Computer virus removal sounds like a daunting process, right? When you want to know how to remove a computer virus, it might be a little late for antiviral protection.
Do you think your computer has a virus? If so, it is crucial to either learn how to get rid of a computer virus or obtain immediate, professional assistance. Below, we seek to explain everything you need to know about how viruses work and how to remove them.
Read on to learn more about the following topics.
• I got a virus alert … is it real or fake?
• Computer virus removal
• What is a computer virus?
• How do I know if my computer has a virus?
• Can a virus infect my computer from an email?
• How to protect your computer from a virus
Need immediate assistance? No need to worry! With the HAILaGEEK app, a local geek is ready to help. Whether an iPhone, iPad, PC, Mac, or other device, we can help. Download the app today for computer repair that comes to you!
There it is, covering your screen, as big as anything … an alert saying you have 5 viruses. Or 1. Or 15. It wants you to click immediately to intervene and save the day.
Well, hold up.
No matter how legitimate the virus alert is, the very best course of action is for you to shut down your computer. Yanking the power plug from the wall is a terrible idea most of the time, but when it comes to a new virus alert, it’s actually not such a bad idea.
But if you were in the middle of editing a huge document and had made hours of changes you haven’t saved yet, well, we recommend saving that document.
So, what if you want to save your document, but a virus alert is covering your whole screen?
Try pressing Alt-F4. There’s a good chance this will make the virus alert go away completely, allowing you to get back to your document and save it.
If that doesn’t work, try pressing the Windows key on your keyboard. It looks like 4 rectangles right next to each other and it is usually near Ctrl, Alt, and the space bar. This is another way to get the “virus alert” window out of the way so you can get back to your work and save it.
Once you’ve saved your work, shut down the computer. Start > Power > Shutdown is the most direct way to get there usually.
After you shut it down and turn it back on, one of two things will happen. Either the virus alerts will persist, or they will be gone.
If they persist, you need expert help right away. Shut down your computer quickly, and use your cell phone to get help. If they are gone, then congratulations! The virus alert was fake, and you dodged an expensive bullet by not clicking on the fake “solutions.”
Computer virus removal is a complex process. This is because viruses install themselves in an array of locations. Some viruses even install themselves in multiple areas.
Unfortunately, removing a virus requires complete removal. When you fail to wipe out an entire virus program, it has the potential to reinstall itself the next time you reboot your system.
Additionally, some viruses play nasty tricks on computer owners. For instance, some invade the registry of a Windows system. This makes it difficult for the system’s owner to safely remove because deleting the wrong line causes the entire system configuration to fall apart.
One of the easiest methods for removing a virus is with an antivirus program. Developers design these programs to safely clean your system. However, when you have a virus on your computer already, it may require some specific conditions to work.
Still, security software is a key way to detect and remove a virus. Fortify your defenses against malicious software with a trusted program.
When you feel confident enough to tackle computer virus removal, it’s a good idea to follow a clear process. Below, we lay out some of the steps to guide you through the process.
If you hit a snag, remember that our geeks are available to help you on your schedule. Simply download the app and put in your request. One of our geeks will meet you where you are and can even walk you through the process in case it happens again.
Here's how to get rid of a virus.
Download a reliable virus scanner or a complete solution for internet security. One of the most well-known examples is Norton Antivirus software.
When you need to remove a virus from your computer, it’s a good idea to disconnect from your wifi. This helps to prevent further damage. Additionally, some viruses use an internet connection to spread.
As you attempt to remove the virus, reboot your computer into Safe Mode. Safe Mode prevents further activity by most viruses and makes them easier to delete.
Not sure how? Here’s a quick guide.
• Restart your computer.
• When the screen lights up, press F8. This brings up the advanced menu.
• Click “Safe Mode with Networking”
• Stay disconnected from your Internet
Next, it’s important to delete temporary files. Here’s a quick guide for how to do that.
• Click the Windows logo in the start menu
• Type in “temporary files”
• Choose the option to “free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files”
• Find “Temporary Internet Files” in the list and click OK
• Confirm “delete files”
• Click the Windows logo in the start menu
• Type %temp% and click on %temp% file folder
• Press Ctrl-A (select all)
• Press Del
• Select “Do this for all current items” and click Continue
• If a window appears saying “action couldn’t be completed because the file is open in …” select “Do this for all current items” and click Skip.
In some cases, a virus initiates as your computer starts up. When you delete the temporary files, it has the potential to delete the virus. However, it’s important not to rely on this alone.
Continue through the guide to ensure complete computer virus removal.
Having trouble? Try the HAILaGEEK app for tech repair when and where you need it.
Run a virus scan with the software you chose earlier. Oftentimes, this is a simple matter of booting up the Antivirus program and hitting “Scan.”
If the software finds a virus, it may impact a single file or multiple files. To remove these files, click “Delete” or “Quarantine.” Once you complete this step, run the scan again to check your computer.
