How to Remove Resident Viruses

A computer virus should be removed immediately to prevent damage to your machine.

Resident viruses are a category of malicious computer virus. A resident virus attaches to the memory of your computer and remains hidden. When the memory that the virus is attached to triggers, the virus activates simultaneously. The virus will then move to infect a file or disk. The most common type of resident virus is the boot virus, which activates when the computer starts. The most effective protection against resident viruses is an up-to-date antivirus program.

Things You'll Need

• antivirus software

Instructions

1. Acquire antivirus software. Norton, McAfee, and Avast are all reputable antivirus software manufacturers.

   One of the most common, free antivirus programs is Microsoft Security Essentials. It may be downloaded for free from www.microsoft.com if your computer runs genuine Windows.

   We will use Microsoft Security Essentials in this example.

2. Run Microsoft Security Essentials.

3. Click the "Update" tab.

4. Click the "Update" button.

   Your antivirus software will automatically update to include information against the latest viruses.

5. Click the "Home" tab.

6. Select the "Full" option and click Scan now.

   Microsoft Security Essentials will now scan your entire computer for viruses, including resident viruses.

7. Remove all detected threats.

Tips & Warnings

• If Microsoft Security Essentials detects any viruses, you will be notified. You will then have the option to remove all malicious findings.

References

• Antivirus Software and Internet Security for your PC