How to Crash and Restart a Computer to Get Rid of a Virus

With the prevalence of computer viruses on the Internet, there is always a possibility that your computer will be attacked by a virus. Although some viruses can easily be dealt with by anti-virus software while the computer is on, there are some instances in which the virus is so disruptive that the anti-virus software cannot be activated and the computer cannot even be shut off by traditional means. In this instance, the computer must be forced to shut off and rebooted in safe mode.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-virus software installed on your computer

Instructions

1. Hold down the "Power" button on your computer until the computer shuts down.

2. Press the "Power" button again to turn your computer back on.

3. Hold the "F8" key while your computer is booting up. This will open the computer's boot menu.

4. Select the "Run in Safe Mode" option to activate your computer's safe mode. This will cause your computer to run with only its basic programs.

5. Activate your anti-virus software while your computer is in safe mode. This should remove the virus from your computer and allow the computer to run normally once again. When the program has finished, restart your computer normally.

References

• Microsoft: To Start the Computer in Safe Mode