I think my computer's done for...

[CBMatt]

I didn't mean to make it sound like I was accusing.  There's no need to provide proof; I'll take your word for it.  Keygens are still trouble, though.  Next time, you should give the company a call.  Usually, if you can prove that you own a legal copy (they'll tell you how), they will provide you with a new key.  It's much safer this way.

Anyway...you say AVG AS keeps picking up a hijacker...  Where is the infected file located?  Have you tried deleting it manually?  Perhaps you could post an AVG log?

[Jade]

I just did a full AVG Antispyware scan and it come out totally clean.. that's a plus, I guess.

I've been doing scans all day, and I've been using the downstairs computer. Right now, Spybot S&D is scanning... so we'll see.

First, I did an a-squared scan, and it took several hours. It came back with a few piece of adware and tracking cookies, but other than that, clean.

I then did AVG Antispyware it it came back totally clean.. hmm.

Now, I'm doing a Spybot scan, and after it's finished, I'll do another deep scan with avast! antivirus.


For the record, I tried calling EA Games, and they told me I need to send them a request for a new serial# along with my disk, and $10, I think. I just thought a keygen would be easier... I won't do that anymore..

[Jade]

I can't find the infection for the life of me.

Is there any way just to clear EVERYTHING besides the OS itself?

* Jade is hopeful.

Thanks for all the help so far, by the way.

[unlovedwarrior]

what kind of computer is it and how old?

[Jade]

what kind of computer is it and how old?

It's an emachines that my grandparents purchased me at Wal-Mart, I believe. It's about 4 years old, give or take a year.

[unlovedwarrior]

ummm... you might be able to contact them and order the cds for a reasonable price if you continue to have problems later on.

[CBMatt]

ummm... you might be able to contact them and order the cds for a reasonable price if you continue to have problems later on.

Yeah, I hate to say it, but this might be your best bet as of right now.  Just give eMachines/Gateway a call and there's a good chance they'll help you out.  Keep us updated.

[Jade]

ummm... you might be able to contact them and order the cds for a reasonable price if you continue to have problems later on.

Yeah, I hate to say it, but this might be your best bet as of right now.  Just give eMachines/Gateway a call and there's a good chance they'll help you out.  Keep us updated.

Alrighty then. There's no way I can, like, wipe everything and just re-install XP? I can save the Windows file to disk or anything?

[Deerpark]

Sorry you can't reinstall Windows without a Windows XP install disc.

[Jade]

Sorry you can't reinstall Windows without a Windows XP install disc.

Is there a way to delete EVERYTHING besides the OS?

[patio]

Yes.
But how do you plan to re-install ? ?

[Deerpark]

I don't think wiping anything but the OS will do any good since its sounds like it's your OS that's messed up.

[Jade]

Any idea how much they'd charge me for back-up disks?

[CBMatt]

I've never had to order any, so I don't know how much they charge, but I wouldn't expect it to be too much.  Check here for contact info...

http://www.emachines.com/support/upgrades.html

If you don't want to call, you can chat with a tech.