Windows 7 virus

[ikdekker]

Hello all, I have recently downloaded a file called setup.exe and when I opened it, it deleted itself. Somewhat later it closed all my programs and took something from me. I think they are monitoring my PC and have put a keylogger on it as well. My Anti-virus can't detect anything and I searched a lot. This is the link to the program: <removed by moderator>
I have changed the .exe to .txt, it made a little bit clear but I couldn't seem to remove it still.

What can I do about this? I already tried a system backup, but it didn't work.
Sincerely Nick Dekker

[Jenner]

First off, I'd remove that link as it could be dangerous. Second, this belongs in the General PC forum, not the Visual Basic one.

Finally, take your machine to Geek Squad or a similar computer pro shop and have them thoroughly check it over. If you're comfortable with it though, I'd just reinstall Windows.

[techgnome]

Question - what DID you think you were downloading?

-tg

[si_the_geek]

Thread moved to the 'General PC' forum. (thanks for letting us know folks )

[ikdekker]

Its okay if I have to reinstall windows, I don't have a lot of important things on my computer. But whats the easiest way to do so?
thanks

[Jenner]

Easiest way? First back up the things you want to keep like programming projects, documents, pictures, music, etc to either a USB stick drive or external hard drive.

Next, take an inventory of all the programs you'll want to reinstall and make sure you have the disks/license codes for them. Make sure if any program requires you to "deactivate" it's license, you do this. If you have Microsoft Office, make sure you have your install key.

Take an inventory of hardware drivers you may need and pre-download them to that external drive... ESPECIALLY any network drivers (you don't want to be in the chicken-and-egg syndrome of "I need to download the driver to get my internet to work... but I need the internet to download the driver...")

Finally, put the Windows 7 disk in the drive and select it from the boot menu. When it asks you what you want to do, tell it you want a new installation. When it asks to select the hard drive partition, tell it to format it first to wipe everything out.

[ikdekker]

I guess that would work, but the problem is, Windows 7 was installed on this computer by default. I don't have an installation disk.

[Jenner]

Every manufacturer has a way to reinstall Windows. It's either installed to a recovery partition or it came with a disk or you have to contact the OEM and buy a media disk from them.