How to remove a computer virus

A computer virus infection on your computer can be very difficult to remove. Even for an computer expert, removing a virus from a computer can be a time consuming and frustrating task.

Some viruses are designed to reinstall themselves even after they have been detected and removed. Some viruses write themselves into the registry of your computer, so they are loaded as soon as you boot your computer. Of course you should keep your anti-virus software up to date. But even that is not always successful in preventing and infection – especially if you frequent shareware or sites containing adult content…

To remove a virus infection:

1. If you are running a Windows operating system, visit the Microsoft Update website and install the latest updates. This may detect and eradicate the virus
2. Microsoft now have a ‘Malicious Software Removal Tool’. Type this into Google or Bing and follow the instructions
3. Goto your anti-virus manufacturers website and download the latest updates. Then perform a scan of your computer

I’ve tried this it hasn’t worked!

Some viruses will actually disable your anti-virus software. If you can't access your antivirus software or you keep seeing the same malware pop up after the scan, you’ll probably find that the virus has written itself into the registry.

Now this moves into advanced computer virus removal. You need to be careful when rewriting the registry file because it tells Windows which programs to start up when when booting the operating system. Unless you’re competent with computers you’re best leaving this to a virus removal expert.

So you’re a computer expert!

OK, run your anti-virus program. If it won’t run in Windows, reboot your computer in Safe Mode and run it from there. It will probably detect the virus even if it can’t destroy it. Note down the file names of all the viruses, malware, worms and any other suspect files it lists.

Now you may need a second computer for this, of course, but type those file names into Google or Bing one at a time. You’ll find that someone out there on the World Wide Web has come across these viruses and you’ll quickly determine which is the most malicious. Chances are this is your problem virus.

Now, you will probably find that someone has written very specific instructions on how to eradicate that virus. If the source looks trustworthy, then by all means follow the instructions.

Alternatively, open up your registry file. Look for the details of your malicious virus – probably in the boot file. This is the file you need to delete – But! Before you delete any files, make a backup copy of your Registry folder. Accidently deleting the wrong file may make it very difficult or even impossible to run your computer properly. Delete any file associated with the virus or malware the list you made. Now reboot your computer and run your antivirus software again. Hopefully nothing else will pop up and you have removed the virus.

If you still find problems with your computer – don’t panic! You’ve done your best. It’s now time to either take that computer down to a computer repair company or call a computer virus removal company.

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