Free Online Virus Scans & Removal Tools
When a virus infects your computer, the virus may try to hide itself from you antivirus software. If the virus succeeds, you will need to use an antivirus tool other than the one you already have installed to disinfect your computer. Developers of antivirus software provide free online virus scan and removal tools that you can use without having to download and install them.
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Symantec
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The Symantec Security Check Virus Detection tool scans your computer for viruses and then creates a report of the viruses and other malware it detected. Symantec prompts users to consider the downloadable version of the tool rather than using the online version. The software does not scan compressed files, and it does not remove the malware that it finds. It does provide recommendations about actions to take based on what it finds on your computer. The tool requires Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5 or higher and requires that you enable ActiveX.
Trend Micro
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If you don’t object to downloading before you scan, consider Trend Micro HouseCall. The tool identifies and removes viruses, Trojans, worms, browser plugins that you don't want or did not intentionally install. Unlike other tools that operate entirely online, HouseCall requires that you download a small component of the tool before you begin the online scan. HouseCall is compatible with versions of Windows later than XP.
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McAfee
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For online scanning without virus removal, consider McAfee's FreeScan. The tool scans your computer for viruses and creates a list of all the viruses that it discovers. The tool also provides links to information about removing the viruses it finds, but the tool does not remove them itself. However, McAfee also provides a selection of virus removal tools at no cost. You can choose the tools to use based on the report FreeScan creates.
Panda Security
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If you are open to purchasing a tool, but want to try a free version first, Panda Security's ActiveScan 2 may be useful. ActiveScan 2 searches your computer for a wide range of malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits and Trojans. The free version of the tool reports on the threats that it finds, but does not remove the threats. A paid version of the tool performs the scan and also removes the viruses that it finds. ActiveScan 2 requires that you install an ActiveX control.
Microsoft
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Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare performs online scans for, and removes, viruses, spyware and other malware from your computer. The tool is compatible with versions of Windows later than Windows XP Home Edition and versions of Internet Explorer later than Internet Explorer 6 and also requires MSN 9 or higher.
BitDefender
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BitDefender provides an online scanning tool that operates through your computer's web browser. The scanner searches for and removes both viruses and spyware, and does not require that you remove your current security software. The tool works for Microsoft operating systems later than Windows 2000 and with the Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers.
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