Please help - pc crashing

[trishie]

Hi

I was having problems with pop ups on my PC so installed an NTL protection program. (can't recall the exact name- came with NTL broadband package)
My PC then froze. Control, alt, delete didn't work so had to switch off.
I then restarted the pc, got into windows but it then froze again when the NTL program started up automatically.
Since then I have tried to restart pc countless times but can't get past the NTL program before it crashes.
I've been unable to uninstall or switch off the program as I only have about 1 minute before the pc freezes once i'm in windows.
I've also tried to unistall the program in safe mode, but it won't allow this.

Please could anyone offer any advice on how I can get around this problem or what may be the cause?

Many thanks.

[Tom]

Hi there.

Welcome to ItsAllPC.

What version of Windows are you using?

[Jason]

Sounds like spyware, you may need to reinstall.
More information about your system will make it easier for us to help you.
We can then decide the best course of action.

[Tom]

If he is using Windows 98 I thought it might just be one of the many many glitches...

Would need a reinstall anyway if this is the case.

[trishie]

I've got Windows XP.
Do I need to reinstall it?

[Jason]

I would guess it to be a spyware problem.
While a fresh install will solve the problem by wiping your hard drive clean you will need to take preventative measures from ensuring you don't find yourself in a similar situation in a few months. Surfing the internet without taking the proper precautions will result in endless computer problems like those you have described above.

Aswell as scanning for viruses on a regular basis with a fully updated and reputable scanner you'll also need to scan for Spyware.
Spyware is probably a bigger threat to most computer users than viruses as it is ever present on the internet and can be installed undetected without a user's knowledge.

To combat this ever increasing threat you'll need to perform regular scans with antispyware programs,the two best and free are:
<a href="http://www.lavasoft.com">Ad-Aware Personal Edition</a>
<a href="http://www.spybot.com>Spybot-Search and Destroy</a>

As with anti virus software, to be fully protected you will need to update and scan regularly especially if you use the internet a lot.

Another step you can take is to replace Internet Explorer as your main browser.
<a href="http://www.mozilla.com/firefox">Firefox</a> is a free and much more secure browser that is findign its way into many PCs these days.
It's an excellent replacment for IE and I wouldn't recommend browsing without it.

For viruses I use <a href="http://free,grisoft.com">AVG</a>, also free.

Coupled with common sense the above will keep you relatively problem free.

_________________________________________________

Keep in mind that you will lose any data on your hard drive that hasn't been backed up.
If there is important stuff on it I would try to back it up first, I've learnt this the hard way like most.
If you need any help with the reinstall procedure. just ask