If your computer is infected with a virus, you'll want to remove it as quickly as possible. A fast way to check for viruses is to use an online scanner, such as the Windows Live OneCare safety scanner. The safety scanner is a free online service that helps you identify and remove viruses, clean up your hard disk, and generally improve your computer's performance. If you're not sure whether your computer has a virus, see How can I tell if my computer has a virus? to check for some telltale signs. To try a different online scanner, follow the links to other companies that provide them on the Windows Security software providers webpage.
How to Clean a Virus-Infected Computer
Computer viruses are insidious, sneaky and--like their biological counterparts--constantly mutating. If you think your computer has been infected, the only safe course of action is to use a good anti-virus program.
Instructions
- As soon as you suspect that your computer has a virus, remove your computer from any networks it might be on, as well as from the Internet, so that you don't inadvertently spread the bug to others. Unplug your network cable if you have to.
- If you have virus-scanning (anti-virus) software installed, run it.
- If you don't have anti-virus software, you'll need to obtain some. If you can't get it from a network administrator or download it from an uninfected computer, you can mail-order it from a retailer.
- Start your computer (still not connected to a network) and follow the instructions that came with the anti-virus software.
- Keep running the virus-scanning software until your computer comes up clean.
- Reconnect your computer to the Internet and check with the anti-virus software's publisher to make sure you have the latest updates. If not, download them now.
- After updating the anti-virus software, run it again until your computer comes up clean.
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