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Thursday, December 20, 2007

The Computer is Officially

Fucked.

So, you may recall that I've been complaining off and on for the last few weeks that our home computer is infected with a virus. If you don't recall, then here's the recap: our home computer is infected with a virus.

Except it's not a virus.

See, what it appears to be is some kind of secret ad ware program that keeps opening pop ups while we're online, and it seems to be drastically slowing the computer. So much so that it can't keep up with my typing (so if you have gotten comments from me and you were wondering: "was Jess drunk when she typed this?" -- well, first check the time stamp, if it was before noon, I blame the computer; if it was evening, I may have been drunk). This problem is really bothering me since I am on break, so the only computer I am currently using is...yeah, the home computer! I have tried everything I can think of to find and remove this bothersome program, but it is a slippery little son of a bitch, and I can't seem to A.) find the wicked program, thus B.) I can't remove it.

I think I may have to pay someone to come out and do it for me. Which sucks. However, if one of you is a super-smart-techy and you have advice, bring it! Here's the basics: McAffee labels it a "Potentially Unwanted Program" called "Adware Zeno" but apparently McAffee can't remove it. I have tried everything I can imagine to find and remove the program, but it is nowhere, not even in "hidden folders," so I am dealing with an invisible enemy. Any advice? Aside from pitching the computer and buying a new one?

13 comments:

Wes said...

Try the free version of Ad-Aware.

Debbi said...

I Googled and found this link:

http://fuery.com/2005/08/05/zeno-adware-removal/

(Sorry, I don't know how to imbed links in comments.)

The only other suggestion I have is buy a Mac. Heh.

Wes said...

Search your hard drive for qwinksap.exe and rename that sucker if you can't delete it.

Search for Zeno.lnk and delete that sucker too.

There are some registry entries to remove, but let me know if you can get those first two accomplished.

David said...

As an addition/alternative to ad-aware, I like SpyBot Search & Destroy. If I were you, I would download a couple of these programs, then unplug the PC from the internet link, and finally install the software and scan.

BTW, commented on the last post before I knew this one existed. My bad.

Froyd said...

download and run spybot and then get rid of mcaffee and put avast antivirus on it.

Marathoner in Training said...

I agree with david and wes.
I have both Ad-aware and Spybot.
Download both the free versions and run them about once a month to keep it cleaned up.

Ian said...

I suggest throwing your computer out of the highest window in your home. Not only will this fix the problem, it will make you feel better about it too.

Then go buy yourself a brand new computer. Ta Da! Fixed.

Laura N said...

I'm with Vanilla--a new PC is in order. But try the other stuff first, I guess, so you can justify your purchase.

Hope you and your hubby have a very Merry Christmas!

Junie B said...

quit looking at porn. :O)

teacherwoman said...

That stinks. I don't know what to tell you! I hope it is fixable!

Tri+Umph said...

Sorry to hear about your computer troubles, Jess. If you Google "Adware Zeno" some good sites about removal will come up. Check a few of them out, if you haven't yet.

Its hard to fix a computer without being hands on, theres a lot of trial and error involved. But, good luck!

Stuart said...

If the adware/spyware programs don't work, save your own stuff and reinstall the OS, you know all those disks that came with it when it was new!

Otherwise buy a new OS upgrade pack XP is pretty cheap these days (go Pro not Home) or yes a new PC will cure the issue for sure!!!

J~Mom said...

Looks like you have good advice already, just getting caught up! DH likes Avast also.