Cant access network

[tmcd35]

I think I may have just got caught by the Confiker virus - put paid to any April fools plans I had for tomorrow, Grrr.

I have three machines - 1 server and 2 desktops - that can't access any network resources. They are also running incredibly slow.

I've checked all the usual stuff. Network cable plugged in, lights on - check. Static IP (on server) - check. Ping known working network location - fail. check switch - working, other machines on switch not exhibiting problem.

checked the 'server' service and it is up. run the F-Secure confiker checker, all clear.

The server is disconnected from the net over night and both pc's are turned off with orders not to turn on till i've worked out the problem.

I've downloaded the sophos and BitDefender tools to double check the server is clear in the morning and rule out Confiker.

If it's not confiker, what else can I check? What else is likely to cause three machines to totally stop communicating with the network even though the net work link lights, IP addresses, switch, etc all suggest they should be talking?

Thanks in advance for any tips/ideas I can try in the morning.

[FN-GM]

Try the Norman Malware cleaner i found this to be the best one. Others i tried didn't pick up the confiker

[tmcd35]

Well we're virus free here. Looks like some spotty little oik bet me to the April fools gags! Turns out the reason for the network outages was a cable loop between two point in one of the classrooms.

Lucky for us we have spanning tree turned on and the switch to two points are connected to only has a hand full of PC's (and 1 server) connected to it. I'm surprised we didn't get any complaints from any of the other users connected to that switch.