My computer won't let me open any anti virus program

Question

I have tried to open an anti-virus program. First I tried ThreatFire and it was initiating for about 1 hour. My computer is extremely sluggish not at all like it was in 2003 and the CPU usage is out of control. It is extremely unstable and crashes often. My computer is a 2003 hp pavilion running windows XP what should I do?

Answer 1

Since you have so many anti-malware programs, I won't even suggest any others.  Instead, try using them in Safe Mode or Safe Mode With Networking.  Both often prevent malware from protecting itself.  

Also, turn off System Restore to evict any copies of bad stuff that might be lurking there.  

To get into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking:

1. Log out and reboot your machine.

2. When the machine starts the reboot sequence, press the F8 key repeatedly.

3. Select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking from the resulting menu.

4. When the login screen comes up, log in as Administrator.  By default, Administrator has no password.

5. The machine will continue booting, but the Windows desktop will look different.  You won't be able to see the Internet, for instance.

6. When you're finished, log out and reboot back into normal mode.

Note that even if the anti-malware programs get rid of the malware, they may not be able to reverse the effects.  Search the Web for possible fixes.

Update and run scans regularly NOT JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU HAVE MALWARE.

Good luck.

Answer 2

use your restore cd's and wipe the drive, start fresh and crisp