I have two computers, one of which got infected by a virus, not allowing access to the internet. Can I remove it somehow without taking a chance on buying an anti-spyware program that may or may not work? Or, can I use the second computer to download something to a disc that might work?SteveyV1 person needs an answerI do too

Download the free versions of these two programs to the other computer and then copy them to CD or flash and install on the infected machine.Malwarebytes Anti-Malwarehttp://malwarebytes.org/SpywareBlasterhttp://download.cnet.com/SpywareBlaster/3000-8022_4-10196637.htmlWhat anti-virus program are you currently using?Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

On the infected computer, unbeknownst to me, there was none. On the working computer I am using a free version of Avast. I had Microsoft Forefront Security but deleted it as it was running concurrently with the Avast, appeared geared towards business, and was slowing down the performance. I downloaded the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and tried to upload it to the infected computer and it blocks me. The virus appears to be insidious and is not only preventing access to the internet but is also blocking everything else (Word documents, etc...). I can get the directories to display in Explorer but can't go much farther than that. I'm guessing that the damage is done and I will have to spend $200-$300 at Best Buy to fix this. I haven't bothered to try the SpywareBlaster; I assume I'll get the same result.Are these things (viruses)created and sent out from overseas? Has anyone ever tracked them down and prosecuted them? I assume that would be easy enough if they're asking for money, there has to be a money trail? If I could find where he lives I'd like to go to the author's house and talk to him about this.

Did you try loading Malwarebytes in Safe Mode and Offline? Maybe.....If you have a local, reputable computer repair shop, I would recommend that over the Geek Squad. If there is a chance to save any of your files, the local shop would probably try their best. Their Geek Squad will most likely just wipe out everything and reload your OS.When you get everything sorted out, I would make sure you put Malwarebytes and SpywareBlaster on both machines. Run them once a week and at least they will be there when you need them.New Trojans and other forms of Malware are introduced daily and I doubt it will ever be stopped. Have you ever noticed that some days Avast may update 3 or 4 times? They all do their best to keep up, but are always one step behind as they cant update until after the fact. And you don't have to be doing anything wrong to be attacked. Doing a simple Google or Bing search for the 2010 NFL schedule, you could click on an honest looking link that has been infected. The best you can hope for is to be as protected as possible.Avast is good, but I would add Windows Defender to the mix, but that program will be fading away in the near future. Or, drop Avast for Microsoft Security Essentials. Anti-Virus, Spyware and Malware all in one. Or if you don't mind paying, Nod32 is an excellent choice.All that said, there is no program that is 100% foolproof.Good luck. Bruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]

Bruce: Thanks for the assistance. re your suggestions: Are Malwarebytes and Spywareblaster redundant? SHould both go on the same machine? Doesn't that slow the comnputer down? Also, is Microsoft Security Essentials a free-bie? Thanks.

Bruce: Thanks for the assistance. re your suggestions: Are Malwarebytes and Spywareblaster redundant? SHould both go on the same machine? Doesn't that slow the comnputer down? Also, is Microsoft Security Essentials a free-bie? Thanks.They are not redundant as one may pick up something the other missed. Malware is generic for any type of 'bug'. Spyware is more specific.They only run when you run them so they won't slow the machine down when not running. I don't notice a difference when they are running, but a Quick Scan with Malwarebytes only takes about three minutes anyway.MSE is a freebie and something MS got right for a change, IMHO.Microsoft Security Essentialshttp://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspxShould you go that route, make sure you get Avast off completely.Alwil (Avast) Software Removal Utilityhttp://files.avast.com/files/eng/aswclear.exeBruce Hagen ~ MS-MVP [Mail]