Virus problem

[just_asim]

I suspect my laptop is infected by virus and the anti-virus has also been made corrupt by it, my question is - now how can I clean my laptop (don't want to format and reinstall OS) and reinstall the antivirus.

OS - WINDOWS HOME SP3

[nims11]

try an online scanner or a boot-time scanner. An online scanner like Free ESET Online Antivirus Scanner should help. you may try some other online scanners too..

[just_asim]

Any offline suggestions...my net connection is a bit slow..so it may take hours to complete...

Originally Posted by nims11

try an online scanner or a boot-time scanner. An online scanner like Free ESET Online Antivirus Scanner should help. you may try some other online scanners too..

[nims11]

online scan guarantees a scan using latest virus definition. the online scanners first downloads the definitions and then performs the scan in offline mode, so you will only require your internet connection to dwnload the scanner and the definitions. Thus, i recommend to take the pain and perform an online scan.

even if you use a boot-time scanner, i think they will also need internet connection to update their definitions.

[Piyush]

the best option already recommended
or else u should reinstall the antivirus and update its definitions
but first option is my choice too

[Sam]

install ComboFix & scan your system. but its a high risk software so it may do more damage then the viruses. use it only if you are sure your system is infected.

ELSE

use McAfee AVERT Stinger (7Mb, no installation) & scan your system. delete anything it finds else the virus mayn't allow the installation of A/V softwares. then install Avast! Free Edition 6 & Emsisoft Anti-Malware 5 & SuperAntiSpyware 4.

[Anish]

Get a latest k7 total security installation disk (I mean the disk when u purchase it). Ask it for from your friends or any store, then while running the setup with the cd, it will prompt to scan your system before installing k7.. much better option if no access to online

[just_asim]

Thanks! All for the valuable suggestion.
So if I'm going for online scan should I unistall my antivirus first and perform the scan or let it remain installed and perform the SCAN.

[Anish]

Let it be there.. you continue with your online scan

[gameranand]

Originally Posted by Sam.Shab

ComboFix

What is this thing. I mean if its a anti virus then how could it do more damage than virus and if not what is this ???

[Sam]

its a virus removal tool & it may change registry value & may edit some critical windows file. i have never used it so not very much sure.

[nims11]

i used combofix long time ago when i faced the same prob and i had a dial up connection that time. didnt do any harm to me but niether it helped me.