Computer Illiterate, Malware Attack. Please Help Me.

Tonight my laptop was hit with the Windows 7 Home Security virus. I thought I removed it but now when I start my computer it takes me to a black screen with two options, either to launch the Startup Repair or start Windows normally. When I launch Startup Repair it is unable to fix any of the problems it has found and prompts me to do a System Restore. When I start Windows normally it just takes me back to the black screen with the same two options. Someone please help me, what should I do?

 

Hi and welcome to Major Geeks, CARNEASADA!

For x32 (x86) bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and save it to a flash drive.
For x64 bit systems download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool x64 and save it to a flash drive.

Plug the flashdrive into the infected PC.

Enter System Recovery Options.

To enter System Recovery Options from the Advanced Boot Options:

• Restart the computer.
• As soon as the BIOS is loaded begin tapping the F8 key until Advanced Boot Options appears.
• Use the arrow keys to select the Repair your computer menu item.
• Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.
• Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
• Select your user account an click Next.

To enter System Recovery Options by using Windows installation disc:

• Insert the installation disc.
• Restart your computer.
• If prompted, press any key to start Windows from the installation disc. If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, check your BIOS settings.
• Click Repair your computer.
• Select US as the keyboard language settings, and then click Next.
• Select the operating system you want to repair, and then click Next.
• Select your user account and click Next.

On the System Recovery Options menu you will get the following options:

• • 
    Startup Repair
    System Restore
    Windows Complete PC Restore
    Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
    Command Prompt
• Select Command Prompt
• In the command window type in notepad and press Enter.
• The notepad opens. Under File menu select Open.
• Select "Computer" and find your flash drive letter and close the notepad.
• In the command window type e:\frst.exe (for x64 bit version type e:\frst64) and press Enter
  Note: Replace letter e with the drive letter of your flash drive.
• The tool will start to run.
• When the tool opens click Yes to disclaimer.
• Press Scan button.
• It will make a log (FRST.txt) on the flash drive. Please attach this file to your next reply. (How to attach)

 

Thank you so much. I actually read and followed all the steps provided in the "READ AND RUN ME FIRST Malware Removal Guide" post by chaslang and it fixed my problem. I really should have looked there first I'm just new to the site. I did download the Farbar Recovery Scan Tool and saved it to my flash drive though, should I follow the rest of your steps or do you think I'm good to go?

 

You're welcome.

Glad to hear it.

Welcome aboard! :major

If things are running well for you now then it is not needed. I was under the impression that you were not able to boot into Windows at all which is why I recommended FRST.

If you are not having any other malware problems then make sure you run the clean up steps listed here starting at Step 5: Enable User Account Control (UAC) if you have not done so already.

Surf safely!

 

You are too kind, thank you for all the good information. That Malwarebytes program is pretty decent. And when I initially posted I couldn't do anything, my computer was useless as a chocolate teapot. Thank you again for your help, I appreciate it

 

No problem MalwareBytes' is a great program that is updated multiple times a day. They are really dedicated to keep up with the latest threats

Take care and surf safely!