O/T but question about Computer hacked..and more.

[EasternPaMale]

well - this is partially my fault but i let my norton anti- virus expire a while ago. now as of friday i got virus's and anti spy checks and misc stuff popping up on my pc. now - i downloaded my pictures and documents to a cd but i'm curious to know if anyone thinks that there's a possiblity that virus's and the such will pass on to the new computer when i get money to buy one by means of the cd . And when i do get the new pc - even tho the computer is hacked and has virus's i was thinking of takin the harddrive out what else do i need to take out - my harddrive was screwed up a couple yrs ago any ways by electrical surge ... But info is info . any thougts?

[lubed_left_hand]

If the pictures and the documents were created by you then you shouldn't have a problem. You can put them on a cd, and if you have the system cds you can start from scratch. If you format and reload the operating system then all the spyware and viruses will be gone. There's reliable free stuff for taking care of viruses and spyware online that you can download. That's what I use. If you're getting a new computer I would definitely take the hard drive out and destroy it. Any of your personal info, bank account info, etc is still on there and can be retrieved.

[EasternPaMale]

well i don't use the pc for acccount info holds. i my have dollar amounts written on here and there. but no bank account numbers /credit card numbers are stored on my pc - unless the computer logs credit card numbers when you use say paypal . But yea - seriously i was planning on taking the hard drive out if /when i get a new pc. This hard drive was hit by a electrical surge (which would cost 240$ from hp) alone. this computer is aprox 4 yrs old. I think its time to get rid of the cpu unit- I 'll keep monitor and keyboard around . (As if i need spares lol .) whats the best way to destroy the hd?


the new computer i would like 2gb harddrive , and 512 or greater of ram i also want to be sure the virtual memory don't go so quick either....


my intentions of use :

email, chat ( im's , chat rooms) , downloading pics , possibly music as well .

i'm not much of a person who uses a computer what it was originally designed for - i use it to goof off basically really. any ways thanks for the reply.

[BigBob]

It all depends on the virus. You can't depend on the fact that you created the file because a virus can modify it so it can spread.

First thing I would try is install avast anti virus ( it's free, in fact all these programs are free) scan and remove any viruses from your computer.
Then install and run spybot search and destroy. It will clean up any corrupted settings on your computer, and you can configure it to prevent any changes unless you approve them.
The install and run Lavasoft Adaware. It will remove any adware from your computer.


That should get you back to running and the viruses and other junk removed from your computer.

[EasternPaMale]

It all depends on the virus. You can't depend on the fact that you created the file because a virus can modify it so it can spread.

First thing I would try is install avast anti virus ( it's free, in fact all these programs are free) scan and remove any viruses from your computer.
Then install and run spybot search and destroy. It will clean up any corrupted settings on your computer, and you can configure it to prevent any changes unless you approve them.
The install and run Lavasoft Adaware. It will remove any adware from your computer.


That should get you back to running and the viruses and other junk removed from your computer.

seems like a lot of work - going thru avast anti virus , then spybot then run lavasoft adaware .. as i said this computer harddrive got hit acouple years ago with a surge- and made it slow - my virtual memory is extremely low among other things on this computer. Just seems like a easier fix to just pull this harddrive and buy another computer - priced one at walmart emachines 498.00 plus tax . or i could just buy a laptop for about the same price- i'm tired of this computer running half assed before this spyware and what ever else it got latley . but once i buy it i'm getting more anti virus protection .



do you think i can print my documents with out a prblem ? I can always read off them and retype them into the new pc .. Its not alot - its just small amount of info . Whats sad is i have about 100 min of x-rated pics of ladies and gents i've gotten over time - and some car shows and such guess there's no saving them - sucks . o well - i'll just throw out the cd's i've burnt of the pics / docs i downloaded the other day .( breaking the discs of course)

[BigBob]

The thing is if you have got infected files IRS possible that as soon as you connect the drive to another system it will spread there. Is it worth the hassle of preventing your new system from possibly getting infected? That's something that only you can decide. For me it's always been worth the peace of mind knowing that it's clean.

[PlsBKind]

BigBob, this is great advice for anyone. An hour of work to clean up and protect your computer with free software will save a lot of work and anguish later. Anybody that's not doing this and is surfing the net downloading stuff from who knows where is looking for trouble, IMO.

And I second the comment about putting a drive that is or potentially is infected into a new computer. Just looking for lots of headaches.

