Member Avatar for starthomas

I am using Windows XP-SP-2 w/Mozilla Firefox updated browser and my computer does not allow me to complete a download of any antivirus programs so have not been protected for over a year now. Am a caregiver for my 97 year old aunt every day so have not had much time to fix this nagging and worrisome problem. I have high-speed internet but it is very slow so I imagine my computer is quite infected. I am not very computer savvy but do sell on eBay when I get the time so have some knowledge. Thanks for help from anyone.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by johhny-marshal

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Brief, practical plan that builds on the helpful suggestions already posted by , and others, but avoids risky shortcuts (for example, turning off the firewall or relying only on a browser reinstall).

Malware that blocks downloads often lives at the system level: it can add a proxy or HOSTS entries, run a background process that kills installers, or present fake "antivirus" popups that prevent real tools from running. Because of that, the most reliable recovery is to scan and clean the disk from outside the infected Windows environment rather than trying more in-place fixes.

A simple, safe workflow:

  • Use a known-clean computer (library, friend, or another PC) to create offline rescue media. Download a reputable vendor rescue ISO, verify it if checksums are offered, write the ISO to a USB stick or burn a CD/DVD, then boot the sick PC from that media and run a full offline scan and cleanup. If the PC will not boot from USB, burn a disc instead.
  • If creating rescue media is not possible, remove the drive (or connect it via a USB adapter) to a clean machine and scan the drive there.
  • Back up irreplaceable personal files before removing or repairing anything. Copy documents and photos to a separate external drive first.

After the disk is cleaned:

  • Rebuild or reinstall Windows (a clean install is the safest way to remove leftover damage) or move to a supported, up-to-date OS; then enable automatic updates and a current antivirus. Change online passwords only from a known-clean device.
  • Be cautious about popups, unsolicited phone support, or paying to "unlock" the PC.

If this is more than you can do at home, a trustworthy local computer shop or the library tech desk can make the rescue media and run the scans. This approach is safer and more reliable than disabling protections or trying in-place browser fixes.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

First step is to scan your computer for malware. I would suggest that you use another computer (maybe even at a library) and download MalwareBytes. It's free and does a great job cleaning malware.

Then when your computer is clean, upgrade XP to service pack 3 and the remaining patche.

Next install a new updated AV client. Many of them are now free.

Member Avatar for firdousahmad

i prefer to use unix operating systems as not use any antivirus applications there

Member Avatar for FastEd120

Try restarting your computer and press and hold F8 when you see the first screen. Go to Safe mode with networking. Once you are logged on to your pc, double click the Firefox icon and download a good free antivirus program. You can find good ones at www.download.com or on other sites. I hope this works for you. Good luck.

Member Avatar for firdousahmad

turn off all firewall and windows defender then u ll be able to download it.

Member Avatar for julieandrews

You can uninstall your browser and install it again , then try to use antivirus like Comodo

Member Avatar for johhny-marshal

Install any other browser like Google chrome and then try downloading the Antivirus program. But we suggest you not to use any free version of Antivirus program as it harms your computer's performance and execution speed and it needs to be updated time to time and also invites viruses to download into your computer which infects your computer and your computer and may go beyond maintenance. So, its better to install a paid verison of Antivirus program or in future if you face any problem regarding viruses better call Microsoft technicians to fix it.

Edited by johhny-marshal because: mistake
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