computer help please (restore to previous state)

[billyhallfan]

there is some virus protection system that keeps popping up on my computer, whenever you open up the internet, it has a toolbar on top, it is now the homepage, I don't want it there, I think it is a scam, how can I get rid of it, would it work to restore the computer to an earlier day?

 

Can someone please tell me what to do and also how to restore the computer.

 

Thanks

 

 

(added tags, expanded title --1992)

[And That]

Buy an Apple.

[edod]

You might be able to uninstall it through control panel, but you will probably need to run an anti-spyware program after. Try Spybot Search & Destroy. Download, install, update, immunize then run full scan. (Link)

 

It might say you need to run SSD on startup, do so and it should clean it up nicely.

 

As far as the startup page, change it in tools/options after cleaning the system.

[1992casey]

This page offers information on dealing with restoring the computer to a previous configuration:

 

How to restore the operating system to a previous state in Windows XP

 

Those directions seem to make the process a whole lot more complicated than it actually is. If I had Windows in front of me, I could simplify the directions. The process is pretty self-explanatory once you get the Restore thinger opened up.

 

Depending on how far back you go, if you've installed software recently, that software may break. That's because that software's registry entries would become unavailable. If that happens, simply reinstall that piece of software.

 

Note that restoring the system to a previous configuration doesn't remove undesirable software; it simply makes it non-functional.

 

In addition to Search & Destroy, you can install and run this: Ad-Aware 2007 Free.

 

I haven't tried this personally, but SpywareBlaster prevents malware installation without running processes in the background. It disables entries in the Registry that allow junk to be installed.

 

Chances are you're already covered with this, but it's also a good idea to not use Internet Explorer. It's just not safe unless you have a good understanding of anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and various controls scattered around the Windows operating system. Firefox and Opera are excellent browser alternatives. Additionally, Apple has released a Safari beta for Windows.

 

Another very good idea is to run Windows as a Limited User rather than as an an Administrative User. (I even do that on OS X.) If you're running as a Limited User, malware will find it much tougher to install itself.

[billyhallfan]

thanks for the help casey, it is back to normal from the restoration, thanks again.