[EasternPaMale]

The thing is if you have got infected files IRS possible that as soon as you connect the drive to another system it will spread there. Is it worth the hassle of preventing your new system from possibly getting infected? That's something that only you can decide. For me it's always been worth the peace of mind knowing that it's clean.

you mis understand me - I want to pull the hard drive out this computer - and dispose of the cpu unit - and the harddrive (old one) i will find a way to dispose of it becuase it is infected too - i understand the advise your giving but i think you guys aren't reading the posts correctly -


the computer has low virtual memory , Does not opperate correctly - i can't right click on things like to exit out of browsers . computer locks up on occasion . This computer was HIT BY ELECTRICAL SURGE . so it doesn't opperate right - IT Was going on the net - fine - even with that issue . but as of late its' gotten worse. The computer is 5 yrs old now- time to find another computer . theres trogins , worms. And someone has accesed my computer according to my pc . It has something collecting passwords on my pc . Everything is high status on my computer. there's like 183 threats on my pc . i've tried using system mechanic7 software to fix the problems and it won't allow me to . I've tried avs anti virus and that won't work - cause it is blocked by norton which is expired - That software won't work with norton in my computer system. I've tried to get norton deleted and it won't work . Seems easier to just replace the computer .


i DOWNLOADED documents and my pictures i've gotten over the years burned to a cd . but from what i'm told theres a chance that the infestation could have currpted my docs/pictures i've burned.


so to recap -

I plan on pulling out the harddrive and finding a way to dispose of it . and the cpu i will dispose of .

[lubed_left_hand]

Some pictures off the internet have been known to have scripts embedded in them. Malware can infect documents as well, but for the most part these are documents you download from the internet as opposed to once you've created. To be on the safe side the easiest and quickest solution would be to download those antispyware and antivirus programs listed. They're all free and have received very good reviews. I use them plus a few others. Once installed put your cd into your computer and do a right click on the drive. On the context menu that comes up you'll be able to scan with each one of the programs to ensure none of those files are infected. Or if you want you can open each of the programs and tell them to scan your cd rom drive. Once you determine that your cd is clean I'd restore everything to "bought from the store condition". Start from scratch. It might be less time consuming in the end.

There are some kinds of virus and spyware that these programs will tell you are removed, but when you reboot and run the programs again you'll see that it finds those same problems again. The other problem you might encounter is that one spyware program you run will find some spyware where another one might tell you that your system is clean which is why you should have several spyware programs installed. Some viruses and spyware rename themselves to stay on your computer. Some, when you click to remove will come up with a message telling you "access denied". There's also the issue of running the scans in normal or safe mode. Running the programs in both modes might give you different results. I've worked on quite a few computers and know that this can make a big difference.

It all depends on how involved you want to get.

[EasternPaMale]

this computer isn't gona be worth the effort - As i said over and over - it don't run right - Hp wanted 240$ to replace/repair the harddrive .. and my right click option does not work - any more- i'll just forget about documents and pics i have and dispose of the cpu - its just plain easier - i can't trust to take my computer to someone who knows what their doing as i like everyone else here have "private" adult pics of my self on this computer - i just don't want anyone else to know my private pics and such - maybe doing x rated pics and saving pics i like was a BAD idea all together .

[lubed_left_hand]

Just like sex....when you setup a computer, and before you go onto the internet.....always use protection...

Sounds to me like all you need is a new hard drive instead of a new computer. In any event. please, if you do get rid of that computer, take out that hard drive and destroy it! You're right in thinking someone could pull your pictures or anything else from it. Anything we delete can be recovered.

[hannay2]

I've just come to this late, and have simply gone to your original question ...

With your computer fried and buggy the way you describe, and if it is past doing anything with/about, then firstly take the biggest hammer you can find to the hard drive ... I can't strongly enough stress that physical destruction is the only good answer to the first of what's worrying you - see it in pieces and with its discs shattered.

You really don't need to pull the CPU, but if it gives you some additional reassurance/comfort do the same and flatten it. If you've a local computer recycling organisation, what's left should be fine to donate to them to strip and use in underprivileged communities where they might do some good, like the monitor, keyboard, CD drive/burner etc ... just check along the way that you didn't leave a disc in the CD/DVD drive though!

In truth I'd expect that with time and some cost the computer you have could be broght back to good condition with some things replaced, clean memory, couple of drives, like that, however that's probably for the die-hards and if you are comfortable to do so and can manage the cost then the easy-out is to pick up a new machine and then you are all set ... just be sure to set it up properly from the start however so you don't get a repeate of the same virus atack issues ....

Although it is unlikely that there's viruses in pics you have created and saved on CDs, it certainly isn't possible to absolutely guarantee that there's nothing embedded in other stuff you may have saved/included from different sources ... in that case yes there's a chance that a new PC could become infected at some point if you were to open/run/play/whatever a dirty file/pic/etc.

That one is a judgement call. The only way of being totally worry-free is to trash all the CDs ...

