Resources

I think my computer has a virus, but I don’t know which one. I got an error once logged in saying Windows will not open Internet Explorer for security reason. When I scroll over the toolbar all I get is the loading symbol. No applications open. I want to restore it so I tried reconfiguring the BIOS to boot from a CD but it wouldn’t work. Please help!

Removing Computer Virus

Since you think that you might have a computer virus that is affecting your ability to use Internet Explorer, we are going to start there. Close out all open applications or programs for the best results. If you have an antivirus application, make sure that it is the latest version by checking for updates before you run it. If you don’t have an antivirus application, then I can recommend Anti-VirusPLUS. This program offers you a free scan, so that you can see exactly what type of computer viruses have infected your computer.

It is important to understand that you definitely need an antivirus application to remove a computer virus from your computer. Completing a restore or repairing your Windows installation isn’t going to remove the virus for you. In particular, an IE virus would lead to problems using your Internet and it could even cause Internet Explorer to shut down.

Troubleshooting after a Virus Infection: Internet Explorer

Sometimes after a computer has been infected with a virus, it might not function properly and it becomes necessary to complete a few simple tasks. If your Internet Explorer is still not functioning properly you can try to repair it using these directions:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Select the option for “Tools.”
3. Select “Internet Options.”
4. Select the option for “Advanced.”
5. Select “Reset.” Hopefully, this fixes the problem for you.

Troubleshooting Failed Internet Explorer

If Internet Explorer shuts down or won’t even open after trying the above strategies, perhaps you need to reinstall your version of Internet Explorer. Make sure that you have the latest version and update it if you do not.

Alternatively, if you are referring to a problem that exists because of your security setting, then you can adjust the setting to a less restrictive one. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Click “Start.”
2. Click to open “Internet Explorer.”
3. Click “Tools.”
4. Click “Internet Options.”
5. Click “Security.”
6. Click “Internet.” You should see a slider in the window. All you need to do is to move this slider to a lower setting

Troubleshooting after a Virus Infection: Clean up with a Registry Cleaner

If you think that your computer is experiencing some other type of problem even though you have gotten rid of the virus, try the following strategies:

1. Run your antivirus application again to be sure that the computer is clean.
2. Clean the registry using a good registry cleaner such as “RegCure.”

 Files can be toxic indeed. Computer viruses, spyware, and other types of malware sneak onto computers and poison them with destructive intentions. Viruses aim to harm your system while spyware sets out to steal your personal information. Other malicious programs take over your computer for stealthily carrying out spam campaigns or flooding Web sites with traffic - end result, your computer (or its data) is being used without your knowledge or permission. Plus, performance suffers dramatically. Ridding the computer of toxic files is essential.

Sometimes, you realize right away that a file likely contains malicious code; other times, you simply don’t know. For example, if you recently downloaded a freebie (such as a screensaver from a random Web site) and then begin noticing numerous computer errors soon after, you may suspect a computer virus or spyware infection. Other times, malicious programs sneak on when you simply visit a Web site - no download required.

So, what’s a computer user to do? If you suspect a recently downloaded file or application is the culprit, uninstalling it seems to be the natural choice. However, if a virus or spyware program hitched a ride, uninstalling won’t solve the problem. It may uninstall the original screensaver or application but not the malware.

In addition, if you are unaware of an infection, it will fester - and perform its mission.

This is why it is absolutely critical to protect your computer with both an anti-virus solution as well as an anti-spyware program. Since it sounds as though you already have an infection, this is even more critical because some types of malware create holes in your computer’s defenses and invite other malware to join the fun. It’s not uncommon for hundreds of malicious programs to be found on an unprotected computer.

ParetoLogic’s products are among the best of the best, especially at catching spyware. They have one of the largest databases of malware definitions. The new Anti-Virus Plus product detects viruses and spyware and provides “active protection” so that malware doesn’t have a chance to invade in the first place. Naturally, it will also scan your system and remove any current infections.

A number of free anti-virus and anti-spyware products are available as well though they do not provide complete protection. The adage, “you get what you pay for” is true. With the huge numbers of viruses, spyware, and malware out there, it pays to protect your PC.

