What To Do When Your Computer Has A Virus

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to identify and remove viruses or malware from your computer. Malware can significantly affect your computer's performance and compromise your personal information. By following these steps, you can effectively clean your system and enhance its security.

Step 1: Identify Signs of Infection

Before taking action, recognize the signs that your computer may be infected:

• Antivirus software is disabled or cannot be enabled.
• Rogue processes are visible in Task Manager.
• High CPU, memory, or disk usage.
• Unusual behavior when accessing sensitive sites, like banking.

Step 2: Download and Install Antivirus Software

• Choose a reliable antivirus or anti-malware tool, such as Malwarebytes.
• Download the software from its official website.
• Install the software and ensure it is fully updated to access the latest virus definitions.

Step 3: Boot into Safe Mode

• Hold down the left Shift key while restarting your computer.
• Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
• Select Restart and then choose 4 to enable Safe Mode. Avoid networking to prevent malware from accessing the internet.

Step 4: Run a Virus Scan

• Once in Safe Mode, open the antivirus software you installed.
• Start a full system scan to detect and remove malware.
• Be patient as this process may take some time. Review the scan results carefully.

Step 5: Remove Detected Malware

• Quarantine and delete any detected malware.
• If necessary, manually delete any quarantined files to ensure they do not remain on your system.

Step 6: Clean Temporary Files

• Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type temp, then press Enter.
• Delete all files in the Temp folder.
• To remove other temporary files, use built-in Windows utilities or third-party tools like CCleaner.

Step 7: Use Additional Scanning Tools

• After cleaning up, consider using an online scanner like ESET Online Scanner:
  • Visit the ESET website and download the scanner.
  • Run a complete scan to check for any remaining threats.
• Optionally, run tools like AdwCleaner to remove adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs).

Step 8: Check System Restore Points

• Access the System Properties and navigate to the System Protection tab.
• Delete all existing restore points to ensure that no malware is stored in them.
• Create a new restore point after cleaning your system.

Step 9: Verify Browser Security

• Check your web browser for any unusual extensions or settings.
• Reset or update your browser to eliminate any malicious configurations.
• Consider uninstalling and reinstalling your browser for a fresh start.

Step 10: Change Passwords

• Immediately change passwords for sensitive accounts, especially banking.
• Contact your bank to inform them of the infection and follow their recommendations for securing your account.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your computer of malware and enhance its security. Regularly update your antivirus software, be cautious of suspicious downloads, and maintain good cybersecurity practices to prevent future infections. If issues persist, consider resetting your PC or reinstalling the operating system as a last resort.