How to Fix a Virus-Infected Computer Pop Up

By Michael Davidson

Removing a virus from a computer is vital for system performance.
i computer virus image by Marina Bartel from Fotolia.com

Frequent unexpected pop-up windows appearing on your computer are indicative of a malware attack on your computer. Both viruses and spyware can infect your hard drive and result in pop-up ads and other behavior that drastically slow your computer's performance. If these programs are not removed quickly, they can continue to download more viruses and malware to your system, send viruses to others through your email, and possibly stop your computer from functioning. Fixing a virus-infected computer can be challenging depending on the virus that is causing the pop-ups.

Step 1

Close any Internet windows you have open. If one of the pop-ups won't close without you clicking "OK," do not click on it. Press your "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" keys simultaneously and click "Start Task Manager." Click the "Applications" tab, click on the name of any open windows, and click "End Task."

Step 2

Update your antivirus software to make sure you have the current virus definitions.

Step 3

Restart your computer and hold down the "F8" key on the reboot. This will initiate Safe Mode, which should shut down the virus temporarily, since the system only runs on vital programs.

Step 4

Scan your computer with your antivirus software while in Safe Mode. Delete any files that are found to be viruses.

Step 5

Restart your computer normally and rescan the computer to make sure the virus has been completely eliminated.

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