Thread: PC Internet issue

Follow the steps here to remove the trojan: Trojan.Vundo Removal Tool | Symantec

check out this link re: trojan.vundo ... Undeletable Trojan.vundo virus - CNET Spyware, viruses, & security Forums

Hey Rebelle, When running those scans was System Restore turned off..? If not it should have been I suspect the links above will advise you do to the same while removing the trojan but in case they don't thought I would mention it

how to turn off system restore - Google Search

Free Anti-Virus these days doesn't really give all the protection you need imo. Althugh Norton is a horrible application

Hope you get it sorted...post back if not.

Why not just get a new hard drive and install it yourself..then get your backed up files from them and put it on the drive yourself?

'Belle, you can buy a 1TB hard drive for $85-$90 from newegg.com I would suggest the $90 drives as they have 32MB cache. Usually hard drives come with their own imaging software. For Western Digital, it's Data Lifeguard Tools. If you want to save more money, you can go with a 160GB drive for $55.

Anyway, with Data Lifeguard Tools, it gives you the option to ignore read errors on the image transfer. Just make sure you choose your old hard drive as the source (Very important).

I would be wary of computer companies that automatically state it being the hard drive. Often this is a ploy to sell you new hardware, and then later tell you nothing could be recovered. If your drive isn't making the familiar "Click Click" sound, and you've used 3rd party software to scan the drive to map out bad clusters on the drive only to find none, then most likely the drive isn't at fault. (see my link to UBCD in these forums, as it has drive scanners, and it boots XP from the CD, so you know you're getting a clean scan)

Even if your drive is making the "click click" sound, most often, that's indictative of a failing I/O board, and sometimes, if you do the image transfer while the system is cool (a few hours being shut down completely) it will stay up long enough to image it. I've even frozen hard drives, and in one extreme case, wrapped one in ice packs. I don't suggest doing that, unless you know exactly what you're doing.

Generally speaking, when I tech on the side, I charge the cost of the drive + $20 and $50 labor, as most times, you will have a seamless transfer. (I do charge more if it's more intensive, such as me having to find a similar drive with the same I/O board) Most of the time though, it's an all or nothing image transfer. The fact that you can sometimes boot into windows gives me hope, but it also gives me doubt that it's really the drive. Even if it is the drive, some drives have 3 year warranties, so keep that in mind, as your hdd manufacturer may replace it.

Most likely, though, is corrupt files, rogueware, malware, or viruses. I guess, one way to test, is to add another copy of windows, making it a dual boot. If the second boot doesn't give you any problems, then you're looking at techs who don't want to mess with it, or don't know what they're doing. I sincerely hope you didn't take it to Geek Squad at Best Buy.......

Originally Posted by Rebelle

Thanks everyone for your help with this...I've tried everything now and had no other option (because keyboard not working) but to take it to computer hospital where now I've been told that the hard drive is failing. *sigh*

They have a backup so my options are pay $300 for new hard drive and all the installation/virus clean-up issues.....or buy a new pc and pay $100 to transfer data over.

I'm so frustrated but I'm not sure I want to spend another $300 bucks on that darn pc, I just had a new hard drive/power supply/fans, etc. put in just 2 yrs ago but the work was done at CompUSA which is no longer in business. double

Anyone know of any good deals at chain stores since I only have 2 wks before they delete the copy/backup from their server? I would order a dell but I'm scared it won't get here in time.

Between this news and my st00pid insert/update issue I'm about to pull out all my hair!!!

*big headache*

Thanks again all for all the help! It's time to let the blue alien die for good!

Can't you ask them to dump the data on DVD's while you make your decision or wait for a new computer to arrive?

SBenj is spot on though about the poss problem really.