Tech Desk/Student Technology - General Virus/Spyware Cleaning Procedures
Steps you can take
When your computer has a virus or spyware infection, you just
want to get it clean! Here are some general steps to follow to
remove the infection and get your computer back to normal.
- Scan your whole
computer for viruses with an updated antivirus program, and remove any viruses
it finds. Then scan it again to make sure they're really gone!
If you need to install an antivirus program or you're not sure
how to use it, take a look at our Antivirus how-to page.
- Are there viruses your antivirus program couldn't remove?
Run the scan again with your computer in Safe Mode.
This is a special diagnostic mode that makes it easier for
viruses to be removed. To start your computer in Safe
Mode, hold down the F8 key while your computer starts up, and
choose "Safe Mode with Networking" from the menu that appears.
- Scan your whole computer for spyware with at least TWO updated
anti-spyware programs like AdAware or Spybot Search & Destroy.
Then scan it again to make sure the problems are really gone!
Our anti-spyware info page has
instructions for installing and using these programs.
- Is there spyware on your computer that your anti-spyware
software can't
remove? You might be able to find removal instructions online --
do a
web search for the name of the program. But be careful; some
removal
procedures can damage your installation of Windows if performed
incorrectly.
- Clear your browser's
cache, delete all your browser's cookies, and delete all of the
files from your computer's "Temp" and "tmp" directories.
- Look at the list of programs installed on your computer by
opening the "Add/Remove Programs" control panel. Do you recognize
all of the programs that are listed? If there's one you don't
recognize, do a web search for the name of the program. Is it
something you want to keep on your computer? If not, remove the
program by clicking the "Remove" button on the right-hand side.
- Got a virus or spyware you can't remove? Is your
computer still having problems even though the scans don't find
anything? You can make an appointment with a TechDesk staff member for advanced troubleshooting.
If you have questions or need help with any of these steps, we're here to help! Contact the TechDesk for guidance, or to schedule an appointment for in-depth help.
