Got a virus - Need help fast!

My anti virus found JOKE_WINAVOID.A in my PC yesterday and all programs I started started as if it was the first time I started it and went threw the initial setup (as if all registry entries were gone, but they seemed to still be there when i looked in regedit).

I shut down my PC and I don't want to turn it back on so the virus doesnt do anymore damage.

Also, my backup software stopped working 2 months ago so I dont have a recent backup. What I thought of doing was get a new 30GB drive (I have 26GB to backup) copy my important files to it, format the old one and restore the files, then return the drive for my money back.

Is there another way of fixing my PC?

Thanks

JOKE_WINAVOID.A
<a href="http://www.antivirus.com/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=JOKE_WINAVOID.A" target="_blank">http://www.antivirus.com/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=JOKE_WINAVOID.A</a>

In the wild: No
Payload 1: Displays Message
Detection available: October 8, 2001
Detected by pattern file#: 152 or 952
(note about pattern numbering)
Detected by scan engine#: 5.170
Language:
English
Platform: Windows
Encrypted: No
Size of virus: 272,128 Bytes

Details:
When executed, this Joke program displays a dialog box with graphics of 3 beer bottles. The dialog box contains a title as follows:

“How drunk are you ?” <“Click here to close this program”>

When the user follows the instruction on the window to close the program, the dialog box literally moves over the screen to avoid being closed. When the user hits the Enter key, or the Spacebar, or gets the dialog box cornered on one side of the screen and clicks it, the program terminates.


Description created: October 12, 2001
Description updated: October 12, 2001

Anyway I do have a virus since all my registry settings have dissapeared so I got a new hard drive so I can restore my files and I'll return the drive after.

I have WORM_SIRCAM.A

What does this virus do? Is it safe to restore my files or can they be infected?

[quote]Originally posted by ClickHere2Surf.com:
<strong>I have WORM_SIRCAM.A

What does this virus do? Is it safe to restore my files or can they be infected?</strong><hr></blockquote>

<a href="http://www.trendmicro.dk/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=WORM_SIRCAM.A" target="_blank">http://www.trendmicro.dk/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=WORM_SIRCAM.A</a>

WORM_SIRCAM.A
Risk rating:
Virus type: Worm
Destructive: Yes

Aliases:
SCAM.A, TROJ_SCAM.A, W32.Sircam.Worm@mm

Description:
This Worm is a high-level program created in Delphi that propagates via email using SMTP commands. It sends copies of itself to all addresses listed in an infected user's address book and in temporary Internet cached files. It arrives with a random subject line, and an attachment by the same name.

This Worm also propagates via shared network drives.

Solution:
To automatically remove the Worm using the fix tool:

Download the fix tool and run the file. It will scan Drive C:\ and subfolders.
If a Worm is detected, it prompts you to delete the file or not.
The tool will also restore the registry entries modified by the Trojan.
Edit AUTOEXEC.BAT.
Delete @win \recycled\SIRC32.EXE.
Restart your computer.

Since I have this virus, my cable modem stopped working and I have to connect at 56k. Is there a way to get the network working again? There arent any problems in device manager and the connection status with the cable modem is "Connected, Speed 10.0Mbps".

So why isnt my cable modem working? I'd like to download a large file (500MB) before formating but this would take years at 56k!

Also, now I get lots of errors when I start windows and lots of programs arent working, is it possible I have a new unknown virus that the virus scanner doesn't know of?

Would restoring my files from the backup restore the virus?

Thanks

What virus scanner do you use? and when is the last time it was updated?

Is there really any important files on your computer? It sounds as though you may have a mess. I would suggest just formatting and reinstalling if you aren't going to lose anything much. Just a thought.

OK, i found the problem with the cable modem, I forgot to reset it after i switched it back to my desktop from my handheld PC.

I did backup my 27GB of important files to the new hard drive I got, I'll format and re-install Windows, then restore from the new drive and return it for my money back (has a 30 day satisfaction garantee, I'll say I bought it because I thought it would make a big speed increase from my old drive but I didnt see a big difference in performance :) ).

Thanks

Try Trend Micro out for their housecall online virus scan or use NOD32 online scan by ESET. Once you get the virus out I suggest updating your systems protection and get NOD32, if you cannot afford that 2 free decent virus scans are AVG and Bit Defender.



:devil: By the way yes I know this is an ancient thread and there is no reason to reply to it. I did this because I said I would in that last 7 year old post that was replied to. So we'll see how long my hobby of answering posts from 5+ years ago lasts.

Niclo, of all the member's threads to resurrect, you would pick a troublemaker...

[quote=Niclo Iste] Once you get the virus out I suggest updating your systems protection and get NOD32, if you cannot afford that 2 free decent virus scans are AVG and Bit Defender.quote]

He would buy the NOD 32, use it, then return it.....:flames:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NooNoo

Niclo, of all the member's threads to resurrect, you would pick a troublemaker...

---

Such sweet irony that to be troublesome I choose a troublemakers thread to dig up. Sounds like he was a stellar type of guy from the feedback you both gave.

Have a laugh, do a search for his posts.... but keep your comments to yourself and let sleeping dogs lie.

"Alas! Poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio. A fellow of infinite problems! A thousand times he hath asked me to bear him on my back. And now, how abhorred is he!"