Is your computer an Open Invitation for HACKERS? Download free version of Sparktrust Inspector to identify vulnerabilities and problems on your computer (and even your WEBSITES)!
How do I remove an unwanted virus in my PC?
Computer viruses can cause all kinds of harm if they're not dealt with promptly. Fortunately, you have several options. Unfortunately, it might be tricky because virus makers are always trying to work around current defenses. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Using System Restore
If you suspect that a computer has infected your computer, you may be able to mitigate the damage right away by using System Restore. System Restore is a feature in Windows that takes periodic "snapshots" of your computer's configuration (but not its data). If you have this feature enabled, try restoring your computer to a restore point just prior to the infection. For example, if you know that an email attachment launched the virus and you just received the email today, pick a restore point from the yesterday or the day before. This should restore your computer to its pre-virus condition. However, it won't do anything about that infected email, so make sure to delete it (and don't launch that infected file).
Is your computer an Open Invitation for HACKERS? Download free version of Sparktrust Inspector to identify vulnerabilities and problems on your computer (and even your WEBSITES)!
Using Antivirus Software
If you don't currently have antivirus software installed, go down to your local office supply store and buy a reputable product. You can also try buying antivirus software online, but here's where it get tricky. Some viruses block well known security sites such as Symantec, Norton, and Trend Micro specifically so that users cannot quickly solve their virus problem. Even if you use antivirus software out of the box, the software itself may not be blocked by the virus from updating itself which may prevent the software from detecting and removing newer viruses. When this happens, you may need to download the latest antivirus updates to a CD or USB drive using another computer and then patch your antivirus software with these updates.
Using Online Antivirus Scans
Another option is to try a free online antivirus tool from a trusted vendor such as Trend Micro's House Call. These online tools are good in a pinch, but shouldn't be relied on for continuous protection. For example, they're good at detecting infections on demand but they don't automatically update themselves nor do they scan your computer regularly or block threats in real time. Again, you may have to download the tool on a separate computer if the virus is actively blocking security sites.
After removing this unwanted virus, consider investing in a full featured antivirus solution such as ParetoLogic's Antivirus Plus.
Is your computer an Open Invitation for HACKERS? Download free version of Sparktrust Inspector to identify vulnerabilities and problems on your computer (and even your WEBSITES)!
Celeste Stewart | October 13th, 2011
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