How to Remove a Rootkit With a Freeware Download
Many people define a rootkit as a program that grants access to a computer. However, this is not an accurate definition. A rootkit is a program, or group of programs, installed on your computer to disguise the fact that your computer has already been compromised.
Regardless, rootkits are dangerous and need to be removed. Luckily, there is a free program called Malwarebytes Anti-Malware that will help remove many of the rootkits currently prowling the Internet.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and install it on your computer. When installation is complete, you are given the option to launch the software. Go ahead and do that at this time. Once the program is launched, you will be informed that it is checking for updates. This is an important step, since the program is actually updating the malware signature files it uses to distinguish malicious software from legitimate software. Updating provides protection against the latest known malware.
Once the update is complete, shut down Malwarebytes without running a scan.
-
2
Restart your computer in Safe Mode. After your computer performs the Power On Self Test (POST), you will need to enter the boot menu. This is usually done by striking the F8 key. If this does not work, consult your computer's user manual.
After you have hit the F8 key, you will be presented with a menu of options. Choose "Safe Mode" and hit "Enter." Safe mode starts the computer with a minimal amount of processes and services, so malware has less opportunity to run.
-
-
3
Run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. This is done by double-clicking the desktop icon that appeared after the software was installed. Once the program opens, you will be given two options. Select the "Perform full scan" option and then press the "Scan" button. This may take quite a bit of time to run.
Once the program has finished scanning your computer, click on "Remove selected" to delete any malware, including rootkits, that was found on your computer.
-
4
Run any additional antivirus or security software that you may be using to check for additional malware on your computer.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you are planning to run your antivirus or other security applications from safe mode, make sure to update their definition, or signature, files before booting to safe mode. You can boot to "Safe mode with networking." However, this causes additional processes and services to run.
Some rootkits can avoid detection by even the best anti-malware programs. If this is the case, you may need to remove the rootkit by hand.
