How to solve this computer problem?

Question

Our home computer was infected with the brontok worm/virus and all anti virus software,standalone tools, and programs I've tried have not been able to restore the computer back to its better state. I've tried malwarebytes and stinger, and it solved the problem of the computer restarting by itself every now and then, opening command prompt, and task manager. The only problem that remains is that the computer really runs slow and I cannot install any anti virus software on the computer. Either the program aborts setup or errors occur about the software needing to be re-installed, which I've tried many times but no success there. The computer's a Lenovo 3000 J Series, and runs on Windows XP. I do not have the recovery disc/disk so reformatting the hard drive is not an option, although I might consider it if there's a way to wipe out everything and start off the computer in factory settings by using another recovery disc/disk for other computers. I have saved everything I do not want to lose in my portable hard drive so I'm not worried about losing anything.

When I run standalone scanners, they don't pick up on anything. They do not report any infected files, but I am still not able to install an anti virus software on the computer.

Also my computer cannot start on safe mode. I press F8 on start up and nothing happens. Also tried pressing it repeatedly but still no luck. I'm not an advanced computer user so please keep it simple.

Even if you don't have a full solution, time spent on answering is very appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Call up the Lenovo support line, and after a few questions and a few dollars they can send you the recovery disks for your system.





It sounds like starting from scratch is a good idea.

Answer 2

Your computer is pretty solidly screwed. While it is possible to repair your Windows XP install, most such options require an install CD; if you don't have one and can't acquire one, then it's probably curtains for your install.



There are some solutions that would give you a functioning computer again (and save all of your data), but at the expense of Windows XP. What I speak of here is downloading some distribution of Linux (I suggest Ubuntu for the beginner) and using that instead - you DO NOT have to install it; you can download the LiveCD and run the entire operating system off of that CD. It comes with many of the programs you need already on the CD - Firefox for internet browsing, OpenOffice for editing documents, email and instant-messaging clients.



You can also install Ubuntu alongside Windows (be very careful with the installer when doing this - it's extremely easy to delete your Windows install permanently). If you don't trust yourself, just run off the CD instead. The advantage to installing Linux is that you will be able to add new programs, change settings, and you won't have to run off the CD anymore (faster, easier on the batteries, quieter).



If you really must save your Windows XP install, you will probably need a recovery / install disk.

Answer 3

I have no number of how many keyboards I have destroyed with coffee, cola, beer and made them full of cake crumbs. Cola seems to be the worst because of the sugar. Only the 3 last years have been without accidents. You can use that thin plastic they use for wrapping up food. I do not know the english name (cling wrap folio?), but I guess you know what I mean. That should be ideal for this. Thou I am unsure how durable it will be. MIMI

Answer 4

what you really need is internet, and time

its called posting your comp on craigslist for $50 (cause thats how much its worth)

and waiting for a response

then spend $300 to buy a netbook cause even those are better the the J series

not trying to be mean, but that comp is kinda outdated

its not worth it anymore

Answer 5

Sounds like you have a problem with registry errors. Have you tried a registry cleaner?