How to Remove Malware and Trojans

Anti-virus software can protect a computer from malware and Trojans.

Malware is a general term for malicious programs that slow down, damage or steal information from a computer. Examples of malware include adware, spyware and viruses. A Trojan is a type of virus named for the Greek covert attack on Troy. A Trojan pretends to be legitimate software to trick a user into installing it on a system. Once installed the Trojan infects computer files to cause harm or steal data. Malware and Trojans are removed by an anti-virus program, spyware scanner or malware removal tool.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet Connection

Anti-virus

1. Find the icon for your anti-virus software. Locations might include the "Desktop," the "Start" menu or the "Task Tray."

2. Double-click on the anti-virus software icon. Follow the on-screen directions to update the software to the newest version and newest virus definitions.

3. Follow the on-screen directions to do a full scan of the system. Allow the scan to finish.

4. Follow the on-screen directions to remove any malware or Trojans that are detected. Close the Anti-virus software.

Anti-Spyware

1. Find the program icon for the anti-spyware software. The icon may be on the "Desktop, the "Start" menu, or under "Program Files."

2. Double-click on the anti-spyware program icon. Follow the on-screen directions to update the software to the most current version.

3. Follow the on-screen directions to run a full system scan. Allow the spy-ware system scan to complete.

4. Follow the on-screen directions to remove any malware detected by the scan. Close the spyware program.

Malware Removal Tool

1. Determine the malware or Trojan you are trying to remove. Find the proper malware removal tool on the Internet from sources such as Malwarebytes, Symantec or McAfee.

2. Download the removal tool. Make a note of where the tool was downloaded.

3. Navigate to the folder containing the removal tool. Double-click on the downloaded file.

4. Follow the on-screen directions to run the removal tool. Allow the tool to scan the system for malware or Trojans.

5. Follow the on-screen directions to remove any detected malware or Trojans. Close the removal tool.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep anti-virus and spyware software up to date to benefit from the best possible protection. Some software will update automatically and others require a manual update.

• The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool is an option removing malware and Trojans. As of 2010 the tool is available for Microsoft Windows 2000 through Windows 7.

• Regularly scan your drives with spyware or anti-virus software. In most cases scans are scheduled to run automatically during hours when the system is not in use.

• Never buy, download, or install anti-virus or spyware software from a company that you are not sure of. There are several fake scanners that give false results and then try to convince the user to buy removal software. These programs are Trojan viruses and if found should be avoided.

References

• Auburn University: Spyware/Malware Removal
• Indiana University: What are Computer Viruses, and Where Can I Find More Information?
• North Carolina State University: Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses
• University of North Carolina Chapel Hill: Virus & Spyware Removal for Windows

Resources

• AVG: AVG Free Edition
• Safer-Networking: Spybot Search and Destroy
• Malwarebytes: Anti-Malware