How to Remove a Virus From a System

Computer viruses are harmful and should be removed from system.

A computer virus is a malicious program that infects computer files and either harms a system or steals information. Viruses can slow down systems, make operating systems non-functional, delete data or even steal data for identity theft. Viruses spread through email lists and by pretending to be legitimate software, among other methods, and can randomly change parts of their code to prevent detection. Removing viruses requires the use of either antivirus software or a virus removal tool. These products scan the computer drives for viruses and either quarantine or delete any infected files they find.

Instructions

Antivirus

1. Launch your antivirus software by double-clicking on its icon. The icon may be located in the Start menu, on the desktop, in the Program Files folder or in the system tray. If the system does not have an antivirus, you can download one for free (see Resources).

2. Follow the onscreen directions to update the virus definitions as well as the antivirus software. The software will connect to the Internet to download the updates and then apply them.

3. Follow the onscreen directions to run a full-system scan. The scan may take several minutes to complete. Allow the scan to finish.

4. Follow the onscreen directions to repair any virus infections. The software may either delete the file or move it to a quarantine folder where it can do no further harm.

Virus Removal Tool

1. Download a virus removal tool from such sites as Major Geeks, Symantec, Malwarebytes or Bleeping Computer (see Resources). Make a note of the folder where the tool is downloaded.

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

3. Follow the onscreen directions to install the virus removal tool. Some removal tools do not require installation and run automatically.

4. Launch the virus removal tool. There may be a desktop or Start menu icon, or you may have to navigate to the folder containing the tool.

5. Follow the onscreen directions to update the virus removal tool, if it offers the feature. Follow the onscreen directions to run a full-system scan.

6. Allow the scan to finish. Follow the onscreen directions to remove any viruses that are detected. Close the virus removal tool.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use antivirus software on computers connected to the Internet to detect and prevent computer virus infections.

• Many antivirus programs offer a subscription period for obtaining virus definition updates. After this period, you must renew the subscription to continue downloading virus definition updates.

• Do not install more than one antivirus program on a computer at the same time. Multiple antivirus programs can prevent virus detection, or lead to deteriorating performance and system errors.

References

• Indiana University: What are Computer Viruses, and Where Can I Find More Information?
• Chicago-Kent College of Law: Virus Detection Software
• University of Illinois at Chicago: Virus & Spyware Removal for Windows
• Emory University: Virus Removal
• California State Polytechnic University, Pomona: Antivirus Information

Resources

• AVG: AVG Free Edition
• Avast!: Avast! Anti-virus Free
• Malwarebytes: Anti-Malware
• Bleeping Computer: SmitFraudFix
• Symantec: Removal Tools