Things You'll Need:
- Antivirus software
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Step 1
Create backups for your important documents, digital images and any other files you wish to keep. Don't back up any executable files, as those files can easily be infected by a virus and taint your entire backup.
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Step 2
Detect an infection by regularly updating and scanning your computer for viruses. You can't recover from an infection that escapes your attention. Many computer users use compromised computers for months or years without knowing they were infected.
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Step 3
Remove viruses automatically. Depending on which virus has infected your computer, your virus program might be able to automatically remove the infection.
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Step 4
Remove the virus manually. Some viruses are so new or advanced that an antivirus program doesn't know how to remove them automatically. There are often manual removal instructions available on your antivirus program's website or via a security advisory. Follow these instructions carefully, as you can do major damage to your operating system if you do not.
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Step 5
Reinstall Windows in the case of a major infection, since this is the only way to be sure the virus is completely gone. Some viruses infect almost everything, including your antivirus program itself. In these cases, it's best to reformat your computer and start from a new installation. Though the virus could be removed, removing the virus often takes so much time and effort that it's faster and safer to do a reinstall.
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Step 6
Reinstall your antivirus program immediately after doing a new install. Be sure to update the program and virus definitions.
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Step 7
Recover and restore your data. Once you have all your personal files back onto the hard drive, your computer will almost be back to normal.
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Step 8
Scan your restored files with your antivirus program to be sure they're not infected.
