How to Remove a Virus Warning From Windows XP Desktop

Windows XP will give you a virus warning in three different scenarios: if you download a virus via email, download a file that contains a virus or visit a web page with a virus that has an automatic downloader attached to it. Some viruses are difficult to get rid of, but it can be done. In order to get rid of the Windows XP virus warning, you must rid yourself of the virus.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Reboot Windows into safe mode. As the computer is rebooting, hold the F8 key during start up to get to the safe mode menu. Using the arrow keys, arrow over to Safe Mode and press "Enter."

2. Run the virus scan. You should already have this on your computer. If you do not, you will have to be in normal mode to download the virus scanner. Some viruses will not allow you to load the virus scan websites, so you may have to install from a disk. Popular virus scans include Norton, McAfee and Avast. Avast is free for home use.

3. Reboot into normal mode. If the message is still there, you did not rid your computer of the virus. Try using an online scanner, such as the one on Trend Micro’s Housecall. This is a free scan.

4. Have a reliable virus scanner running on your machine at all times. Either buy one of the commercial scanners or download Avast.

5. Download and run Adaware from Lavasoft. This program does not pick up viruses, but it does catch adware and spyware, including some auto downloaders. Both Adaware and the virus scanner should be run at least once a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Always update the virus scanner’s dictionary. The scanner will not do you any good if the definitions are not updated.
• If you cannot get rid of the virus, you may need to manually remove its entry from the registry.
• Do not open the registry and start deleting things if you do not know what you are doing–this could cause more damage than the virus. If you delete the wrong things, the computer will not boot properly or programs may not run.