We all know that malware exists: applications that spy on you, corrupt your data, destroy your hard drive, or hand over control of your machine to someone thousands of miles away.
With so many examples of malware out in the wild, it may only be a matter of time before you fall victim to a malware attack. When that happens, you need to know how do you get rid of a virus or any other type of malicious software that may infect your PC.
The most important advice we can give to anyone who thinks they have malware on their computer is this: don’t panic. And don’t assume that you have to wipe your computer clean and start over. Often, you can remove malware without having to wipe everything. You may lose some data in the process, but probably not everything.
Detecting a computer virus
First, you need to determine if your computer has a virus at all. Slow performance is a sign of malicious code. If your web browser suddenly looks different or automatically redirects to an unknown site, that is a good indication that malicious programs are at play.
Unstable behavior, such as frequent crashes, can also signal a problem. Additionally, if you try to access files and receive messages saying they are corrupt, that is another red flag.
If you suspect that there is a virus on your computer, run antivirus software to identify and remove the virus.
Antivirus software is practically a must for anyone using the Windows operating system. While it is true that you can avoid computer viruses if you practice safe habits, the truth is that the people who create malicious apps and programs are always looking for new ways to infect computer systems.
A few malware variants try to prevent you from downloading antivirus software. If that is the case, you may need to download the software on another computer and transfer it to a disk or flash drive.
If you don’t have antivirus software, now is a good time to buy or download an application. There are several antivirus programs on the market — some are free and others you have to buy. Keep in mind that free versions often lack some of the nicer features found in commercial products.
Remove malware
Assuming your antivirus software is up to date, it should detect malware on your machine. Most antivirus programs have a warning page that lists every virus or other piece of malware that it finds. Write down the names of every malware application that your software discovers. (More on that later.)
Many antivirus programs will attempt to remove or isolate malware for you. You may need to select an option and confirm that you want the antivirus software to deal with the malware. For most users, this is the best option; it can be difficult to remove malware on your own.
If the antivirus software says it successfully removed the malware, shut down your computer, restart it, and run the software again. If the software comes back with a clean slate this time, you’re done.
If the antivirus software finds other malware, repeat the previous steps. If it finds the same malware as before, you may need to try something else.
Two is a crowd
If one antivirus program is good, two are better, right? Wrong. This type of software often uses a large percentage of your computer system’s processing power.
Using more than one antivirus program will slow down your computer and may even crash. Not all antivirus programs are compatible with each other, which can make your computer even more unstable.
Advanced Tips for Removing Computer Viruses
If you can’t access your antivirus software or keep seeing the same malware pop-up scan after scan, try booting your computer into Safe Mode. Many computer viruses store files in your Windows registry folder, which acts as a database of instructions and gives your operating system important information about the programs on your computer.
It can also tell viruses to activate as soon as the operating system loads. By starting your computer in Safe Mode, you can work with your machine using only the core elements of the Windows operating system.
Try running your antivirus software in this mode. If new malware is detected, you may have found a solution. Some malware exists only to download and install other malware on your machine. Removing all of these applications can significantly improve your system’s security.
Investigate the malicious software
If your antivirus software can’t remove the virus on its own, further research is needed for manual removal. You’ve already written down the names of all the malware applications your software has discovered. Now it’s time to research each of those files online using the same Internet security company that produced your antivirus software.
Different companies sometimes give the same virus different names, so using the same company’s resources ensures consistency. Most Internet security companies list all the files associated with a particular virus and tell you where to find them. You may have to do some extensive searching to find each file.
Before you delete any files, you should save a backup copy of your registry folder. If you accidentally delete the wrong file, it can make it difficult or impossible to get your computer to work properly.
Now delete all the infected files that are associated with the malware on your list. Once that is done, reboot your computer and run your antivirus software again. Hopefully, nothing else will be detected.
Finally, update your login credentials for your various online accounts. Some malware includes keylogging software that can send your passwords and other information to a remote user. Better safe than sorry.
Kick viruses to the curb (disk)
Some antivirus software allows you to create a special bootable disk. This disk can be invaluable when your computer is infected with particularly stubborn malware that prevents normal operation. The bootable disk allows you to boot your computer from a clean, safe environment, bypassing the infected operating system.
After you create a bootable disk, reboot your computer with the disk in the drive. Your computer will read from the disk, load a limited operating system, and run a virus scan. This method can help you bypass and disable the malware code, effectively removing the infection and returning your system to a functional state.
How to Avoid Computer Viruses
To prevent computer viruses on a Windows computer, follow these simple guidelines, which are largely based on common sense:
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Putting email security into practice. Do not open strange email attachments or click on hyperlinks in emails from unknown sources. Virus programmers often use these tactics to spread malicious software. Only click on hyperlinks if the sender provides a clear description of the link and its destination.
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Disable auto start. If your email client supports auto-launch, disable it. This feature can automatically activate a computer virus just by opening an email.
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Be careful with messages. Be careful with hyperlinks in message boards, Facebook posts or instant messages. Pay attention to the source of the message and look for unusual signals such as spelling mistakes or strange sentence structures, especially if the sender usually avoids such mistakes.
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Avoid questionable websites. Do not visit websites that are known to host malware, such as websites related to software, music and video piracy, or adult content. Modern web browsers often warn you if you attempt to visit such sites — heed these warnings.
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Use pop-up alert. Be aware of pop-up windows while surfing the web. Be wary of notifications that claim you need to download the latest video driver or other software to view content. This is a common method of spreading malware.
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Perform regular maintenance. Run your antivirus or internet security software at least once a week. Make sure your software and operating system are up to date by regularly downloading updates and patches. Most antivirus programs are updated at least once a week as security companies add new virus information to their databases.
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Delete temporary files. Regularly delete temporary files from your computer to prevent malware from exploiting them.
In the worst case
If you are unable to remove a malware infection despite trying several methods, it may be time to perform a complete system wipe on the infected computer. This involves formatting your hard drive and reinstalling the operating system.
A complete system wipe is often a last resort because it removes all of your information, including programs, settings, and personal files. That’s why it’s crucial to back up important, virus-free files before you begin. You can use external storage devices or cloud services to do this.
Performing a system wipe can be time-consuming, as you will need to reinstall your operating system, update it, reinstall all of your applications, and restore your data. However, this method ensures that all traces of malware are removed, allowing you to start with a clean slate.
After wiping your system, it is essential to immediately install antivirus software and update it to the latest version. This will protect your restored system from future infections.
This article has been updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Much more information
Sources
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Academic Computing. “What to Do if Your Computer Is Already Infected with a Virus.” University of Minnesota. (March 26, 2009) http://www1.umn.edu/adcs/guides/security/infection_cleanup.html
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Dittrich, David. “Lifecycle: Preventing, Detecting, and Removing Bots.” March 20, 2005. (March 19, 2009) http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid14_gci1068906,00.html
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Microsoft Security. “How to Remove a Computer Virus.” Microsoft. Dec. 31, 2008. (March 25, 2009) http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/viruses/remove.mspx
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Robertson, Jordan. “How Do You Know What to Do When Your Computer Is Infected?” AP News. March 15, 2009. (March 17, 2009) http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TEC_INSIDE_A_BOTNET_CHECKLIST?SITE=ILEDW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Original article: How to get rid of a virus on a Windows PC?
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