How do I get rid of a virus?

If the AntiVirus program on your computer is still working, then run a full scan of the machine.  This may be sucessful, and its certainly worth trying, but in most cases this won't remove the virus.

Once a virus has control of your computer, its very difficult to remove it without using another machine. Once the virus is in control, you can't trust anything the computer does. It may turn off AntiVirus programs, and it may block access to AntiVirus sites on the internet.  Even after a virus is removed, sometimes it has made so many changes to the computer that it doesn't start up any more.


Why do people write viruses?

Originally, most viruses came from people who got some type of perverse satisfaction from breaking things.  Nowadays its mostly organised crime. The virus writers are either trying to get money out of you, or they will use your computer to get money from other people.

Some viruses use the computer that they have taken over to send Spam emails. Other viruses use the computer to overload web sites, and they can use the threat of this to blackmail the web site owner.  Still others will record passwords and send them back to the virus writers.


Free Anti virus programs

There are free AntiVirus programs available for non commercial use from the following:

There are others available too. These free products are just as effective at protecting your computer against viruses as the paid version.  The paid versions include other functions such as spam filters that these free ones don't.


How can I avoid getting a virus?

  • Run an up to date AntiVirus program on your computer
  • Turn on Automatic Updates ("Start" then "Control Panel" and then either "Automatic Updates" or "Windows Update")
  • Use a router rather than a modem for your internet connection
  • Do not open emails from people you do not know
  • Avoid web sites that contain pirated music/games/films

Following these rules won't stop you getting a virus, but it will reduce the risk significantly.


What do I do if I can't get rid of a virus?

I will disinfect your computer for you. Here's what I do:

  • Take a back up copy of your computer
  • Extract just the data files you want to keep (pictures, documents, music etc).
  • Run AntiVirus programs to disinfect them.  Because none of the AntiVirus programs are 100% effective, I do a triple scan using Norton, Kaspersky and AVG.
  • Reset your computer to its factory state
  • Install all of the appropriate Microsoft updates for your computer, including all the security fixes.
  • Restore the disinfected files
  • If you have an AntiVirus program, I will reinstall it.

This leaves you with a machine that is clean and has up to date versions of all the software it needs to run.  Typically this costs £100.00.


Other questions about viruses

If you have other questions about viruses and how to get rid of them, please e-mail me dave@dave-computer.co.uk or call me on 01892 888083.