P. C assistance:

[Savvy]

Any PC experts out there that could help with an issue thats just appeared on my laptop.

An update was installed yesterday prior to logging off, and this morning I found that XP Internet Security 2010 had manifested itself onto my machine! I understand that this is useless spyware, but haven't a scooby as to how to remove it! Any help would be gratefully appreciated!

[kyle17balby]

control panel
programs
uninstall programs

[BobG]

Maybe Kyle but not necessarily. If it's proper spyware it'll have defences aganst something as obvious as that. Have you got Spybot Savvy? That's a free download that does pretty well and is regularly updated. Or something that you pay for like Spyware Doctor will zap the little beast. I use both of those. They occasionally find something that they then nuke with disdain. I've only once had a real problem and that was my own silly fault.

AdAware is another free download by the way that has regular updates and works pretty well. Just don't run it together with Spybot.

Cheers

BobG

[Muttley]

mmm...

*strokes beard*

let me think...

*scratches head*

got it...

have you tried turning it off and back on again?

[Savvy]

Thanks Kyle, why didn't I think of that, the programe being removed as I write!

Bob, thanks for that, and your points duly noted, never had this issue before, and I can't understand how its got under the radar of McAfee which I am running as part of the Sky package I have! Going to give Spybot a whirl, your not the first to mention how good that is, I've heard fellas at work talking about! Bit of a laggared with PC issues!

Many thanks to both of you!

[Dagenham Rover]

Virus's and spyware are different issues so the chances are McAfee won't pick spyware up.
As Bob say's Spybot is a pretty reliable free antispyware.

This ones also a good free one
 http://www.malwarebytes.org/

You need to run Anti Virus s/w and anti spyware

[Savvy]

Thanks for the assistance fellas, just to update you, I took the advice to remove the service pack 3 (XP Internet Security 2010)with a view to installing the spybot recommended by Bob. However, having removed the programme and receiving a \"you need to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect\" message, I did so and the said laptop will not now load up past the point where I have to put in my laptop password.

Does anyone one know if thats game, set and match, or can the machine be recovered?

Anyone wondering how I'm logged on now, I'm using the in-laws computer!

Thanks for all your help lads!

[Dagenham Rover]

Try pressing f8 on boot up then either option \"last known good configuration\" or if it still does'nt boot try\"safe mode\" then hopefully you should be able to get at system restore.

If your unsure look here it'll explain it a bit easier
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm

[Savvy]

Dagenham.Rover wrote:

Try pressing f8 on boot up then either option \"last known good configuration\" or if it still does'nt boot try\"safe mode\" then hopefully you should be able to get at system restore.

If your unsure look here it'll explain it a bit easier
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm

Cheers Dags! I'll give it a shot when I get home, thanks for the link that looks useful too!

[kyle17balby]

or when its loading press f9 i think and run in safe mode not sure its one of the f buttons

[kyle17balby]

ohh someone already sadi lol i shud read before posting LOL

[Savvy]

Further to my last post, haven't been able to recover the machine!  Anyone got the details of a decent PC expert who can sort it for me, would go to PC world but had my eyes taken out last time with a relatively minor repair!

thanks in anticipation!!!!

[RobTheRover]

PMing you the details of a mate of mine who has his own IT support company.  He will be able to sort it for you.

[Savvy]

Thanks Rob, appreciate that, managed to get sorted by a lad at work who is a dark-horse where computers are concerned!

[RobTheRover]

No worries.