i think I have a virus on my mac powerbook.

[shashgo]

I think I have a virus or probably several on my powerbook.   And the computer cursor turns to the round colorful wheel whenever I try to click on anything.  So what do I do

I think I want to just reload the OS , but Im not sure how.  How to do it, is it the same as with a PC, put in the disk and then follow the prompts?

[kpac]

As far as I know, there is only one known virus that can affect Macs.

Start here: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html
Start a new topic in the Virus and Spyware board, and post the three logs from the link above. A malware specialist will then be along to help you.

[Zylstra]

As far as I know, there is only one known virus that can affect Macs.

Start here: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html
Start a new topic in the Virus and Spyware board, and post the three logs from the link above. A malware specialist will then be along to help you.

I dont think our malware specialists quite deal with Mac, but, I guess they can try.

Theres more than one virus, and a lot of Macro viruses. A lot of Mac users dont count Macro viruses, but, when it comes to PC, Macro Viruses are counted  : )

Viruses that have "Expired" in a sense, meaning they are no longer circulating, may be populated again if old CD's and discs are used.

[shashgo]

I think I just want to reload the operating system again.  So is it as simple as putting in the disk and letting it do its thing, like the procedure for a PC?

[Zylstra]

I think I just want to reload the operating system again.  So is it as simple as putting in the disk and letting it do its thing, like the procedure for a PC?

Do you have files that you want to save first?
If so, we can try to rid you of any malware first.

But, yes, put the CD in, restart the computer, once you hear the Apple sound, hold down the C key to boot from CD.
Though, I have never run the OSX installer. I am thinking of OS9 and 8, which I have had to reinstall multiple times.

[shashgo]

no thankfully theres no files I need.  I got this thing used not too long back, and I just use it for games and for surfing

[kpac]

See here: http://www.computerhope.com/appletr.htm

[socrates]

The system install is very simple.  I highly doubt you have a virus but if you wish to reinstall the os, just pop in the disk and follow the instructions, they are very easy.

Also, if you do want to preserve your files one of the options will be "archive & install."  If you choose that it will backup your home folder and reinstall the OS.

[socrates]

I should mention that in the off chance that the problem actually is a virus and you do an archive and install, you'd better hope the virus was only affecting your system files.  If it was in any of your files in your home folder you could back it up and bring it back by doing an archive and install.

I should also mention that while Zylstra's point about macro viruses is valid, it's very limited on OS X.  A macro virus on OS X can do little (if any) damage to any files, and nothing can be installed without the admin password.