Removing Viruses and other bad stuff
Some tools to remove malware
Note: No tool
removes them all, you will probably have to do some searching to find out what
works.
You run it when you think you have a problem. It does not run in the
background and the version you download is only good for 10 days. Note:
There are both a 32 bit and 64 bit versions. If you will be running it on
the computer you download it to, then it will automatically pick the proper one
but if you plan on copying it to anther computer, then you may need to specify a
different version. You may have to run it in the "Safe Mode with
Netowrking" To get into that mode, Tape the F8 key a couple of times a second
while the computer is starting up. Eventually black screen with a number
of options will open up. Use the up/down arrow keys to pick "Safe Mode
with Networking" Later it will ask what operating system you want, there
will probably be only one choice. Msert.exe will take more than an hour
when run in the full mode. When it is done it will ask if you want to
remove the viruses. Even if you say Yes, it may not be able to get
everything. Look at the comments at the end closely to see if you should
do something more. Also note the program may hand if the computer goes into the
sleep mode. You can either turn that off or if you are like me and you can
not remember how, you can just move someting around on the screen every 5 or 10
minutes to keep the computer from going to sleep. 12/14/2011
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
Download MalwareBytes Anti-Malware.
From
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html
avast! Free Antivirus An anti-virus software that is supposed to be very good at malware removal and rootkit removal tests. I have not used it.
Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus; PC Magazine rates it as best at Malware removal, costs $39.95
If your system is infected, it is best to download and run
these programs in the safe mode with networking.
To put your computer in the safe mode,
Press the F8 key about every second as the computer is starting up.
Before the windows screen appears, you will get a menu of boot options.
Select “Safe Mode With Networking” if you will need to get on the
internet, otherwise select
“Safe Mode” You
will have to make your selection with the up/down arrows as the mouse is not
working yet. The screen will
look crude because the computer has not lo0aded a lot of fancy stuff it normally
runs with.
AVG also has some tools for removing viruses.
I have not used them but I regularly recommended AVG for those looking
for a free anti-virus software.
Expect to spend an hour or more getting rid of the virus
and you may not be successful in the end.
If all else fails. You can always reformat the hard disk
and reinstall all your software.
Some bogus
anti-virus software that are actually viruses or Trojans are:
Some signs you have a virus
1)
Your anti-virus software will not run.
Viruses often attack the anti-virus software first.
2)
You suddenly have a different anti-virus software
that you do not remember installing or you may have gotten a free anti-virus
software off the web from a little known company.
Viruses often masquerade as an anti-virus program.
3)
Strange things start popping up on your computer.
4)
Other odd behavior.
Return to Home pageRev 12/14/11 fixed