How to Remove the Dr. Watson Virus

Remove the Dr. Watson virus to protect your computer and avoid spreading the bug.

Dr. Watson is a virus that has spread through the Web, infecting hard drives and operating systems as it travels. If it gets on your computer, it will create several malicious files on your hard drive that, over time, will do more and more damage. Removing Dr. Watson can be done a number of ways. Microsoft includes one free tool on its computers and offers a second online. Additionally, there is always the option of third-party software.

Things You'll Need

• Malware Removal Tool
• Internet Explorer
• Third-party anti-virus software

Instructions

1. Remove the Dr. Watson virus using the Malware Removal Tool. This useful program comes on all Windows computers, meaning you need not download additional software (though if you can't locate the tool, a free backup is available using the link in Resources). The user runs the tool by typing "MRT" into the Start menu's "Run" dialogue and hitting "Enter." The "Full Scan" option offers the best chance of removing Dr. Watson and other viruses.

2. Delete the Dr. Watson virus using the Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner. This online scan requires no software at all; it runs directly from your Web browser. (Internet Explorer works best, but the site offers a plug-in for Firefox.) It scans your hard drive to find and remove Dr. Watson and any other viruses. Be sure not to have any programs other than the browser running when you perform the scan. Doing so will slow it down and potentially cause it to miss something.

3. Remove the Dr. Watson virus using third-party software. These programs are generally not free, but paid anti-virus programs offer better and more current protection against viruses and other bugs than the tools Microsoft offers. Symantec, McAfee and AVG are three popular programs, but there are a wide variety to choose from. After purchase, the user uses the program to scan her hard drive for viruses. Even after Dr. Watson is gone, these programs run in the background to protect your computer from further infection.

Tips & Warnings

• All computer users should have an anti-virus program installed to prevent virus infections in the first place.

References

• PC Hell: How to Manually Run the Malware Removal Tool
• Symantec: Dr. Watson

Resources

• Microsoft: Download Malware Removal Tool
• Windows Live: OneCare Safety Scanner
• AVG
• McAfee
• Symantec