Computer Rx: Virus Removal
You’re running your daily virus scan when suddenly you hear the dreaded ding. Your computer, it urgently informs you, has a virus. What should you do next?
Don’t Panic.
In fifteen years of dealing with computers and their health problems, I’ve only seen one virus that literally destroyed a system beyond repair. The technology in antivirus software has improved dramatically, and it is constantly being updated. First, let your security software do its thing; that’s why you bought it. Very often, it can remove the offending party with no more effort on your part than a couple of clicks. Restart your computer, update your virus definitions (if your program doesn’t do it for you automatically), and run a second scan just to be safe.
Go to the Source.
If a virus can’t be removed by your antivirus program, go the program's website. (These sites are excellent sources of computer virus information in general.) A Google search will show you the way. For example, Norton users can download Symantec’s virus removal tool. Running this can often eliminate stubborn viruses. Again, after you have successfully removed that particular problem, follow the steps listed above: restart, update, re-run.
Go Deeper.
Sometimes, no matter which virus protection you’ve faithfully used and how often you try to obliterate the malware, it simply doesn’t work. It’s time to clean the slate – or hard drive – and start over. Depending on the computer you have, the operating system you run, and the backup software you have or haven’t installed, this can be an hour’s work or a week-long process. After the restore, update and run your antivirus program again. If your system is no longer showing any viral symptoms, go ahead and reload any previously lost, deleted, or damaged files - but after you’ve given them a good virus scan.
Too Deep?
If the virus is still in evidence after all this, it’s time to call in the pros. You can do this online, drop your computer off at a store or business, or have someone come to your home. They can tell you if your computer can be fixed and give you advice on how to avoid future issues.
Americans spend millions on software to search out and destroy security threats before they lodge in their computers. If you notice any computer virus symptoms, the first step is to scan your system. Often that will remove the threat. Should your virus protection falter, don’t despair: help is online, a mere click away.
Don’t Panic.
In fifteen years of dealing with computers and their health problems, I’ve only seen one virus that literally destroyed a system beyond repair. The technology in antivirus software has improved dramatically, and it is constantly being updated. First, let your security software do its thing; that’s why you bought it. Very often, it can remove the offending party with no more effort on your part than a couple of clicks. Restart your computer, update your virus definitions (if your program doesn’t do it for you automatically), and run a second scan just to be safe.
Go to the Source.
If a virus can’t be removed by your antivirus program, go the program's website. (These sites are excellent sources of computer virus information in general.) A Google search will show you the way. For example, Norton users can download Symantec’s virus removal tool. Running this can often eliminate stubborn viruses. Again, after you have successfully removed that particular problem, follow the steps listed above: restart, update, re-run.
Go Deeper.
Sometimes, no matter which virus protection you’ve faithfully used and how often you try to obliterate the malware, it simply doesn’t work. It’s time to clean the slate – or hard drive – and start over. Depending on the computer you have, the operating system you run, and the backup software you have or haven’t installed, this can be an hour’s work or a week-long process. After the restore, update and run your antivirus program again. If your system is no longer showing any viral symptoms, go ahead and reload any previously lost, deleted, or damaged files - but after you’ve given them a good virus scan.
Too Deep?
If the virus is still in evidence after all this, it’s time to call in the pros. You can do this online, drop your computer off at a store or business, or have someone come to your home. They can tell you if your computer can be fixed and give you advice on how to avoid future issues.
Americans spend millions on software to search out and destroy security threats before they lodge in their computers. If you notice any computer virus symptoms, the first step is to scan your system. Often that will remove the threat. Should your virus protection falter, don’t despair: help is online, a mere click away.