Look for a reputable software developer, real time protection, and automatic updates. Once you find the right security solution for your needs, run a complete system scan and allow the software to remove your toxic files.

Does your Computer have a virus? are you sure? Click here for our recommended free virus scanner.

Your data is the most important thing on your computer and it is important that you know how to take care of it. The first, and safest, thing to do is back up all your important data to external devices. If you have copies of your personal and important files saved either to a floppy or compact disk or USB stick, you will be prepared for even the worst case scenario. For example, if your entire system is ravaged by a virus requiring you to reformat your hard disk and wipe everything, you will have copies of all your data to reinstall.

A computer virus is a program that is developed to spread from file to file, much like a biological virus, self-replicating and taking over the computer piece by piece. Once a virus has accessed your computer it will multiply and attach itself to more and more files and folders. If files are infected by a virus, they can become corrupted as the virus code multiplies and eventually overpowers the original files.

Even if you don’t have backup copies saved and files become corrupted as a result of a virus, application errors and system crashes, there are ways to recover your data.

If you discover a virus on your computer at an early enough stage, then it can likely be removed by antivirus software. A data recovery program would likely be able to restore your files if the damage is minimal. If a virus or other malware has damaged your files, or if your system has unexpectedly crashed and deleted unsaved files, software programs on the market are available for restoring your lost data such as ParetoLogic Data Recovery.

One way to retrieve your files is to try to restore it from the most recent back up. For example, Microsoft Word makes back up files with a .wbk extension and saves it in the same folder. To open it, rename it with a .doc extension.

Another thing to try is to run System Restore, which recalls system files (not document files) in the form that they were in at an earlier time. While this process can work to recover files, it is important to run your virus scan again as viruses can be re-installed by System Restore even after the rest of the system was cleaned.

If the virus is left undetected for too long, it can do lasting and irreparable damage to your computer. If the virus spreads and a lot of damage is done, you will notice serious problems like frequent error messages, programs quitting unexpectedly and, eventually your computer won’t boot up at all.

If this happens, then sometimes the only way to save your system is to sacrifice your saved data and format your hard disk in order to salvage your hardware. There is a chance that data can be restored even after your hard disk has been formatted, with a good data recovery program or with the assistance of a technical specialist.

Click here for our recommended free virus, trojan and worm scanner.

The term ‘virus’ has come to stand in for any dangerous or destructive computer programs but is technically only one of three main types of malicious software, or malware that can penetrate and damage your computer system and/or perform unwanted or unauthorized functions.

Each form of malware is essentially a software program designed to run specific applications on a computer. Some are programmed to damage or delete files, others to take over bandwidth and allow third party access to personal information or to send and receive information via the victim’s IP address.

All viruses are code written to perform or fulfill a specific task. Some are merely annoying and might do no more than put a silly message on your screen. Others are destructive and programmed to delete information or destroy the hard disk.

Viruses are mainly spread through emails and are launched when the receiver unknowingly executes the program by opening the attached file. Viruses are predominantly designed to attack and spread throughout the computers on which they have been executed, spreading from file to file throughout the computer, rendering programs delayed or inaccessible.

The virus works by placing itself in the computer’s memory then attaching itself to any programs that are executed. Once infected, every time the program runs the infected file will duplicate itself. Over time a virus that began as very small becomes larger and larger until eventually it is bigger than the original files and the programs are no longer able to run.

Trojans are primordially used to penetrate computers and establish back doors through which hackers can remotely control the system, access personal information and hijack the IP address. Unlike viruses and worms Trojans are not self-replicating and instead run in the background of the computer, avoiding detection and acting as inside guys for the hacker. Once a hacker has gained remote access of the system they can then issue commands, retrieve sensitive and personal information and route illegal data through the victim’s IP address to shield themselves and their actual location from detection.

Worms are similar to viruses in that they are self-replicating and do not require a specific file to spread. Worms reside in active memory and are programmed to spread themselves through networks gaining access to multiple ports and IP addresses rather than infect and immobilize a single host computer. Like Trojans, worms are used to penetrate computers, most often computer networks and establish back doors to provide remote access of networks of computer including the use of bandwidth that will interfere with and slow the functioning of the computer and the network as well as IP addresses that are useful to spammers and credit thieves.

