How to Remove a Virus in Windows

A computer virus is much like a real virus. It is a harmful bug that enters your computer system and causes your PC to act poorly. Computer viruses have many different effects, some cause your system to run very slow, some leave your important data vulnerable to intruders, and some do both. Since I have a lot of experience removing viruses, I would like to share my knowledge with all of you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. CLEAR TEMP FILES. In MY COMPUTER, go to C:/Documents_And_Settings/%user%/Local_Settings/Temp. (If you don't see LOCAL SETTINGS directory, make sure you have Hidden Files shown) Delete all files in TEMP folder.

2. DISABLE SYSTEM RESTORE. Right-Click MY COMPUTER. Click PROPERTIES. Go to SYSTEM RESTORE tab. Check check box that says TURN OFF SYSTEM RESTORE.

3. RUN SPYWARE SCANNERS FROM SAFE MODE. I find it is always better to run more then 1 spyware scanner applications. I use SPYBOT SEARCH & DESTROY and MALWARE BYTES. Just go to google and search for these FREE programs to download. Make sure you download all definition updates before running scan. To enter Safe Mode, click F10 key (may be other F key depending on PC type) on Computers BIOS Startup screen and choose Safe Mode with networking.

4. The above steps are usually sufficient in removing most viruses and spyware. A few more helpful ideas would be to:
   
   1) remove unwanted programs from ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS in control panel
   2) remove unwanted startup items from MSCONFIG, Click Start > Run > type "msconfig", choose startup tab on top of window

[mattsaboy]

on 10/5/2009 5 stars and a recommendation for a great article.

[starlet67]

on 5/23/2009 Great tips for removing a virus in windows!5*

[kiwi800321]

on 12/28/2008 I would say that running spybot and malware bytes seems to remove about 75% of viruses or spyware. I think malware bytes may have taken #1 over spybot. I agree that there are some really nasty ones out there that CANNOT be explained through a how to article. My advice to them would be to search google on symptoms of specifics. I think this article can certainly help some people who aren't that advanced and don't have one of those nasty ones.

[Forsaken]

on 12/27/2008 You Can Access Your Temp Files Easily By Going To Start/Run/%temp%.. And Alot Of Experience With Virus's?? Your Not Showing It Very Much Man Honestly.. Your Giving Everyone Advice On What To Do By Saying Use SSAD (SpyBot) Because Its Free.. Its A **** Program...And What Does Startup Applications And Spyware Have To Do With Virus's... Or Even Temp Files?? Your Article Should Have Been How To Speed Up Your Computer!!.. Sorry Not Trying To Judge Your Article Or Ability To Think Of What Your Doing First.. But Lets Get Serious Here.. Ppl Want Help Not People Explaining What They Dont Know!!