windows defender virus

[thelastchapter666]

ok,so...a couple of weeks ago my pc <running on xp> got this nasty virus while i was trying to download a couple of things,basically what it did was make a shitload of popups telling you you need to install windows pc defender or something like that,i tried everything superantispyware,avast,avg,mcaffee,adaware,spybot search and destroy,and a bunch of other things,couldnt get rid of it...it was so nasty it even deleted my system restoring back up drive,so i installed a fresh xp.works fine BUT,i got no sound what so ever i tried anything you can do with the drivers,codecs,regestry,ect.
any ideas how to get my sound back?
friend of mine said something about a rootkit,dunno what that is or how it would still be on my pc...

[DamegedSpy]

1.- A rootkit goes to boot sectores and other places that are not in your C: partition.
2.-I recommend you to switch to Linux/FreeBSD/or similar.

[insomaniacal]

You're probably fine, especially if you did a full format. What version of XP is it? I know windows xp sp3 had a glitch in it that wouldn't allow you to hear any sound even after installing your drivers.

I wrote an article about it here:

http://decemberdoom.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/windows-xp-sp3-sound-driver-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/

[sanddbox]

1.- A rootkit goes to boot sectores and other places that are not in your C: partition.
2.-I recommend you to switch to Linux/FreeBSD/or similar.

Do you really think the OP is going to be able to switch to Linux if he can't figure out what a rootkit is?

[DamegedSpy]

I hope so xD. At least I can say I try to switch him.

[insomaniacal]

Wouldn't it be more beneficial to explain it to him and give some solid advice rather than just jumping and telling him to switch to Linux?

[thelastchapter666]

yeah im actually thinking about switching to linux on my pc,but i like windows mainly because i play allot of games n shit so that works good for me,as for my sound problem i managed to fix it by just getting a new sound card XD...id still like to fix my old problem though,i did have service pack 3...so il use that and try to fix it...thanks insomaniacle

[sanddbox]

I hope so xD. At least I can say I try to switch him.

I get the feeling you want him to switch to Linux because everyone tells you to rather than having a real reason.

The OP's problem is fixed. Windows works for him. Why should he switch?

[DamegedSpy]

Its a suggestion. He don't "have" to.
Linux is safer mainly because admin accounts don't have enough priviledges to alter important stuff(Thats where 'sudo' comes in)

>.> And I had say that a solution is wiping the disk if the severity is that high.

[sanddbox]

Linux is safer mainly because admin accounts don't have enough priviledges to alter important stuff(Thats where 'sudo' comes in)

Practically everyone using Linux is going to have enough tech experience NOT to delete important files. There are many valid reasons for switching to Linux, but this isn't one of them.

Anyways, I don't want this thread to spiral into a Linux debate (so many have xD).