Virus/Spyware Removal

What is a computer virus?

Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation. A virus might corrupt or delete data on your computer, use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or even erase everything on your hard disk. Viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. That is why it is essential that you never open e-mail attachments unless you know who it's from and you are expecting it. Viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files. Viruses also spread through downloads on the Internet. They can be hidden in illicit software or other files or programs you might download.
To help avoid viruses, it's essential that you keep your computer current with the latest updates and antivirus tools, stay informed about recent threats, and that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files, and open attachments.
Once a virus is on your computer, its type or the method it used to get there is not as important as removing it and preventing further infection.

Is my PC infected by virus/spyware?

After you open and run an infected program or attachment on your computer, you might not realize that you've introduced a virus until you notice something isn't quite right. Here are a few primary indicators that your computer might be infected:
  • Your computer runs more slowly than normal
  • Your computer stops responding or locks up often
  • Your computer crashes and restarts every few minutes
  • Your computer restarts on its own and then fails to run normally
  • Applications on your computer don't work correctly
  • Disks or disk drives are inaccessible
  • You can't print correctly
  • You see unusual error messages
  • You see distorted menus and dialog boxes

How to prevent virus/spyware?

  • Use an Internet firewall. Windows XP or Vista has a firewall already built-in and turned on by default.
  • Visit Microsoft Update and turn on automatic updating.
  • Subscribe to industry standard antivirus software, such as Norton 360, McAfee, TrendMicro PC-plin, or Windows Live OneCare and keep it current.
  • Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know.
  • Avoid opening an e-mail attachment from someone you know, unless you know exactly what the attachment is. The sender may be unaware that it contains a virus.

How to remove virus/spyware?

  1. If you currently use antivirus software (Norton 360, McAfee, TrendMicro PC-plin) visit the manufacturer's Web site, update your software, and then perform a thorough scan of your computer.
  2. If you don't use antivirus software, you can subscribe to a service and scan your computer immediately. You can also download free anti-virus software such as AVG Anti-Virus Edition
  3. Download, install, and run the Malicious Software Removal Tool (for Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 users). Note that this tool does not prevent viruses from infecting your system; it helps to remove existing viruses.

What if virus/spyware not being removed by anti-virus?

You need to run virus/spyware scan in safe mode. To start in safe mode:
  1. Click Start, then click Shut Down.
  2. Click Restart, then click OK.
  3. As your computer restarts but before Windows launches, press F8. On a computer that is configured for booting to multiple operating systems, you can press F8 when the boot menu appears.
  4. Select Safe Mode, then press ENTER
If you need help, click LiveHelp on PCFixer.

Need more help?

You can ask more help in our community Forum . The experts in the forum can surprise you by how quick they response your questions. In order for them to nail down your problem, you can download a free tool, HijackThis, to collect necessary information. Please include the log from HijactThis in your post.

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