I got a virus- xp home security 2011

[gallen13]

I have Avast installed....when I contracted a virus....xp home securtiy 2011...a fake anti-virus program. I could not run any programs...had to reformat and re-install windows xp.

Anyone had this problem and what is Avast doing about it?

[Dieselman]

You did not have to reformat Windows. That was an absurd step to take. There are several free tools to remove it. No protection in the world is perfect. Malware develops everyday in new forms.

See how good Avast did here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcNLWccDI7U

[gallen13]

Yeah...thing is how do you get the tools if the internet is down and you can't run any thing....

...I will check how good Avast did there...just as soon as I have re-installed Flash:)

[Dieselman]

Another working pc of course. I have all I need on USB sticks. I also have a Kaspersky Rescue CD handy. We could have helped you if you asked first.

[Para-Noid]

It's nice to see something good from youtube. But I prefer the real experts.
@ OP try to send the sample to virustotal.com  If you can't you may need to take your machine to the shop. I will send this link to someone with more stars. They will be better able to assist you.

[Dieselman]

It's nice to see something good from youtube. But I prefer the real experts.
@ OP try to send the sample to virustotal.com  If you can't you may need to take your machine to the shop. I will send this link to someone with more stars. They will be better able to assist you.

Lol. How is he suppose to send a sample when he formatted his pc. Also rogues change daily so a VT upload means nothing cause the code will be different the next day.

[Para-Noid]

It's nice to see something good from youtube. But I prefer the real experts.
@ OP try to send the sample to virustotal.com  If you can't you may need to take your machine to the shop. I will send this link to someone with more stars. They will be better able to assist you.

Lol. How is he suppose to send a sample when he formatted his pc. Also rogues change daily so a VT upload means nothing cause the code will be different the next day.

Like you alluded to USB sticks.

[Para-Noid]

I have Avast installed....when I contracted a virus....xp home securtiy 2011...a fake anti-virus program. I could not run any programs...had to reformat and re-install windows xp.

Anyone had this problem and what is Avast doing about it?

Since you reformatted your HDD the only option you might have is to take it to the shop. I feel the reformat might have been counter productive. You have not mentioned if you can access any software on your pc. The more info you provide will help us assist you.