Help with a virus, please!

[holeinboatoutatsea]

I work with someone that bought a used computer from another co-worker. She can use her email and run programs that are already on the computer, but heres the problem:

When she downloads a file/program, it won't let her install it. It gives her an error message something to the effect that it can't find the dll file. Her ISP said she probably has a virus, but offered no help with getting rid of it.

Any ideas out there in DUland?

[Gman]

1. go to

http://www.grisoft.com and download the free AVG software. it will also have instructions on what to do if you suspect you have a virus prior to installation.

[proud patriot]

2. Yeah that's the one I use also

:thumbsup:

[holeinboatoutatsea]

3. I'll try that one, but

I tried another free antivirus. It downloaded fine, but wouldn't install. Nothing installs.

Thanks for the input! The instructions about prior infection should help. I'll let her know.

[papau]

7. A virus scan by the "trend" website as you wait. - link below

http://housecall.antivirus.com/housecall/start_corp.asp

[holeinboatoutatsea]

8. great

thanks! I'll let you know if it works!

[democracyindanger]

4. A particular file/program

or any file/program?

Maybe the co-worker uninstalled and deleted a bunch of stuff before he sold it, and inadvertently deleted some shared files.

I'd reformat and reinstall everything. It's a pain, but at least your friend would have a fresh starting point.

[holeinboatoutatsea]

5. She doesn't have any of the program/driver disks

only the old computer!

[democracyindanger]

6. I hope

she got an amazing deal. At some point, she'll probably have to reinstall something. :(

What OS is she using? I might be wrong, but if it's Windows XP she might have problems getting updates, especially if the seller is using the same software license (i.e. he kept the original XP disks to install on his new computer, which would mean HIS computer would be registered with MS for updates, etc...not hers).