Need help with virus

Sorry to hear that you've been hit with a virus.

I have used the AVG free product for years which I have always found suited my needs.

You might find the instructions here helpful in removing this manually - Remove About:Blank Spyware - Simple steps on how to remove about:blank.

Jonathan

There are manual removal instructions on antivirus vendor websites such as Symantec, so your best bet would be to check with them first for the official instructions. Next you don't necessarily need to pay for antivirus subscription software when you can get it for free from AVG, ClamAV, and many others. In addition to antivirus you will also want to download Adaware scanner, and the Spybot Search & Destroy scanner. Make sure your machine gets a good report before doing anything important on your computer.

Another idea is to download an .iso file and burn a CD-ROM called a Linux LiveCD. Take your pick from a variety of Linux distributions depending on your needs and desires. Then leave the CD-ROM in your computer and reboot (might need to change the BIOS settings to boot from CD). That way you can run your entire operating system from the CD-ROM and not have to worry about running a trojan or malware that is buried somewhere on your Windows machine. There are tools you can use from the LiveCD to rescue damaged files, clean up virus infections, and fix your problems.

Next you will want to probably change the way you regularly use your computer. For example, there is a concept called least user rights. Instead of getting logged on as administrator, create another user account that has restricted rights, and use this account for everyday tasks like web surfing and checking email and typing documents and printing. If you need administrator to install new software you can use the "Run As..." command to enter your administrator username and password.

This way if your computer gets attacked, your account won't let them go very far because you have restricted your user rights on the machine. Keep your personal firewall and antivirus programs on at all times.

Another idea is to setup a virtual machine with vmware, Microsoft Virtual PC, Parallels, or VirtualBox, or Zen. And stay inside the virtual OS for all of your everyday tasks. Just a few tips to prevent disaster like you've been experiencing. Good luck.

if you want to uninstall the virus. i recommend you to use hjt..this is a great tool for manual removal of virus..