please could you help i have a dell dimension 2400 it boots up fine but when i try to open control panel, help & support or any programme apart from a word programme it freezes, it KEEPS trying to send error reports (Internet explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close) i also get a message which says 180search assistant alert i try to continue but it freezes. please helpWhen has the problem first occured?

Install and configure the following programs:

AVG Free
-- Anti virus scanner
Adaware SE Personal
-- Anti spyware scanner
Microsoft Antispyware
-- Anti spyware scanner. Windows XP Home and Professional only.
Spybot Search & Destroy
-- Anti spyware scanner
ZoneAlarm Free
-- Free firewall - more user friendly
Sygate Personal
-- Free firewall - more configuration options
The 180 Search Assistant is Spyware. I had it once...


[glb]Flame[/glb]Thank you for your prompt replys, i have had to download the spyware onto disc as the computer in question will not go on the internet, but everytime i try to install the download it denies me permission SAYING i am not the administrator but it wont let me get into control panel or anything so i can change the user to administrator it just freezes. please help
I suggest that you do the following:

1. Before Windows XP loads, press F8
2. Select safe mode
3. Log in as Administrator

Thank you i have tried that but it wont load when i press f8 please adviseBefore Windows XP loads, press F8. A list should be presented. From that list, press safe mode.

Press the F key range, not F + 8.I have now got into safe mode and administrator i had transfered the above files as suggested onto DISK as the computer will not go onto the net, i tried to load mcAfee but it wont load in safe mode i went back into normal start and i still can not get into user accounts is there a way of getting rid of the viruses another way, please help.You may need to select safe mode with Network prompt from the list. However, it is not recommended when dealing with a virus/Trojan threat. Do not connect to the Internet until your problem is resolved and proper security MEASURES have been emplaced.

AVG can replace McAfee. It is a virus scanner as well. However, I was not aware of any viruses. You only told us you were INFECTED with 180 Search Assistant. Are you experiencing more difficulties?yes i did a virus scan with one of the downloads and it appears i have over 3000 i will try  what you suggested hopefully this will cure all.You have over 3000 search results? What scanner have you used?

i used avg which told me i had loads of viruses i think i might need a software programme to fix this, i also used reg clean with a total of 280 viruses this copy only cleans 20 what do you advise.The registry scanner does not locate viruses. It requires faulty registry entries. These are, as opposed to viruses, perfectly normal.

You may need to use a program such as Easy Cleaner which is freeware and can remove all results found.

If AVG truly found 3000 entries, could you show a screenshot?

It may be better to reformat and reinstall Windows, then take precautionary security measures.http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=810887

download spysweeper from webroot.com....That did the trick thank you so very much i am extremely grateful.