Suspected Malware on Laptop

Hi Cypher. I switched on my pc this morning and coudn't connect to the router again. I am wondering if the router is infected because my sister's laptop couldn't get online either but the desktop pc that was physically connected to the router was online. I rebooted the router and the laptop and got online again. I followed the rest of your instructions but I'm wondering if there's anything else I need to do just in case I am not clear after all?

Also can you recommend any good virus protection programs I can install for free or are SBSD and Windows Security Essencials efficient enough?

Hi Gowton,

I switched on my pc this morning and coudn't connect to the router again.

Let’s try to Reset your Router to its default configuration to see if that solves the problem.

• This can be done by inserting something like an opened paper clip into a small hole labeled Reset that's usually found at the back of the router.
• Press and hold down the small button inside until the lights on the front of the router blink off and then on again (usually about 10 seconds).
• If you don’t know your router's default password, you can look it up. HERE
• You will need to reconfigure any security settings you had in place prior to the reset.
• You may also need to ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) which DNS servers your network should be using.

Note: After resetting your router, it is important to set a non-default password, and if possible, username, on the router.

Let me know how it goes.

Also can you recommend any good virus protection programs I can install for free or are SBSD and Microsoft Security Essencials efficient enough?

Microsoft Security Essencials is one of the better free applications, but here are some applications that will help to better secure your PC.

Install SiteAdvisor
SiteAdvisor is a toolbar for Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox which alerts you if you're about to enter a potentially dangerous website.
You can find more information and download it from Here

Install WinPatrol
As a robust security monitor, WinPatrol will alert you to hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission. WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge.
For more information, please visit HERE

MVPS Hosts

Install MVPS Hosts File From Here
The MVPS Hosts file replaces your current HOSTS file with one containing well know ad sites etc. Basically, this prevents your computer from connecting to those sites by redirecting them to 127.0.0.1 which is your local computer.
You can Find the Tutorial HERE

sorry Cypher, I haven't been able to get the router reset as it doesn't belong to me. My nephew had recently done a lot to it for his gaming and wasn't prepared to undo all his work. I will not be using this router indefinitely so I am confident that when I get my own router I shouldn't have any problems. For now I will make do with restarting the router when I can't get online. I shall download the programmes you suggested when I get a chance.

Thank you for all your help.
Regards,
Athena Gowton

Hi Gowton,

Thank you for all your help

You're welcome.

I will not be using this router indefinitely so I am confident that when I get my own router I shouldn't have any problems. For now I will make do with restarting the router when I can't get online.

No problem i will close this topic.
Good luck and stay safe.