How to Check .EXE for Viruses

Ensure the health of your computer by using your antivirus program on a regular basis.

An executable (.EXE) virus infects computer systems when they are clicked on or activated. The majority of executable viruses download and install themselves onto your computer without your authorization. Once rooted onto your computer, the virus will hijack computer memory, alter configurations, relay information to an unauthorized party member, and permanently damage your machine. Your best line of defense is removing the virus with an antivirus program in Safe Mode.

Things You'll Need

• Antivirus program

Instructions

1. Download and install an antivirus program onto your computer. An antivirus program will sift through computer files, registry and folders for virus infections. Consumer Search has a comprehensive list of venerable antivirus applications that will help protect your machine. Check the Resources section for a link.

2. Boot your computer in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is a diagnostic tool that lets the operating system boot with minimal programs running in the background. Unauthorized executable-files will lay "dormant" in Safe Mode, letting your antivirus program remove the executable virus without it interfering with your virus scanner. Restart the computer. At the boot screen, click the "F8" button on your keyboard. Select "Safe Mode".

3. Open your antivirus program. Navigate to the "Scan Now" or "Scan Your Computer" option. Select "Deep Scan". This option will start a complete scan of your computer's file directories for virus infections. Allow the program to complete the scan. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours on a large hard drive. Do not use your computer during this time because you might trigger the executable virus. An active virus will try to evade your virus scanner or disable it altogether.

4. Remove the computer viruses. The antivirus program will show a list of viruses infecting your computer. Select each virus and click on "Delete" or "Sterilize." The program will take a moment to delete the virus. When the removal process is complete, restart your machine and boot normally.

5. Run a second virus scan. This will remove any residual files or registry keys that were infected by the virus. After the second scan, your computer's health will be restored.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your antivirus program updated. Visit the manufacturer's website regularly and install system updates. An updated program will secure your computer and help troubleshoot future virus attacks.

References

• Winferno: Running Virus Scan in Safe Mode
• Computer Hope: Executable Viruses

Resources

• Consumer Search: Antivirus Software