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Virus Removal
Need help with a computer virus? Call, email, or chat with me.
What is a Computer Virus?
Computer Virus: A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user.
Computer Viruses have been a problem for many years. When people speak of computer viruses they often mistake Spyware for being a virus, when in fact most computer viruses are hidden and not out in the open like a Spyware infection.
A Virus can be introduced to a computer through many different ways. They can be attached to an email, hidden in a CD-ROM or USB drive, installed unknowingly when installing supposedly legitimate software, through a network from another infected computer, and through unsafe surfing with an un patched computer.
Among the things that a Computer Virus can do damage to are a person files, system files, and boot files. Or a virus could do nothing at all other than replicate itself and spread to other computers.
What can I do to combat Computer Viruses?
Using and running a good Anti-Virus is the best step a person can take to combat viruses. When people think of Anti-Virus programs for some reason they think of Norton Anti-Virus, unfortunately Norton is not the best Anti-Virus out there and should be used as a last resort.
If you are planning on paying for an Anti-Virus I suggest ESET NOD32 or Kaspersky Anti-Virus. These are better Anti-Virus software packages which will not slow your computer down like Norton Anti-Virus will. A good free Anti-Virus is AVG Anti-Virus. Something to remember is that a popular anti-virus is not always best when trying to clean your computer.
A fully patched computer is also important. On a regular basis Microsoft releases critical patches to their operating systems to help keep them secure. Open Internet Explorer and go to the Tools menu on top or on the right hand side, and then move down to Windows Update. Click this and you will be taken to the Windows Update web site where you can receive the necessary critical updates. Windows Update can also be found in the control panel when using Windows Vista operating system. With Windows XP you must have at least Service Pack 1 installed in order to install the latest Service Pack 3.
Another important thing to make sure of is whether your firewall is enabled and blocking all unnecessary ports. Windows XP has a built in Firewall, or you can choose from a number of free ones that are available. I recommend Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall. It is free but only $10 when on sale, and $20 at regular price. Also Commodo firewall is a decent free alternative.
How can I remove a Virus?
If you feel your computer may have a virus, and you see signs of a virus there are a few things you can do. The first thing I would recommend is unplug your computer from your network including the internet connection you have. If you have access to another computer that is not infected download the latest virus definition updates for your particular Anti-Virus, and put them on a CD or USB Drive.
Here are some helpful links to direct you to the manual update procedure for your particular Anti-Virus. I will check them on a regular basis to make sure they are still working:
- Norton - Intelligent Updater procedure
- AVG Anti-Virus - Manual update definitions download
- NOD32 - Manual update feature is not available to single user license. More details here.
- Trend Micro - Manual update scan engine.
- Mcafee - Manual update Virus Definition Updates (DATs)
- Kaspersky - Manual update instructions and update files.
- BitDefender - Manual update instructions
- Avira - Current update virus definition file (VDF) update
- Panda - Current Virus Signature File
- F-prot - Manual update using Latest .zip file
After you have the definitions downloaded bring them over and perform a manual update with them on the infected computer.
Once you have updated your Anti-Virus perform a complete scan on all of your attached drives. If possible boot into safe mode and run the Anti-Virus scan. To be sure your computer is free from all viruses, it would probably be best to use a second Anti-Virus program. Just make sure to turn off your original Anti-Virus when using the second one.
Is your Anti-Virus Working?
1. First open Notepad.
2. Then copy and paste into it the text on the line below. (It should all be on one line.)
X5O!P%@AP[4\PZX54(P^)7CC)7}$EICAR-STANDARD-ANTIVIRUS-TEST-FILE!$H+H*
3. Then select File, Save, select All Files for the file type, then save the file as eicar.com
Your Anti-Virus should immediately stop the file in it's tracks. Below you can see NOD32 stop the test file and alert you.
Do you need Help with a Virus?
If you are still having problems with a computer virus feel free to give me a call or e-mail. I usually like to take care of Spyware and Virus problems in house (drop-off) rather than a service call.
I offer a 24 hour turnaround most of the time. I service the entire Grand Rapids, MI area including Jenison, Hudsonville, Grandville, Wyoming, Byron Center, Kentwood, Cascade, East Grand Rapids, Rockford, Comstock Park, and Walker.