How to Clean Viruses Off Your Computer

It would not be reasonable for me to say that one antivirus software is better than the other though in some cases that point of view may seem to apply. However, in my years of experience I came to realize that one brand of antivurus software may detect a particular virus whilst the other wouldn't even though they may claim to be the best. So, here are my conclusions on this matter:

Things You'll Need

• Antivirus Software
• And or Swypare Remover Program
• Infected Pc
• Internet connection
• Basic understanding of how to install and uninstall programs

Instructions

1. 

   Ensure that you install a full version antivirus and antispyware software on your computer and make sure that they are updated. If one was supplied they are usually trial ware which will expire in about 30 days. Sad but true, is the fact that some antivirus software cannot remove a virus infection after the computer has been infected.

2. 

   Ok, so you already verified the above and still your computer got infected. If you have an internet connection the first things you should do is to update your antivirus and antispyware software. In the case of a Trojan or worm, you will also need to update your operating system in order to patch exploited holes.

3. Manually disconnect the computer from the internet by unplugging the cable and boot into "SAFE MODE" by restarting the computer and press F8 whilst the computer boots. Then, Run a full system Scan using your now updated Antivirus and Antispyware programs. You can also remove viruses manually. The worm or virus may be active, so the files are usually in use and cannot be deleted; Besides More than one worm process may be running, and they may act in such a way as to restart one another whenever they are stopped, making manual removal difficult. You may also need to disable system restore. By doing this, you will automatically delete any virus file(s) that are in the "RESTORE" folder.

4. 

   As I have stated in the introduction, using other antivirus software other than the ones installed on your computer will definitely increase your chances of disinfecting your computer. My favorites are: (1) AVG it detects not only viruses but also Worms, Trojans and act as a spyware remover (2) MacAfee free Online scan (3) Symantec V10. Restart computer and run scan a second time just to make sure.

5. 

   You can view "Task Manager" to see if there are unfamiliar programs extensions running. You can then do a Google search to find an explanation. More than often someone has already gone through the trouble of fixing this problem.

Tips & Warnings

• You'll need to scan your flash drives too. More than likely, the same virus that is on your computer is on your flash drives.

• Normally, if the virus infection is severe I backup my files and do a clean install, I format my flash disk in the process too. Then after updating everything I check my file for virus again before restoring.

• I normally disable system restore completely. It has no use to me really. Windows' System Restore will back up the worm files and its registry changes, making it possible for the worm to be restored, and causing false alarms that the worm is still present on the computer because copies are found in the System Restore folder.

• Disable Autorun, or hold down the "SHIFT KEY" to prevent autorun when inserting flash drives, CDs etc into the computer.

• If you know the name of the virus, more than often there is a free removal too for it. Just Google it.

• Prevention is better than cure. I also use Windows Steady State, Tweak Power Pack and avoid suspicious files and websites.

• Registry links may have been made in such a way that if the worm files are removed, vital system processes are prevented from running, making Windows difficult to use, or unusable. Hence, the need for a clean install.

• Only use one antivirus software at a time. Disable or uninstall one before using the other as this will slow down your PC and they both wont be able to function properly together.

• Be careful how you go about downloading free antivirus software off the internet...most of them are Trojans and worms in disguise.