This is unrelated to San Pedro except for the fact that I will be there in ten days and need to get my problem under control ASAP. There is something attacking my computer. I have constant pop ups and virus alerts. I believe my problem stems from a rogue anti-virus program "antivirus 360". My googling indicates that I should download and run a program called malwarebytes to get rid of my problem. Have any of you had a similar problem?

google and download malware bytes, that will fix your problem.

AC

http://www.malwarebytes.org/ - thats the link

I would be deeply distrustful of any program if another one tells you to download it. Far better to get some good anti-malware software (which won't be free) and follow the instructions. You may already have something so deeply embedded in the boot sector of the disk that the only was to clean the machine is to reformat the hard disk and reload Windows and all your user software.

Try uninstalling this program you mention "antivirus 360". I suspect you'll find you can't, and that program has itself infected the boot sector. In that case you have no option but to reformat. To do that you need an original Windows disk.

If you can afford to, do this:
Save your data (personal things) to an external backup
Make sure you have all your apps and specialized software on CDs
Make sure you have your original Windows OS
Wipe the hard drive
Reninstall Windows OS
Run updates
Download the spyware/malware apps - run them
Reinstall personal and softwares
Run spyware/malware again
Install anti virus (purchase this!) run it
Stay up to date on Windows Critical updates
Stay up to date on spyware/malware and anti virus

Whew...have a few Belikins in there somewhere too.

sailfish - if it makes you feel better, i got that same thing on my ancient laptop i use just for fun. i removed all unnecessary files & recent downloads, and it improved a lot, but still getting some rogue pop up windows, bogging down my surfing.

of course, i have found all the orig startup discs except the OS, and it wont accept my new vista ones.

it works, but i get frustrated. any advice?

Yes. Assuming it uses XP you'll have to get an XP disk. Use that disk to reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Then do what 6string said.

If you don't have an original XP disk or a reinstall disk for your computer (which would include XP) then you'll need either to buy one or get it done for you. If you bring the machine down here then PM me. At home you'll need to take it to a repair shop. The process of reloading Windows, finding and reloading all device drivers (you forgot that, 6string!) and bringing everything up to date as he said, will take upwards of a day. If you take the computer to a shop you'll probably find it uneconomic.

By FAR the best cure is prevention!

Gulp!......I'm running XP, but I dont even know if I have any apps disks. This Lenovo computer came with everything installed. I'll have to look and see if I can find anything. I suppose I could save all my personal files by sending them to my web based email. or I could put them on a flash drive.

Ive had personal computers since the early 80's, but I to me the whole thing is like learning greek. I suppose the cheapest thing would be to go down to office depot and pick up another laptop. Sheeeesh!!! Thanks for all your suggestions. I will try and figure out what I can do from here.

Yeah.....thats what i figured Peter. Thats why I might as well just go shopping. I'll call around first. I cant find the discs. I cant remember if i made a backup or not. I thought i remembered that i did.

I own www.certifiednerds.com - large computer repair company in ohio. You can google "computer repair ohio" and Im number 1 out of hundreds of thousands. I assure you i know this virus and that program will get rid of it . Only here to help. Program is free.

Enjoy

AC