How to Get Rid of an ActiveX Trojan
Trojans are a form of malicious software that allow unauthorized users to access your computer. Trojans can delete files, steal personal information, monitor your computer and Internet usage and perform a number of other harmful operations.
Some malicious websites can install Trojans on your computer using the ActiveX framework. Many Microsoft programs--such as Internet Explorer--use ActiveX to perform a number of different software functions, such as installing plug-ins. While Microsoft regularly installs patches to protect against possible virus or malware (malicious software) infection, users who have disabled Windows Automatic Update are at risk. If you suspect a Trojan is installed on your computer, you should immediately download, install and run an anti-virus program.
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Instructions
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Download an anti-virus software, such as Norton Anti-Virus, AVG Anti-Virus or McAfee VirusScan, and follow the software's onscreen installation guide to install the program to your computer.
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Restart your computer and press "F8." When the selection prompt appears, use your directional pad to choose "Windows Safe Mode," then hit "Enter."
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Run the anti-virus software after Windows Safe Mode has finished loading. Launch the update utility to download the most recent virus definitions. This will allow the anti-virus to detect any newly implemented ActiveX Trojans.
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Once the update is complete, use the anti-virus software to scan your entire computer for infection. This may take several hours. To make sure the software detects all possible ActiveX Trojan infections, do not cancel the scanning process.
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Follow the onscreen instructions to remove the infection after the scan has completed. Some software will automatically remove the infection immediately following the virus scan.
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Restart your computer. To make sure all remaining traces of ActiveX Trojans are removed, use the anti-virus software to scan your computer a second time.
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Tips & Warnings
Configure your virus software to scan your computer at least once a week for infections.
To prevent further infection, you may want to disable ActiveX on your computer. In IE, go to "View," then "Options." Click the "Security Tab" and uncheck the "Enable ActiveX Controls" box.
If your anti-virus software is not able to delete an ActiveX Trojan, you may need to quarantine it. Quarantining an infection will leave it on your computer's hard drive, but it will not be able to access your computer's files or data.
