at a loss to find the virus -- SOLVED!!!

[Pondus]

should i do something about the thread, or just leave it there?

you dont have to but you may edit the topic name by entering a ( SOLVED ) in front

[theladyupstairs]

good idea.  and thanks for your participation too, pondus.  i learned a lot.

[theladyupstairs]

essexman - i just opened the link for service pack 3 and read this:

 "This installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading and installing on multiple computers on a network. If you're updating just one computer, please visit Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com ."

now i'm going to wait for another word from you - tomorrow, i'm sure, as you are getting your well-deserved beauty rest.

[DavidR]

You're welcome.

The topics stay for posterity and those using the search function on related questions. By changing the original and adding Solved/Resolved, is enough to let those viewing the lists it is effectively concluded.

[DavidR]

essexman - i just opened the link for service pack 3 and read this:

 "This installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading and installing on multiple computers on a network. If you're updating just one computer, please visit Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com ."
<snip>

Don't worry about it, the download is for use off-line instead of the usual windows update having it install on-line and they are just being over dramatic. I also feel it is better as you can keep a copy of this SP3 for the future, should you ever have to reinstall your system from scratch, etc.

[theladyupstairs]

essexman - in your reply #73 on july 18, in response to my question about the files on my usb & external hard drive that i used while my computer was infected, you said they should be okay.  i just read something horrible about usb infections in today's news.  something about "stuxnet" infection, which i am sure you know about.  is this something for me to worry about. 

i'm getting a new desktop pc with windows 7 & will want to transfer the from my sony using both usb & that little harddrive.  going to pick it up later this week.

what do you think?  thank you.

[essexboy]

That is the latest USB rootkit, and there were none of the tell tale signs showing on your system

What I would recommend though is before you use the USB drive to reformat it.  There is a step by step guide here  http://www.scribd.com/doc/231100/Reformatting-a-USB-Drive

As you are getting a new system with windows 7, I would recommend that you ask for the 64bit version to be installed

You will love windows 7 once you get used to it 

[theladyupstairs]

thanks, essexman.  the problem is that i need to transfer the saved files ---  from the usb as well as the little external hard drive - on which all my data files on this laptop were backed up -- to the new one.

so i'm just a little worried about the data transfer into my new computer.

it sure is a 64 bit, windows 7 with all the fancy bells & whistles i don't need, but...  life is good.  and my little sony laptop acts like she is superman.  i hope it'll please you to know i've been passing on all the good info you gave me, such as spyblaster, ie8, java, etc. etc.

thanks.

[essexboy]

64bit windows 7, scan the USB and other drive with Avast/MBAM and you should be good to go - very little malware can cripple a 64 bit system yet

[theladyupstairs]

thanks again, essex boy!  i wish you could see my smile of joy. 

i wish you all things in your life.