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Resolved Question

Suggestions for truly FREE anti-virus software?

Dec 29, 2011 1:55PM PST

My friend apparently has viruses on her PC and cannot access the Internet. Forum members suggested that I download AVG FREE onto a disk and have her install it offline... then run it. She did that, but apparently got a message that she had "too many" viruses and that she would have to pay AVG (maybe buy the advanced version? She wasn't clear explaining it to me) to have it clean up her PC.

She's been out of work for a long time and really doesn't have any money... I know there are several free antivirus, anti-spyware programs available here on CNET. Can anyone suggest one I can download and she can install and run offline that will find all the problems and clean them up without her having to pay?

Or do you have any other suggestions to help her? She's using the Internet for job searches but now has to go to the public library every day to use their Internet access until she can get her own PC to work again.

Many thanks!

Ellie

Discussion is locked

elliehowe has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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AVG Free is FREE..
Dec 30, 2011 1:06AM PST

Ellie..

I've never heard of the FREE version of AVG reporting "too many viruses and requesting it be paid for it". Could it be she mistakenly downloaded the paid version. Confused

It sounds more like the actions of "scareware", which attempts to "scare" you into purchasing their fake anti-spyware program. As an example, see this removal guide for a rogue (FAKE) program which purports to be that of AVG.

The following A/V's ARE free:

AVG
http://free.avg.com/us-en/free-antivirus-download
Avast
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
Microsoft Security Essentials
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials
Avira's AntiVir
http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus

It's important she also install one (or both), of the following. They are both FREE.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free
SUPERAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com

If she's unable to install and run the above, I would suggest having her follow these set of instructions. If she's still unable to access the internet, have her use any of the free rescue CD's listed here.

Best of luck..
Carol

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Re:
Jan 1, 2012 5:02AM PST

Any of those four carol listed will do.

Just keep clear of Rising Anti Virus as its detection rate is down right pathetic.

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CNET Forum Members Are the Best!
Jan 6, 2012 6:49AM PST

Thank you to all who replied to my questions! This is the first time I've been online since I posted it, and I apologize for not responding sooner. I will copy all the information and links you sent, and then try to help her download and install and run them. You are right that I must have given her a bogus AVG program to install on her PC. I've been using AVG Free for many years -- and I love it -- and I have never encountered a message saying what hers said.

I have also been a CNET Forums member for many years as well, and I cannot tell you how much help, advice, and sometimes even sympathy I've received from Forums members around the world whenever I've posted a question. Even better, you all reply in "newbie" language so that a non-techie non-IT person like me can understand what you're saying. Wonderful! I tell everyone I know about the Forums and how valuable a resource all of you are. Thank you once again for taking the time to share your expertise! - Ellie

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(NT) AVG
Jan 6, 2012 10:05AM PST
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Answer
Some reading
Dec 30, 2011 12:47AM PST