Got a virus, it says it's gone, but my computer crashes every 5 seconds

[Joey]

A person on Twitter had the problem stated in the Subject line above. Below is the solution.


The first thing you need to do is start your computer in “Safe Mode with Networking” (aka “Boot into Safe Mode with Networking”). Safe Mode with Networking disables a lot of functions within Windows, which disables the vast majority of virus/malware/adware/spyware threats temporarily. This will give you the breathing space/time you need to remove the threat to your computer.
Then you run a full/thorough scan of your entire PC using 3 programs, then run CCleaner.

Follow all of the instructions below in order…

--- Boot Into Safe Mode with Networking ---
1. Turn your computer off. Wait a few seconds
2. Turn your computer on. Continuously tap the “F8” key on your keyboard until you get the, “Advance Boot Options” screen
3. Select the 2nd option “Safe Mode with Networking” by pressing the, Down Arrow on your keyboard and hit the “Enter” key on your keyboard
4. When the computer starts up in Safe Mode, everything on the screen will look large and out of the ordinary, that is normal while in safe mode

--- Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware ---
1. Download and install the free version of Anti-Malware from here http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
2. Install Anti-Malware and run an update
3. Perform a Full/Thorough scan of your entire PC using Anti-Malware
4. Follow all on-screen instructions. If it tells you to restart/reboot your computer do so. When it restarts be sure to boot into Safe Mode with Networking again.

Here is a Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware tutorial: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/Learn-How-To-Remove-AntiVirus-2009-Malware

--- SUPERAntiSpyware ---
1. Download and install the free version of SUPERAntiSpyware from here http://www.superantispyware.com/download.html
2. Install SUPERAntiSpyware and run an update
3. Perform a Full/Thorough scan of your entire PC using SUPERAntiSpyware
4. Follow all on-screen instructions. If it tells you to restart/reboot your computer do so. When it restarts be sure to boot into Safe Mode with Networking again.

Here is a SUPERAntiSpyware tutorial: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Remove-Spyware-Malware-Adware-PC-SUPERAntiSpyware

--- Run your Anti-Virus program ---
1. Update your Anti-Virus program on your PC and run a Full/Thorough scan of your entire PC.

If you do not have an anti-virus program I recommend the following programs depending on your budget….
The best Anti-Virus program out there is Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010. Here is a link to purchase it at a discounted rate http://bit.ly/Kaspersky
Although it is not nearly as good as Kaspersky or a few other paid programs one of the best free Anti-Virus programs out there is Avira. You can download it here http://www.free-av.de/en/trialpay_download/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html

--- CCleaner ---
1. Download and install the free CCleaner from here http://www.ccleaner.com/download
2. Run CCleaner and also run it’s Registry cleaner
Here is a CCleaner tutorial: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/Learn-How-To-CCleaner-Clean-Optimize-Free-Up-Hard-Drive-Space-Windows

Now restart your PC normally and everything should be fine.