How to Protect From Macro Viruses

Macro viruses infect your computer by way of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excess and PowerPoint. A macro virus may cause your system to slow or odd words to appear in your documents. Fortunately, preventing macro viruses from installing on your computer is a simple process. Using these few tips, you can keep macro viruses off your hard drive.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Download and install an anti-virus program that will prevent macro viruses from installing on your computer. The proper anti-virus program will create a pop up or a message when a macro virus is trying to get onto your computer. You can also use the anti-virus program to remove any macro viruses that are already on your computer. AVG Anti-Virus is a program that will protect your computer from macro viruses (see Resources section).

2. Prevent macros from running when you open a program. If macros cannot run, they cannot be installed on your computer. To do this, hold the "Shift" key on your keyboard whenever you open a file.

3. Disable all macros in your programs. Just as in Step 2, doing this will prevent any macros, including viruses, from running and installing on your computer. There are different steps to disable macros in different computers. See the Resources section below to learn how you can disable macros in specific programs.

4. Open attachments only from senders that you know and trust. Attachments from individuals you don't know could contain macro (and other viruses). You should delete any unknown messages that contain unknown attachments immediately.

Resources

• AVG Anti-Virus
• How to Disable Macros