How to Find & Remove Viruses, Spyware And Adware
April 5, 2009 Computer Safety Tip
It’s recommended that you backup your critical data before endeavouring any of these steps.
1. Disconnect your system from the internet.
2. Turn off System Restore in Windows XP/Vista first if you have this enabled, as well as backing up important settings and restoring. Viruses and other malicious programs can unintentionally also be restored by System Restore.
NOTE: For some “weaker” infections you may actually be able to use System Restore to roll back to a time before you were infected, however with more common and more advanced viruses/spyware this is not the case.
3. If you don’t have an antivirus software installed, you need to install one. For a free antivirus software, AVG is recommended. Be sure to keep it up-to-date.
4. Download and scan your PC with McAffee Stinger – a standalone virus scan.
5. To combat Spyware, it is recommended that you boot Windows into Safe Mode and then scan for viruses and spyware. To boot into Safe Mode simply tap the F8 key on your keyboard when you power your machine on and select Safe Mode.
Different programs to use: SpyBot Search & Destroy, Lavasoft Adaware Personal, 1-2-3 Spyware Free and Microsoft Windows Defender. Install program and run FULL SCANS.
6. Once you have scanned and removed any items, you need to reboot your system and scan again.
7. Reconnect the internet and update all of your protection definition files, e.g. click the “Update” button in your antivirus software, antispyware software and firewall software. Disconnect once the update is complete, reboot into Safe Mode and repeat the scans.
8. Once infections have been removed, turn System Restore on again.
9. Change your Windows password or create one. Click Start, Control Panel, User Accounts, Change Account<Click on your account>, Change My Password. Scan again.
10. Update Windows to the latest Service Pack with the latest security and performance updates: Windows XP Service Pack 3, Windows Vista Service Pack 1.
Comments (1)
Hey uh, I scanned and it didnt find the virus, i scanned with mcafee and spybot and AVG! How can I remove this????!?!?!?!