How to Delete Computer Viruses, Spyware, Trojans and Other Malware

Have you been infected by a computer virus, spyware, Trojan or another type of malware? Are you wondering how to remove it without wiping your hard drive? Learn how to delete computer viruses, spyware, Trojans and other malware by using programs like AVG, McAfee and Norton. Some of these steps, especially at the beginning, are for the worst-case scenario in which the virus disables anti-virus software.

Things You'll Need

• USB flash drive
• Non-Infected computer

Instructions

1. Install an anti-virus program. Some anti-virus programs are free, like AVG Free Edition (free.avg.com), while others cost money, like McAfee (mcafee.com) and Norton (norton.com). Download and install the desired application by following the instructions provided with each program.

   If the program won't run, then the virus is preventing it from running. To fix this, download and install the application onto a USB flash drive on a non-infected computer. Plug the USB drive into the infected computer and run the programs from there.

2. After scanning your hard drive for viruses, you need to look for spyware and adware. To do this, install a free spyware scanning tool, such as Spybot: Search & Destroy (safer-networking.org/index2.html). Install the program by following the onscreen instructions.

3. After installing the desired application, update the definitions (database of malware) by clicking on the relevant "Update" button within the software. Then start scanning, which could take a long time.

4. Once your virus scan has run, you're not in the clear yet; even if it found something, you may have accidentally backed up a copy of the virus somewhere on an external drive or flash drive. Make sure to scan your backup drives and flash drives as well; these are dangerous vectors for computer viruses.

5. Once you're sure that the virus is gone, take steps to prevent further infections. Make sure to keep the anti-virus program and anti-spam application installed and run scans regularly. Don't download or install programs from non-reputable sources, and don't open unknown email attachments. Run a firewall like Windows Defender (Microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx) or ZoneAlarm (zonealarm.com).

6. Once the virus is gone, start a regular backup schedule so that you won't suffer total loss in the event of another infection.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful with what you download and open. Some people are willing to damage your computer by installing viruses.

• Scan USB drives to prevent a reinfection.

References

• Bleeping Computer: How to Remove a Trojan, Virus, Worm, or Other Malware