I'm not sure how I've gotten it but it seems I may have a virus that occasionally redirects Google websites to suspicious websites, one of which almost managed to give me one of those fake antivirus viruses. I've got Spyware Doctor and Microsoft Security Essentials, and it seems neither can actually detect the problem. I've tried 2 programs from trusted manufacturers specifically designed to get rid of them, but no luck. From what I understand they're apparently extremely difficult to get rid of. Can anyone offer some help?

Malware Bytes and Spybot - Search and Destroy, perhaps?

When MSE or Malware Bytes cannot get rid of the problem I use http://www.combofix.org/ in safe mode. Make sure to close out running Anti-Virus programs though first.

Restore system partition from image created a few months ago.

In the event you don't image your system drive, MBAM and Combofix are the best.

Is that different from system restore?

Massively.

It can also be the sites you are visiting. Sometimes they have an ad that will direct you to that scanning website.

It happens occasionally to me, but only with a handful of websites.

I think DEFRON is implying that you should have a backup. I agree, but if you don't have one then that's obviously not an option.

If you primarily use Windows I'm a big fan of http://www.macrium.com/ for scheduled backups (it's also a good imaging tool).

It's possible, but this behavior is usually the result of some kind of malware that needs to be removed. Browser exploits and trojans are the usual suspects.

I'm implying that I never bother fixing viruses anymore because a system image is faster to restore and 100% foolproof. Why bother with going through the tediousness of fixing an infection when you can never be sure if you fully eradicated it or if some aspect of the OS has been damaged and won't function properly?

I agree, but you need to have a backup image to restore first.

Wait, you're saying everyone doesn't have one of those?

I need to get me one of those.

As for combofix, I read that it shouldn't be run without the help of an expert. You're an expert: what should I know about running it safely?

There was a thing on the news about this, and the other day was supposedly the last day to get your computer protected against it, my mom fixed my computer, I have no idea what she did she just did something that protects it from this happening.

What it really means is "We can't trust idiots not to use it, mess something up, then blame us so we should make sure to specify that you should have an 'Expert' nearby."

With most programs it's as simple as "Not clicking random stuff" or "Following directions".

I like how you bring this up in every one of these threads when we both know that if OP had done that he wouldn't have posted in the first place.

I see it as "deffies subtle plan to spread awareness of imaging hard drives". Judging by the amount of these threads it doesn't seem to be working.


Also the admins should change your name to deffies, it's endearing.

I already put in a request for Magical Steve the fire-breathing black hole, and they shot that down, so I doubt they'd go for deffies.