There are many ways to protect your computer or computer network from malicious software. First, install a router or a software firewall to monitor data exchanged over the Internet. Install up to date antivirus software and frequently check for updates to known virus definitions and be vigilant in checking the source and content of data files before downloading and/or opening attachments.

Click here to scan your system for viruses and other potential threats

Like a biological virus, a computer virus infects its host and spreads throughout the body. In this case an infected file accesses a computer and spreads throughout the system to other files and folders.

The term ‘computer virus’ is commonly used to refer to any malicious or destructive programs including worms, Trojans, spyware and adware. While all malicious software does, in a sense, ‘infect’ a computer, a virus is a specific type of software that has specific patterns of behaviour.

Computer viruses are transmitted from system to system through the exchange of infected files or folders. Infected files are downloaded, either from a website or as an email attachment, in the guise of harmless files. Once the file is opened the virus is programmed to self-execute and infect the system. Viruses also spread through the exchange of infected files in external devices like floppy disks, cds and USB ports.

Once a virus is unleashed in a computer it takes over, self-replicating, spreading its code, taking over files and folders, and gradually destroying the system. Computer viruses result in damaged files, inaccessible data or programs, sporadic and unpredictable computer function and eventually inoperable systems.

In addition to spreading throughout the system and contaminating files, some computer viruses have an additional ‘destructive payload’, executed when the user unwittingly issues a preset command.

Some viruses infect computer systems corrupting code and causing a wide range of symptoms including slow response times, failure to open programs, freezing during commands, and eventually failure to boot up at all. Some viruses can damage programs, delete files and even reformat the hard disk.

There are a few reasons why people might write computer viruses. Like vandalism or arson, creating public mayhem through viruses may seem very exciting. Maybe it’s a thrill or an ego boost to design a virus that holds large numbers of people, as well as powerful corporations and government agencies in your control.

Some programmers might perceive writing viruses as a technological challenge in a war against the computer establishment. If people adept at programming are excluded from or at odds with conventional computer software design, or feel threatened by the power of major computer corporations, without a productive outlet this angry or thrill-seeking energy can result in programming viruses. As long as people write viruses corporations like Microsoft have to devote time and money to combating them. Or maybe people write them just to see if they can.

Antivirus software can help you secure your system against potential threats. Scanning your system and checking new files, the software identifies and isolates or deletes infected files. Often operating systems are equipped with built in virus scans that monitor and check files before they are opened. The antivirus software works by comparing the code content of the attached file against a registry of known virus codes so it is important to update your security software frequently. Scans can either be preset to run at periodic interval or be initiated manually as commanded by the user.

Click here to scan your system for viruses and other potential threats

Computer viruses are no fun.  In fact, they can really wreak havoc with our computer systems, causing slow-running or incorrectly functioning computers and even computer crashes.  Here are a few ideas you can use to keep from “catching” one:

Get a good anti-virus program.  Many excellent programs are available today which can help keep your computer safe from viruses. Some even offer basic anti-virus protection free.

Be sure your anti-virus program receives regular updates. This will ensure that all the latest known viruses are covered.

Be sure your internet provider offers online protection. In addition to careless handling of incoming e-mail, surfing the net seriously increases our threat of becoming victims of computer viruses.

Never click a link inside an e-mail-particularly if the e-mail isn’t from someone you know and trust. To see where a link will take you if clicked, lightly pass your cursor over the link and look in the left corner of the status bar at the bottom of your screen. If the URL you see there looks suspicious, it probably leads to an unsafe site.

Never open an e-mail attachment from someone who isn’t 100% credible. Unless you know and trust the person and are absolutely certain the e-mail is from that individual, leave the attachment unopened.

Never download anything from a website you aren’t absolutely sure is trustworthy, and be sure you are really on the site you think you are before initiating the download.  Do this by right-clicking anywhere on the web page and then clicking “Properties.” The window that opens will tell you the real name and URL of the site you’re on.

Taking these precautions can help keep your computer safe from viruses.

Jeanne Dininni