually happen before it’s possible to say what the problem probably is.

It’s worthwhile running a check for malware. Sometimes spyware and viruses cause these shutdowns.

If it’s a hardware problem, it’s probably a failed fan or defective power supply. Sometimes an inadequate power supply is trying to power too many devices. Unplugging all USB and Firewire equipment will indicate if this is a problem.

Diagnosing these sort of problems takes experience and patience. You might find calling a computer technician is a quicker and more cost effective solution.

If it’s a hardware

My anti virus program says it’s detected a Trojan on my work computer, and then requested delete, but the computer is still behaving strangely and the warning keeps happening. Is there another program that may help?

Simply deleting the Trojan probably won’t work. The problem with these programs is they are designed to hide in system files and reappear at the first opportunity.

Fixing a Trojan infection can be a very difficult process. The first step is to backup your data. It may be necessary to wipe your computer and reinstall everything.

Once you’ve backed up all your data, download as many spyware removal tools as possible to remove the trojan. We’d suggest starting with Malware Bytes, Spybot and Adaware.

A good anti-virus is also important. We’d recommend installing one of the free virus protection tools which we discuss at Which Free Anti-Virus is Best.

Each of these programs should be installed and their update routines run so they are fully up to date. DO NOT SCAN YOUR COMPUTER OR TRY TO REMOVE THE TROJAN YET.

Shutdown your computer and restart in Safe Mode. This will start the computer with the basic settings and, hopefully, without the Trojan starting, this is essential if you want to remove the trojan from your system.

With the computer running in Safe Mode, run all the anti virus and anti spyware programs you previously installed. Do one at a time and be aware this will take many hours.

This will clear all but the worst Trojan, virus or spyware infections, but what you should be aware of is modern malare is very good at hiding itself and if the problem persists you either have to call a technician or wipe the computer. This may be necessary to remove the Trojan from your computer

After any spyware or Trojan infection, you should be aware that any online services you’ve accessed might be compromised. We highly recommend you change all banking and other sensitive passwords and monitor your financial statements closely after finding an infection.

When I click on my Windows Explorer I get a new screen rather that the old one. This new screen warns me of a risk to my security level. I use PC-ciilin already. This new one appears to be a windows explorer security service and tells me I should download asoftware called “Spi Heal” and “Dr Antispy”. Is this a legitimate warning and should I download it. When I close it, my wndows explorer screen closes so I can’t use the internet. Should I get rid of it and, if so, how?

Geoff

Hi Geoff,

You’ve got a spyware infection.

The first step is to do a quick scan using an online scanning program like the XClean online scan. We’d recommend downloading it then restarting in safe mode and running the spyware scan.

Unfortunately these type of warnings usually indicate a fairly advanced infection. Once you’ve cleaned it, it might be worthwhile to run a system restore to an earlier point which will hopefully not be infected.

If you continue getting these messages, you’ll need to call your local friendly computer tech. Make sure you back up your important data as it might be best to reformat your computer.