... but if that's a borderline choice for you to make, the reality is that as far as the CDs are concerned you would be taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut - one that might not even be there. A perfectly reasonable option woud be to download the free virus checkers, malware checkers etc that are mentioned above, and with your CDs in the drive one at a time have the virus/malware checkers just check the CD drive ... I'd think there's a high chance you would be all-clear, so wouldn't have to lose pictures that you would still prefer to have around. It would be safe to do these CD checks on the new computer when you get it, the virus checkers etc won't open/operate the files it checks but just uncovers where there's a problem and then you can do as you see fit ... like I said, I'd expect that there's a low chance of there being something there, and running a couple of different checkers on them would cover the bases.

However, ultimately the only way to be certain-sure your worries etc are gone is to destroy/scatter all storage media, disable the system, and trash the hardware if it isn't usable any more anyway. Your choice.

If I can be of further help PM me.

[Zipgun]

LOL Damn dude what kind of material did you have on this HD. That your so worried about it being totally destroyed?

Physical destruction is the only 100% effective way..

After reading your virus and electrical problems etc.. Imo you should of tested it with a different power supply and or ram chips on your surged comp 1st. Surges usually hit and damage those first.. Also most Cpu's have built in safety against voltage spikes.



Next PC: I would recommend a Hardware firewall Software firewalls are for shit, likewise for freeware/cheapo AV and spyware progs. Dont be cheap (heck bittorent if you are ) spend a few bucks on some decent protection (panda and avg pro are affordable options). Ditch norton as its useless. And use a good surge protector.

Dont access any any file on cd or dvd that you had burned or saved with you previous infested comp on your new pc. Without installing updated protection and scanning them 1st. or your going to have the same problems all over again.. Dont worry too much spyware/virus's in pics or doc's etc.. Their not to common and very easy to take care of.. Its the ones embedded in exe's, registries and other similar files etc.. that are a pain.

Btw I use Fortinet FortiGate HWFW on both my home and business severs http://www.fortinet.com/products/telesoho.html and NOD32 http://www.eset.com/products/nod32.php on all work and home (wife&kids) PC's and never had any infection or intrusion.. My wife and I even my kids etc.. click on most anything sometimes.

[EasternPaMale]

LOL Damn dude what kind of material did you have on this HD. That your so worried about it being totally destroyed?

Physical destruction is the only 100% effective way..

After reading your virus and electrical problems etc.. Imo you should of tested it with a different power supply and or ram chips on your surged comp 1st. Surges usually hit and damage those first.. Also most Cpu's have built in safety against voltage spikes.



Next PC: I would recommend a Hardware firewall Software firewalls are for shit, likewise for freeware/cheapo AV and spyware progs. Dont be cheap (heck bittorent if you are ) spend a few bucks on some decent protection (panda and avg pro are affordable options). Ditch norton as its useless. And use a good surge protector.

Dont access any any file on cd or dvd that you had burned or saved with you previous infested comp on your new pc. Without installing updated protection and scanning them 1st. or your going to have the same problems all over again.. Dont worry too much spyware/virus's in pics or doc's etc.. Their not to common and very easy to take care of.. Its the ones embedded in exe's, registries and other similar files etc.. that are a pain.

Btw I use Fortinet FortiGate HWFW on both my home and business severs http://www.fortinet.com/products/telesoho.html and NOD32 http://www.eset.com/products/nod32.php on all work and home (wife&kids) PC's and never had any infection or intrusion.. My wife and I even my kids etc.. click on most anything sometimes.

well i have x rated pics of my self and i have xrated pics of girls and guys on my computer -. i'm sure a computer tech has seen everything under the sun and some before but i guess i value my privacy . then a gain i post pics (xrated ) but never my face - but it only takes 1 pic that a computer tech can take and go join the groups/ forums i'm on that are listed on my history and say a few things - . i'm gona go by what others have said and take a sledge hammer to the harddrive and make sure its broken . i don't have accounts or anything like that on my harddrive but i have information on there that a theife can use to thier advantage as such as addresses to houses to which to check out a rob i so desired . i am gona get the best i can afford in internet security hardware when i get my new pc - may take a couple weeks tho to get the new pc . Waiting for previous year tax refund ( i'm a slacker in taxes didn't do my 05 taxes til this month lol) i'm stupid when it comes to taxes i usually get someone to do mine for me but for some reason i didn't that year

[BigBob]

Honestly I've not seen problems with the tools I mentioned above, but it is important to mention that using a router and not connecting your computer directly to the internet is pretty much a requirement these days.

If you want an additional tool that will protect your PC and provide enterprise level protection, but is easy to use and configure, get Astaro. You can download it for free to use at home, and you can install it on a VERY minimal machine. I've run it on a 500mhz machine with no problems. It gives you tons of security is easy to manage, and would remove a lot of your concern about configuring a router.