Computer help forum: Virus has shut down my system!

I had a similar problem in October 09 -- but I had been using and still use Webroot software. Somehow the virus got buy it. I went round and round with Dell to the tune of $176 and 20hours on the phone over several days. With Dell taking control of my machine. Trouble with Dell is each time you talk with a techie, he starts from the beginning. Seems they work from home in India so they are not in the same room. So they do not have the same answers to your problem.

The first guy I talked with had programs he put on my computer that trapped the virus. He also had programs to reinstall my XP with service pack II. He was really great. They always say "I will call you back at this time tomorrow". But it was a different guy that called back. And the next guy didn't have those programs and had to go to Microsoft for the fix which didn't work. I never did get XP back on my computer. So beware of Dell. (I have since learned that you can ask the Dell Support for someone in America).

I would say your problem is not with Webroot. That said, if they have a policy to get your $$ back within a short time, you may want to give that a try.

Dell asked me to purchase Norton 360 from them for $100. But I refused, knowing I could get it cheaper elsewhere. Also, I have heard horror stories about Norton.

I ended up giving up because I was so frustrated and upset; so I bought a new HP computer -- with Windows 7 which created a whole set of new problems trying to get my programs to work on in.

Still wonder if I can take my Dell to a techie here in Los Angeles and get some of my stuff off of it. My bad for not backing it all up. At least my photos were backed up.

Thanks for the info. I will be adding at least one of those free services you mentioned. I believe Consumer Reports touted at least one of them. Also, I noticed that Microsoft is offering Webroot. And Webroot offers an online back up that is very reasonable and run by SOS (I think that's what it is).

When I was working with Dell, they tried to reinstall my operating system several times. Is there hope that something is still there. I was not backing up all my word perfect docs, and that is what I use mainly. Only word docs were saved.

While doing research on computer security and what type of online back up, I came across the info that the security offered for either Windows or MSN Premium is Webroot. Maybe it's MSN Premium. If so, thanks for the clarification.