How Do You Remove Viruses From an Infected Computers?

All of us have encountered malware at least once in our lives. A malicious program is an application that spies on you destroys your data or hard drive, and transfers control of your device to someone else. Whatever such a program does, it is unlikely to benefit you or your computer. And given the sheer number and variety of malware out there, it's only a matter of time before you are attacked.

Don't panic - this is the most valuable piece of advice you can give to someone who suspects a virus on their computer. In addition, do not think that now you have to completely clean your PC of all files and start working on it from scratch. Most often, you can get rid of malware without affecting the entire content. Yes, some data may be lost while removing a virus, but you are unlikely to have to delete everything you have.

First, you need to make sure that your computer is indeed infected with a virus. There are several signs to recognize this. For example, slow operation or a pop-up message about file corruption when trying to open it. If your browser suddenly changes the start page or automatically navigates to an unfamiliar site, this could also be a signal of a malware infection. This may also be indicated by frequent shutdown or breakdown of the computer.

If you suspect that your computer is infected, then you need to run antivirus software. Some viruses are smart enough to disable the antivirus program. If you don't have it at all, then it's time to get it and install it. Some viruses will try to prevent you from downloading the antivirus application. In this case, you need to download the program to another computer and transfer it using a disk or flashcard. It's better to install an advanced antivirus like total security software.

How to Detect and Remove a Computer Virus

In fact, having antivirus software is a practical requirement for all users of the Windows operating system. You can use your computer very carefully and be sure not to catch a virus based on this, but the truth is that malware creators are constantly looking for new ways to spread them. At the moment there are several different antivirus programs: some can be installed for free, while others will have to be purchased. It's worth remembering that the free version almost always lacks some important features that the paid version of the same product has.  

Let's start with the assumption that you can run anti-virus software on your computer (below we will tell you what to do if suddenly this is not possible). If you have the most up-to-date antivirus program that is updated on time, then it should detect malicious programs on your computer. Most antivirus software has a special section with all viruses detected so far. Write down on a separate sheet of paper all the names of the viruses found on your computer - this may come in handy later.

Many antivirus programs can try to remove or quarantine malware. You just need to select the required option and confirm your choice. For most users, this is the best solution to the problem; trying to get rid of the virus on your own can lead to bad consequences.

After the antivirus reports that the malware has been successfully removed, you need to turn off or restart your computer, and after turning it back on, restart the antivirus program. If it doesn't find any virus, then the problem is solved. If the virus is found, then you will have to try to remove it again. If antivirus software finds the same malicious program over and over again, then you need to try to remove it in some other way.

Second Extra Antivirus

One antivirus program is good, two is even better, right? Not! Antivirus can use a significant portion of your computer's processing power. Using two antiviruses at once will significantly slow down your computer and may even cause it to crash.

In addition, not all antivirus programs are compatible with each other, so using several at once can make your computer even more unprotected than the absence of any antivirus software.

Tips for Removing Computer Viruses

If you are unable to access your antivirus software, or the same malware is detected over and over again during scanning, you may need to start your computer in Safe Mode. Many computer viruses can store files in the Windows registry folder. This folder contains instructions for the operating system and important information about the programs on your computer. This folder may contain a program that launches the virus when the operating system starts. By turning on your computer in Safe Mode, you will only have access to key elements of the Windows operating system.

Try to run your anti-virus software in this mode. If you see that it has detected new malware, it is possible that this program is the key to solving the problem. Some malware exists only to download and run other malware on your computer. It will be great if you can remove them all.

If for some reason your antivirus program cannot remove the virus, then you will have to try a little more. Remember the advice about writing down all the names of the viruses found? Now they can be useful to us. You will need to find each of the names written out on the Internet, necessarily on the page of the antivirus company you are using. It is necessary to use exactly the company whose antivirus software you have because different companies sometimes give different names to the same viruses.

Most antivirus software sites list all the files associated with a particular virus and where they are supposed to be found. You may have to dig a little to find each file. Before deleting any files, you must back up the registry folder. If you accidentally delete the wrong file, it can make it difficult or even disrupt your computer.

Remove any malware related files that are on your list. Once this is done, you will need to restart your computer, run your antivirus software again and hope that no more viruses are found.

You can also update the registration information of your accounts. Some malware can track keyboard input and send your passwords and information about you to a remote user. This is the case when it's better to be safe than sorry.

Protection From Computer Viruses

There are some simple rules for protecting yourself from computer viruses. Most of them come from the category of common sense.

• Do not open attachments or hyperlinks sent to you by email from strangers. Often times, such actions can take you to a page with malware. If your mail is configured to automatically open such links, change the settings, otherwise you may catch a virus.   
• The same goes for other messages. Hyperlinks on a bulletin board, in Facebook messages, or in personal correspondence can also take you to a page with a virus. Pay attention to the sender of the letter. Look for any oddities, such as misspellings or strange wording. If suspicious links are sent from the address of a person you know, then you should inform him about this - it may well be that his account was hacked.
• Don't visit suspicious websites. This applies to a wide variety of resources, from downloading software, music, and ending with pirated videos and porn. Many of the modern web browsers will warn you if you try to navigate to a supposedly malicious site. Pay special attention to such warnings and stay away from such sites.
• Pay special attention to any windows that open while browsing the web. Be especially careful if the site prompts you to download the latest video driver in order to watch something. This is the usual way malware spreads.
• Run your antivirus program at least once a week. Also, keep your antivirus and your operating system up to date. Most anti-virus software updates are released at least once a week, as the firm adds more detected viruses to its databases.

The rules to avoid getting infected by a virus may seem daunting and demanding, but it’s easier to follow these rules than trying to rescue a computer damaged by a virus.