How to Clean a Virus for Free

Computer viruses can freeze your computer.

Computer viruses do not infect the computers of only careless users. Your computer can become infected with a virus if you install or update a program, download what appears to be a legitimate anti-virus program, or open an email attachment that appears to be from a friend. Once a computer virus has infected your computer, it can cause considerable damage. Fortunately, there are several tools available for free to help you remove a virus from your computer.

Instructions

Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

1. Go to the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool page.

2. Click on "Download."

3. Click on "Run." The Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool will immediately begin to scan your computer for viruses. When the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool finds a virus, it will automatically delete it.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

1. Go to the AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition page.

2. Click on "Download AVG Free," and save the file to your desktop.

3. Double click on the file and then follow the prompts to install AVG.

4. Click "Scan computer" when asked "Would you like to scan your computer now?" AVG will scan your computer and automatically remove any viruses that it finds.

1. Navigate to the the FasterPCCleanClean or 2-Spyware Web page.

2. Type the name of the virus that you want to remove from your computer into the "Search" box and press "Enter." Find the search box in the top right corner of the page.

3. Scroll down the page and follow the instructions listed under the "How to Remove" or "Manual Removal" heading. Manually removing a virus involves ending processes, deleting files and modifying your computer registry. Thus, it is recommended that you take your time and follow the instructions precisely.

Tips & Warnings

• The Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool is not an anti-virus program. The tool will detect and remove viruses that have infected your computer but it will not prevent future viruses from infecting your computer. In order to protect your computer from future viruses, you can download a free anti-virus program, such as AVG or Windows Defender.

References

• Computer Hope: How Does a Computer Get Infected with a Virus or Spyware?
• Microsoft Security: Malicious Software Removal Tool

Resources

• Microsoft: Malicious Software Removal Tool
• AVG: Free Antivirus
• Microsoft: Windows Defender
• FasterPCCleanClean: Home
• 2-Spyware: Home