How to Remove Multipartite Viruses

Multipartite viruses, also known as hybrid viruses, act like two different virus types in one. They usually are a combination of file viruses (which attack files) and boot sector viruses (which attack your computer's start-up system). Because they are combinations, they can be difficult to remove.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Update all your antivirus and spyware programs. Make sure they can detect all the latest viruses, as they always try to stay ahead of the game. Make sure your antivirus software can detect file, boot sector and multipartite viruses.

2. Make sure you have bootable rescue disk to start your system if the hard drive is infected. Using a blank formatted floppy, go to "Add/Remove Programs" on your Control Panel, then activate "Create Disk" on the Startup Disk tab.

3. Run a regular scan of your hard drive and files. If your software is fully updated, it should be able to remove most viruses on your computer.

4. Make sure your boot sectors and files are all clean, as these are what most multipartite viruses attack. You will definitely need the rescue disk before you attempt any repairs.

5. Shut down the system completely to clear the memory and then reboot. Multipartite viruses, like many others, only work if they remain in memory.

6. Take the computer into a service shop for any virus infections you cannot clean up. Most computer shops have a service department that specializes in virus cleanup and removal.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevention is better than cure, especially with multipartite viruses. Keep your virus definitions updated and avoid opening e-mails and downloading programs from suspicious sources.