Remove Spyware and Viruses
Adware, Spyware, Virus and Trojan Removal Tools
Use antivirus and spyware detection software to remove malware from your computer.
If you suspect that your computer has been infected by adware, spyware, viruses or a Trojan you should run your antivirus and spyware removal programs. Anti-virus programs such as Symantec, McAffee, AVG and Avast can often remove the virus by allowing you to quarantine and delete infected files. And spyware removal programs such as Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy can remove adware and spyware by allowing you to quarantine and delete unwanted tracking programs. But, sometimes viruses, especially Trojans, are harder to remove and your anti-virus and spyware removal programs will not be up to the task.
Determine the Virus' Identity
If your computer is infected by a Trojan or other difficult to remove virus your anti-virus or malware removal program should be able to detect the presence of the virus even if it can’t remove it. When these programs find an infected file they display the file name along with the virus name. You may notice that even after a second run of the program it is picking up more files infected by a certain virus. Or, your program may display a special alert window that a specific Trojan has been found on you computer. In either case you will want to write down the name of the virus or Trojan found on your computer. Having the name of the virus is the first step in removing it.
Using Virus Removal Tools
If possible, use a different computer for these next steps. First, go to symantec’s website and search their virus removal tool database for the virus found on your computer. Symantec keeps specialized removal tools for new and common viruses and Trojans available free for download. If you find a removal tool for your virus in their database download it to install and run on the infected computer. Any special instructions will be provided at the download site. These instructions may have you disconnect your infected computer from the Internet and boot it up in safe mode. Running the removal tool will remove the specified virus or Trojan.
Virus Removal Help
If you cannot locate a virus removal tool for your problem virus or Trojan or the tool is outdated and does not work then you may want to try searching an online website or forum for virus removal help. PC Hell and Bull Guard are great help sites for virus removal. Search these sites for references to the virus or Trojan infecting your computer. Step by step instructions may have already been posted by others. Or, post your own question asking for help in removing the virus.
Another option is to use a search engine such as Google, Dogpile or MSN search to find references to the virus or Trojan online. This may provide you with alternate removal tools, removal documentation or better information about the virus or Trojan.
Removing the Virus
Once you have a removal tool or written steps for removing the virus or Trojan, go back to the infected machine. Most likely you will need to disconnect the computer from the Internet before trying to remove the virus. Follow the removal instructions you have found about the specific virus to the letter. If you have any questions about these instructions go back to the website and ask before attempting to remove the virus.
Some instructions may call for you to delete registry values. If you are not comfortable doing this advanced procedure you may want live online or phone support. In some cases you can take your computer to locations such as Best Buy and Circuit City for virus removal help.
