How to Remove a Virus from Your Computer
If your computer has been a little green under the gills lately, this guide will help cure what ails it and save you the headache of trying to recover lost files.
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You Will Need
- Internet access
- Antivirus software
- Professional
- Spyware or spam scanner (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Locate antivirus software
Locate your computer's antivirus software or search online for a free program and to get the latest definitions, which are also known as updates.
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Step 2
Run antivirus software
Scan your computer with the antivirus software regularly or as soon as you notice a problem to delete any infected files.
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Find a good spyware and spam scanner to destroy any malicious programs that are not technically viruses but can slow your computer and be just as harmful.
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Step 3
Quarantine files
Quarantine infected files if the software is unable to remove them; this will prevent the virus from impairing your computer's performance.
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Step 4
Locate the source
Locate the sources of the virus if the computer was unable to remove it by searching for suspicious files or emails recently downloaded.
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Most viruses will be executable files, which end in E-X-E.
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Step 5
Remove it manually
Remove the virus manually by opening the Task Manager or Activity Monitor; check the name of each running process online; then delete the virus.
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Step 6
Visit a repair technician
Visit a professional repair technician to make sure you have successfully eradicated the virus, and to install any updates you need so your computer's not reinfected.
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Biological viruses lack some of the basic characteristics of life and cannot be called either alive or dead, but somewhere in between.
