How to Fix a Computer If Attacked by Virus

Computer viruses can travel from computer to computer through email.

Viruses can completely destroy a computer, if not taken care of immediately. According to the University of Delaware, a computer virus is actually a type of software that attaches itself to specific programs or files already within a computer. Unfortunately, it does not stop there; viruses continually make copies of themselves, eventually multiplying out of control on the computer's hard drive. Viruses can even jump from computer to computer through email or file sharing. Because of the imminent threat of computer viruses, there are several types of antivirus software available to scan the computer and destroy the virus.

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Antivirus software

Instructions

- 1
  
  Install the antivirus program onto the computer. Some antivirus software, such as Avast and AVG, can be downloaded for free. Other types of antivirus software, such as Norton Antivirus and McAfee, can be purchased in stores or online. Reboot the computer.
- 2
  
  Complete a computer scan with the antivirus software. Some software does this automatically upon installation, while others have a "Scan" command.
- 3
  
  Temporarily disable the "System Restore" on the computer by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting "Properties." For Windows XP, under the "System Restore" tab, place a check in the box next to "Turn Off System Restore." For Windows 7, the "Turn Off System Restore" option will be under "System Protection."
- 4
  
  Delete the temporary files on the computer by going to "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools" and "Disk Cleanup." Select the "C:" drive and click "OK." When the dialog box appears, make sure only the files labeled "Downloaded Program Files," "Temporary Internet Files," "Recycle Bin" and "Temporary Files" are checked.
- 5
  
  Open the antivirus software. Run another full scan. This can take several minutes to several hours. Once the scan is complete, reboot the system and repeat Steps 3 through 5 if the virus is still apparent.

Photo Credit computer with infected e-mail and bugs image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com

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How to Fix a Computer If Attacked by Virus

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