How to Get Rid of an Aim Virus

Getting rid of viruses is important for your computer's health.

AOL Instant Messenger (or AIM) is a popular program for sending messages across the Internet. But just like with e-mail, instant messages sometimes contain viruses that can hurt your computer. If your computer gets an AIM virus, you need to get rid of the virus as quickly as possible before it does more damage.

Things You'll Need

• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Close AIM. Either click the "x" at the top right of the window, or select the "Sign Out" option from the "Status" menu.

2. If anti-virus software is installed on the computer, update the virus definitions. The update procedure will be different for each anti-virus product, but there is usually an "Update" function on the program's main menu. After updates are installed, run the program to do a full anti-virus scan.

3. If no anti-virus software is on the computer, visit the website for Microsoft Security Essentials or AVG Anti-Virus (see resources below), and follow the instructions to download and install one of these free products. Then do a full computer scan to identify and remove viruses.

4. Download and install all recommended Windows updates from Microsoft's website (see resources below). The update process may require you to restart your computer one or more times. Repeat this step until no more recommended updates are listed.

5. Visit Lavasoft's website (see resources) and click on "Download Free" to install free Ad-Aware software. Follow the installation instructions displayed on your screen.

6. Open the Ad-Aware program and click "Web Update" to get the latest definitions. Then click "Scan System" to remove unwanted programs installed on your PC by viruses.

Tips & Warnings

• Microsoft Update, Ad-Aware and anti-virus programs may automatically restart your computer several times as part of the repair process. Do not turn off or restart the PC yourself until these programs have finished running.

• When using AIM, never click on a link in a message without checking first with the sender to make sure it is really from them. Many links contain hidden viruses.

References

• AIM: Help with Viruses and Trojans

Resources

• University of Rhode Island: AIM Virus Removal
• CNET: Antivirus Software
• Microsoft: Security Essentials
• AVG: Free Anti-Virus
• Microsoft: Windows Update