How to Detect and Remove Windows Infections

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By MidniteWriter
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Windows Infections can be daunting for any computer user

Computer infections on Windows can be difficult to detect, especially if you are a beginner or think your security software is up to date. They go by many names, malware, spyware, viruses, trojan horses, worms and more. Regardless of the name, they do damage and can invade your Internet privacy. Here are simple ways to detect and remove those Windows infections that are causing pop ups, locking you out of the internet, hard drive freezes and slow downs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer
Software

Step 1

Backup data you wish to save to: a USB flash drive, CD, DVD, portable hard drive or other media. If you are unsure how to do this simply plug in a flash drive then drag and drop your photos and any documents you want to save onto it. Or, email photos and documents to yourself or a family member in a web based email account like Gmail, Yahoo or Windows Live.
Step 2

Install and run your antivirus and antispyware Windows Security suite. Start a manual scan to detect infections in Windows.
If you do not have software already installed on your computer, now would be a good time to purchase an Internet Security Suite on CD complete with spyware detection. They are sold at most stores.
Step 3

Set the antivirus software to scan the computer automatically about every 30 days. You can still use the computer while scans run. This will detect and remove Windows infections without you having to think about it. It may notify you in the lower right hand corner of your screen of infections it has found and removed.
Step 4

Download, install and run Malwarebytes malware removal tool. This will pick up the deep infections that hide in Windows Registry. When the scan is complete, click show results. Make sure the boxes are all checked and click the remove button. Windows may need to be restarted. Look for a prompt by Malwarebytes. There is a link in this article for the download.
Step 5

Look for icons for software in the lower right hand corner that you know you did not install. Do not purchase them, though they look like Windows products. This software is not there to help you and could in fact, spread the infections.
Step 6

Run CC cleaner, a freeware software program that will clean up many infections and Windows registry entries on your computer. There is a link within this article.
Step 7

Repeat these steps any time you notice a slow down, pop ups or unusual toolbars installed when you open Windows.
Step 8

Please comment and share what works for you.

Comments

ChrissLJ said

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on 8/25/2009 Ugh, I completely lost a pc bc it had malware that could not be removed. I didn't realize it until it had completely took the computer beyond repair. It is currently an expensive paper weight. Unfortunately, NOTHING was backed up so all was lost.... I kept kicking myself and calling out "WHY?!?!" NOW, mine runs a scan once a day. Probably over kill but don't want it to happen again.