Virus question

[imported_jzimo]

My computer has been really screwed up lately so I thought I would reformat the hard drive to fix it. Well that didn't work and now the problem has gotten worse. When I was in windows xp a blue screen poped up and stated that something went wrong with so and so file and windows needs to restart. After the computer restarts a black screen pops up stating the ntfs.sys file is missing. I never deleted this so maybe a virus did? Tonight I reisntalled windows and everything seemed to be running good then the same thing happens except now its a hib.sys file that was deleted. Could a virus be in my bios or some other hardware? If so how do I get rid of it.

 

[mechBgon]

#1 question: has the system been behind the protection of a router or a software firewall, without any lapses, since it was built? Software firewalls include the Windows Firewall (this would be protecting your system from the start, if your Windows CD has Service Pack 2 integrated into it) or ZoneAlarm or Sygate.

If the system's had firewall protection from the get-go, and not exposed to any sources of infection elsewhere (warez, pr0n, worm-infected computers sharing your home Internet connection, etc) then it may be a corruption problem due to unstable power, inadequate memory voltage, or an unhealthy hard drive.

Since I'm harping on the subject here's my effort to help people button down their security during a fresh Windows install: http://www.omnicast.net/~tmcfa...s/build/resources.html

 

[imported_jzimo]

My computer was connected over a wireless network with a firewall. The only thing I have downloaded has been music. My computer wasn't connected to the internet when I did the reinstall of windows so if it is a virus its on my computer even after reformatting. When I try a diffrent hard drive windows boots up fine but then randomly shuts down. PSU has been ruled out along with memory, video card.

Thats my reason for buying my new motherboard that arrived dead today. I hate technology!!!

 

[mechBgon]

If anyone else is within range of your AP and their computer has a worm, they could do a "drive-by" worm attack on you without even knowing, so you might want to keep your Windows Firewall going and enable whatever security measures your WAP allows for.

The random shutdowns, are they just sudden power-offs or are they a Sasser-worm-style 60-second shutdown, or what are the symptoms exactly? You might also post your specs for the other guys to check out what hardware you've got, it helps people get insight on stuff