I have a laptop with Windows XP. I had all kinds of malware on it, and the only anti-malware program my computer would let me install was Spyware Terminator. So, I installed and ran that, and supposedly got rid of a bunch of bad stuff. But now Firefox constantly crashes, and I get popups that start out as Firefox but turn in to IE. IE doesn’t crash, but it also doesn’t show any graphics. Any ideas as to what I can try to fix this?
Thanks for the input so far. I don’t have the software that came with the computer as I bought it used, and it won’t perform a system restore.
absolutely the best and easiest way to clean up your computer is to do a clean installation of your operating system that should take care of absolutely everything, if you do not mind wiping the data off of your computer. just be sure to back up everything on your computer
A system restore should do just fine.
Based on what you said, I would say you have two options: A) If it has been compromised by virus or other things that makes the computer unusable REALLY (and only then as this is a harsh time-consuming task), you should make what has become known as a factory restore, This can be done in two ways (depending on manufacturer *): 1) web A CD / DVD restore disk2) A hidden restore partition on the HD * Check at the computer manufacturer’s support site for information on these procedures. B) If you just need to clean it up, it could be as simple as using the built-in Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter Utilities already available in Windows (Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools) HINT: You SHOULD use both but start Disk Cleanup first Of course, sometimes it needs the BIG cleanup and here is my technique on how to do a TOTAL non-destructive cleanup: a few tricks (and associated free programs) I use when helping friends with problems . 1) The Java Runtime Environment causes issues, you should use a free program I use myself called to get the latest JRE JavaRa and remove older versions. This Will Ensure the security of your computer and a little extra space on your hard disk. Find more information here: http://raproducts. org / JavaRa. html and the download link here: http://raproducts. org / 2) flush every single possible browsing accumulated junk in ALL your browser (you should always delete these from time to time). Method One (now): In Internet Explorer, click the Tools menu, then Delete Browsing History and in the box, click the Delete all button (bottom left) and Yes. In Firefox, go to tools, clear private data, make sure all boxes are checked and then click on the Clear Private Data Now button. Method Two (in the future – about every two weeks for normal use of the Internet – every week for heavy use): In Internet Explorer, click the Tools menu, then click Delete Browsing History and in the box that opens, do the following steps (in order) 1) click the button near Temporary Internet Files, click Yes and wait for the box that opens to close. 2) click the button near History, click Yes and wait for the box that opens to close. Finally, click the close button (bottom right) to finish. In Firefox, go to tools, clear private data and uncheck all except Browsing History, Cache and Authenticated Sessions boxes and then click on the Clear Private Data Now button. Note: Close your browser (This is good for Internet Explorer and Firefox) when you’re done to clear cookies that are still in memory. For older versions of the same programs or for other browsers, check their help files for guidance on doing the cleanup. 3) Turn off the restore point utility. Here is a guide for XP: http://support. microsoft. com/kb/3104054) Install a free cleaner called CCleaner (http://www. glaryutilities. com / html gu.) Windows to remove junk files, registry orphans and / or remnants of installs / uninstalls (there is always some) . 5) Defragment your drive with your defragmenter. 6) Turn system restore back on. (The same article guide and given in part 3) NOTE (A word of caution, with this powerful programs, be sure to read all instructions and help files completely So that you apply fixed correctly the first time!): Finish by making sure to download and install the very latest stable drivers for EVERYTHING and that they are for the correct OS (Do not use XP drivers on Vista and vice versa – one exception would be if they are indicated for both OS) for a better overall computing experience. Hope this helps