If there are no other threats, your computer virus removal was a success! However, if the scan identifies additional files, continue to delete or quarantine them until it’s clear.
Once you remove the virus, it’s safe to reboot your computer. All you have to do is turn it on as you usually do. There’s no longer a need for “Safe Mode.”
After the computer virus removal process, it’s a good idea to stay proactive. To protect yourself, change all your passwords.
Generally, this is only necessary when malware captures your passwords. But, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you use a Mac, you might think your computer is immune to viruses. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. The truth of the matter is that there are only fewer viruses that target Macs by comparison.
However, they very much exist. Additionally, some Mac viruses try to trick users into thinking they’re actually anti-virus software. Here are three common examples.
• MacSecurity
• MacDefender
• MacProtector
When you download one of these, it’s possible your computer has a virus. If you think your Mac has a virus, follow these computer virus removal steps. Quit the software or app that seems affected. Navigate to “Activity Monitor” and search for known viruses (listed above). If you find one, click on “Quit Process” before you exit Activity Monitor. Then, go to the Applications folder. Locate the file and drag it into the trash. Afterward, empty the trash folder to permanently remove the virus. Finally, update your software and apps so that they have current security patches.
Oftentimes, Mac users forego anti-virus software protection because they think they have enough protection. However, it’s a good idea to run an anti-virus solution if you don’t have one. Norton currently offers a version of its software for Macs. ESET also offers antivirus for Macs.
A HAILaGEEK technician can install antivirus software on your mac, verify that it is installed and working correctly, and show you how to check on it periodically to make sure you are protected.
Computer viruses come in many forms. Generally speaking, these programs are unwanted bits of instruction code. The intent behind the design is to invade, and steal some control over, your computer.
Like a biological virus, it also replicates itself and attempts to invade other systems. In some cases, a computer virus only attacks your browser. However, others are far more harmful.
For instance, a rootkit virus burrows into your system’s internal controls. On the other hand, a Trojan virus sneaks into your device under the guise of a legitimate program.
Oftentimes, what a virus does depends on the intent of the people who design it. Some gather data while others simply want to disrupt the functionality of your device. Others want to hitch a ride on your computer to gain access to other computers.
Computer virus removal is essential to ensure that your device operates as intended. Moreover, it protects you and others from crimes like identity theft.
One of the first signs of a virus is the sudden slowdown of a program. For example, a program that once loaded quickly might take a lot longer to load.
Alternatively, you might receive error messages stating that programs are unresponsive. In these cases, the virus is tackling the processing power of your system. This makes it difficult to run multiple programs at the same time.
In other cases, viruses and malware impact only specific parts of your computer. For instance, the homepage of your browser might change without your permission. Additionally, you might have trouble getting to antivirus websites.
Some viruses even dig into your email to send messages to your contacts. Oftentimes, users don’t realize this until they hear about strange emails from their colleagues and family.
Do you think your computer has a virus? Need help with computer virus removal? Download the HAILaGEEK app and get tech help wherever you are.
It is very possible for a virus to reach your computer from an email. However, in most cases, this only happens when you open an email attachment or click on a link in the email.
If you simply receive or open a spam email, it usually cannot infect your computer. Your best bet is to mark it as spam or junk and delete it immediately!
Today, many email providers automate this process and detect spam. Unfortunately, it’s still possible for them to slip through. If this happens, just mark it as spam and delete it.
The last step in computer virus removal is to fortify your defenses! Part of this is knowing what to do and what not to do. However, there are a few key ways to protect your computer from viruses.
• Use an antivirus and internet security software solution.
• Even when you receive an email from a legitimate company that you do business with, if it has a link in it, avoid using the link; instead, log in to the company’s website and go to where you need to in their website. For example, if the company provides a link in the email where you can click here to pay your bill, open your browser yourself, and go to the payment section of their website.
• Look into apps to confirm their legitimacy. Read reviews and look for articles from third parties reviewing the software. Look for the company to have a page on social media with a decent number of followers and activity on their page.
• Check developer descriptions for apps and software.
• Only download software or apps from websites you trust.
• Look at the number of downloads that apps have on the play store or app store. The higher the number the better.
• Check the permissions that apps and software request. Do they seem unreasonable or risky? If so, contact the developer to ask why they require those permissions and expect a plausible answer.
• Avoid unverified links in spam emails or messages. Never download something from a website you don’t trust.
• Never open attachments in a spammy email.
• Update your apps, operating system, and software often.
• Use a secure VPN on public wifi networks.
• Never use a USB stick or disk that you don’t know.
Computer virus removal doesn’t have to be difficult. Moreover, you can fortify your defenses against the risk of infection. With HAILaGEEK, you have access to a trusted tech expert when and where you need them.
Need to know how to remove a computer virus? Download the HAILaGEEK app today, sign up and contact a technician for assistance!
The | |||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||
Difference
vendor, HAILaGEEKTM engages 3 skilled techs to review disputed jobs and assess the quality of the work