How to Remove the Facebook Virus (Koobface, Video or Caught on Camera)
If you received a virus, such as Koobface, through an email or post from a Facebook friend, all hope is not lost. Some examples of the email generated by the Facebook virus are, "You've been caught on a hidden camera" or "You look awesome in this new video." You can remove this virus with antivirus software, but it might keep coming back. If that's the case, you can take additional steps to get rid of the virus for good.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Download and install an antivirus program if you don't already have one. Some free versions include Microsoft Security Essentials (Microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials) and AVG Free (free.avg.com).
-
2
Open your antivirus software and update it with the latest virus definitions. Your program should have an "Update" option that will walk you through this.
-
-
3
Disconnect your computer from the Internet by unplugging the network cable or disconnecting from the wireless Internet connection. You may have a switch or button that lets you turn off the wireless connection. If you don't have this, right-click the computer-like icon in the bottom right of your screen -- by the clock -- and click "Disconnect."
-
4
Turn off the System Restore setting on your computer. This is a feature that lets you restore your computer to its state at a previous date and time. The virus uses this feature to restore itself in your computer after an antivirus program removes it. Disable System Restore by clicking "Start," right-clicking "Computer" and selecting "Properties." Click "System protection" on the left side of the window. Click the main disk, such as "C:" under Protection Settings and click "Configure." Click "Turn off system protection" and click "OK" twice.
-
5
Restart your computer. Once the screen turns black from shutting down, press the "F8" key on your keyboard repeatedly until you see some options in white text. Using your arrow keys, highlight the "Safe Mode" option (without network support) and press "Enter."
-
6
Open your antivirus program and perform a full scan for viruses.
-
7
Delete any viruses the program found.
-
8
Restart your computer again in Safe Mode and run another virus scan. If needed, choose to delete the infected files permanently from your computer and from the antivirus's quarantine area.
-
9
Restart your computer once more, this time in normal mode (without pressing "F8").
-
10
Run one more virus scan. If no viruses are detected, reconnect your computer to the Internet.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Restarting your computer in Safe Mode will keep the virus from running and slowing your system down.
If your computer runs without any signs of viruses for a day or so, you can turn the System Restore back on.
If you receive an email from a friend's Facebook account to see a video, don't open it. Instead, delete it or ask your friend if she sent it.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
More Like This
Comments
-
If anyone (or their babysitter's ;)) happened to have clicked one of those silly spam posts saying "See who's viewed your profile!", and now your computer is running like molasses, try this. It's a pain in the ass but it worked for me.
