Root Virus in Vista

[Sandee]

I believe I have a root virus on my 4 month new HP computer, OS is Vista Home Premium. Have tried seven different Spyware dectection and Antivirus software programs, (only one is installed at a time, of course!) and this bug either disables each of them, or is able to remain hidden during the scan!! Also when I try to run a scan in safemode, a pop-up appears stating that this function cannot be completed in safemode. I can view many files and applications on my PC none of which were installed or downloaded by me. Also, what's supposed to be my main administrator user ID is listed as a "roaming" ID, whose parent is the "Default" user. When I try to access the "default" user's files, a pop-up states "access denied".
I've tried Norton AV & Internet Security; McAfee, System Mechanic 7 professional, Spybot, Webroot's Antivirus & Firewall, Windows Defender and of course Windows One.
I'm tempted to just replace the hard drive, but if there is an easier way, I'd appreciate your input. Thank you.

[Joe2Shoe]

I've had good luck with these guys.
http://www.malwareremoval.com/
Just register and post your problem.

This site lists lots of anti-rootkit programs.
http://www.antirootkit.com/

Good luck,
Joe

[Joe2Shoe]

I have found that certain programs will not run in Vista. So, I just right-click the program, then select "run as administrator", and the program runs.
Works for me.
Good luck.
Joe

[LiveFree]

I read this post and reply thinking it was an attempt at humor, but realized that it's for real.

If you run everything as admin, you will allow malware to infest your system with admin privileges.

If you replace your hard drive, you will put the bad stuff onto the new drive as soon as you transfer everything over from the old drive to the new one.

The only way to fix the problem is to replace the operating system vendor. If you must run Windows, you should do it inside a Linux virtual machine.

And if you ask for advice from an anonymous stranger calling himself "Joe", well, you'll get what you pay for.