I ran out of luck today. My way out of date Norton AV let a virus in somewhere, somehow. This particular virus continually send out email as soon as the data cable is plugged in. It has removed my email account from OE, and installed a bogus account like"000001 default". I removed that account, but it doesn't stop the emails going out. They are not addresses from my book, they must be in a file somewhere. I've tried to download Norton 2006, but can't get it to activate, probably because of all the emails trying to be sent. My question is, how can I disable the email function of windows XP? As I said, there are no accounts set up in OE, so the virus is not using this to send. Is there a port I can disable and still have internet access to finish the Norton install and scan my computer? I'm using my laptop on a wireless connection, and have installed new Norton on here with no problems.
Thanks for any advice.

I am no computer expert,though I thought I was terminal one time. When my computer died in April I downloaded AVG.free download.It is a terrific virus scanner.I also use Mozilla Firefox instead of Internet explorer

Hope this helps or at least makes you feel better


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Alan

If you're using dsl or cable modem, get a router (if you don't already have one) and install it between your modem and the computer/wireless transmitter.

Also been using AVG here for several months and it's great. Zero problems.

Sometimes the virus that installed itself on your computer will block installation of av software. AVG may get by, however.

Murray

Hiya K Collins,

This maybe a low-profiled virus called W32/Mydoom@MM.

There is a program (i.e. stinger) you can use to remove this virus. You can also do a manual removal. This virus uses its own SMTP (the mail protocol that sends mail out) program.

All you will be needing for this is located at :-
http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/?id=description&virus_k=100983

Thank you.
cosmicdust

Sounds like a "botnet", where your computer is commandeered to send out spam or whatever the "net" wants...

My way out of date Norton AV let a virus in ...
And your wondering how you got infected?
Download the Grisoft Free anti-virus. You will need to identify the virus before any removal methods can be recomended. If you can not connect to the internet because it is sending e-mail, you will have to install and update via a CD.
OR, a way I have used successfully for seriously infected machines is remove the harddrive and connect it to another machine as a slave. Do not open or explore the drive, but simply scan it for viruses and remove any that have been found.

Success!! I downloaded the AVG free trial on the laptop, burned it, and ran it on the ol' desktop. Worked like a charm. No out of control email now :banana:
Many thanks, guys. You saved my weekend :yes:

far out!...

I ran Nortons for three years before i went to AVG(two years now)....best move I ever made ....


well..almost!.... :scratch2:

glad to hear ya got it fixed.... :thmbsp:

That is fantastic! :thmbsp:
I used Grisoft for sometime now too. Great antivirus and it's FREE!

It would be so nice if people used their brains to solve problems instead of creating problems for others (i.e. computer viruses).

As a recipient of a virus or two (usually stopped at the "gates") I second the other comment about a "router" and include a hardware firewall in addition to Windows XP's software firewall. You may have some programs where you will need to "authorize" overrides for the firewall to permit net access, but practicing "safe computing" is like, well...er...uh, you know!

Excellent news on the virus removal...those pains in the neck! Well done!