How to Remove a Live Messenger Virus
If you suddenly get a message through Windows Live Messenger saying there's a funny photo of you that you should look at, think twice before clicking that link. Messenger viruses are Trojan programs that send themselves out through Messenger to trick recipients into clicking links that download viruses and other malware to your computer system. Once the virus is installed, it sends itself to all of your Messenger contacts, which means the virus can spread through a social group very quickly. Live Messenger is frequently targeted by these viruses because of how many people use the program. Deleting the virus takes time.
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Instructions
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Open your anti-virus software and update it by clicking on the Update tab. This will ensure you have the most current virus information so that newer Messenger viruses are less likely to go undetected. If you don't have anti-virus software, Avira and AVG Anti-Virus are both free options for you.
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Restart your computer and initiate Safe Mode by holding the "F8" key as it restarts. This helps the virus scanner locate virus files, while Safe Mode temporarily deactivates the files.
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Run a virus scan on your computer and delete any virus files that are located. Start the computer again normally.
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Download a Messenger virus removal tool. There are multiple free programs designed specifically to target Messenger files, such as MSN Virus Removal or Instant Messenger Cleaner. If there are any virus files that were missed by your initial scan, these programs should locate them, because they're tailored for that purpose.
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Run a scan with the Messenger scanner and delete any files it locates.
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Tips & Warnings
Notify your friends immediately if you discover a Messenger virus and warn them not to click on any links sent from your Messenger profile.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit computer virus image by Marina Bartel from Fotolia.com
