What type of virus have I got on my PC?

Question

My PC is quite old now and I think it's gotten a virus. I don't exactly know how I got it nor where it came from but what I can tell you are the effect's it's having...

- Erased previous Restore Dates and created one for it's self as "Last known good config"

- I can't open "Add or Remove programs"

- I can't turn on Windows Automatic Updates

- I cant run my Norton 360

- Keep getting the blue screen (Physical Dump)

My PC also restarts it's self on it's own, especially if I turn it off for a while then try to turn it on again and it takes so long for it to stay turned on. Sometimes the Monitor doesn't switch on either but I put this down to the PC being old.

What I've tried so far...

Updated to service pack 2 and gotten the security center and Windows Defender. However it still wont let me turn on automatic updates and when I try to run it to scan for new definitions it simply comes at me with an error code and says it can't scan for any definitions.

What I need...

Any help on any other methods of fixing this problem and protecting my PC. I think it was on there before I put Norton 360 on it. I don't want to Re-format my PC (again). So if anyone knows what I'm dealing with and how I can fix it then it would be a big help. I'm not a complete genius when it comes to PC's so keep it user friendly please!

If you think you can help then please get in contact.

Thanks and have a great day!

Answer 1

Could be a problem with device drivers, hardware or software. This  problem can be solved by uninstalling new softwares, updating device drivers and making minor configuration changes . From http://fixit.in/bluescreenofdeath.html . You can also run a free registry scan using utilities from http://re7.info

Answer 2

I agree with one of the responses.  You would be spending more time trying to fix the problem when you can just reformat.  Once you do that, you can install the programs that will keep your computer clean.

If you are infected, and files are corrupted, the best thing to do is Reformat. SAVE ALL YOUR DOC, MUSIC AND PICS.

insert your Windows xp Disc that came with the computer and the computer will do the rest. Just follow instructions.

But remember AGAIN, you will loose everything, so save your documents and music and pictures, etc.

Try AVG. it is FREE. Link is Below. Some Programs that WILL Help.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 7.5.519

http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-F...

Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.5.2

http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-De...

Avast

http://www.avast.com/eng/home-registrati...



$ the best price for your money is Kaspersky Shield Deluxe 2008. Under $40.00

Good Luck. ....

Answer 3

can you start in safe mode? if so you should be able to open the add/remove programs then, remove anything that shouldnt be there. anything that has search assistance or 180 in it has to go. once you remove most of the junk it might let you run the virus scan.  

Answer 4

i think at this point the easiest was would be to re format. i know you don't want to but honestly you will be spending hours on trying to fix this.

Answer 5

I think it messed up with your registry, most anti virus can't fix registry things.