[tuckypuppy]

I am new here and fairly "green" when it comes to computer jargon and how to use tools. Please be understanding.
I think I might have malware attached to my system. I read your instructions here on how to get rid of malware and I am overwhelmed. Still, if all those steps need to be done, I will attempt it. Just afraid I'll do some of them wrong and get into more trouble.
Also, this may already be discussed in the forum and if so, I'm sorry for bringing it up again and not taking the time to hunt for it here.
Anyway, here is the problem. For weeks, I've tried for hours and hours to download any kind of free anti-spyware/virus program, such as Ad-Aware, Avast and others. I've tried them from different websites. But, every time, after hours of the downloading process I get error messages saying "corrupt files" or "incorrect password" or that the download is out of date, try a newer version, although it IS the newer version I'm trying.
I have Dial Up because I live in a secluded area that has no other available connection for me other than Hughes.net which I can't afford. I have a Dell Insprion, one year old.
I have turned the Firewall off, adjusted the Security Trusted site to accept those download websites. I have tried in the middle of the night (off hours). Nothing works!
I found in "cookies" 2 suspicous files. Could these be malware? Many of them such as Perflib_Perfdata_678 (DAT file) and fb_120.lck (Lock file).
My computer has been running slower and slower with little irritations now and then.
I would buy an anti-spyware/virus program but I'm afraid that it, too, might not download.
Can anyone guide me in the right direction?
THANKS very much! ray:

 

[Ben Her]

Okay, first run Start>Run>(type)"msconfig" and launch Selective Startup.

Turn off all non-microsoft services and all unnecessary startups. You may find randomly named executables. Report any you may find here.

Second, run Start>Run>cmd and at the command prompt type "chkdsk /f" and schedule it to run on reboot.

Reboot the system. Then try to download the Avast standalone installer from here:

http://www.killertechtips.com/2009/04/30/download-avast-offline-standalone-installer/

Hopefully, you can get that and run it and have a chance.

If you can get your system more or less stable, go back to the Securities forum, post there and wait for help.

 

[AlbertMC2]

You should try downloading a "Download accelerator" like DAP. It is about 13MB which is much smaller than the size of the antivirus programs you are trying to download. You can get it here: http://www.brothersoft.com/download-download-accelerator-plus-71682.html

DAP will take control of your downloads. So if you try to download for example avast it will take control and even if you are disconnected or the connection times out it will allow you to pick up where you left off and thus allowing you to finish that download.

You could also download a "smaller" antivirus program like Microsoft Security Essentials here http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/