If your computer has a virus, you’ll need to get rid of it immediately. In worst cases, a virus can wipe out your computer hard drive altogether, and you’ll lose all of your files. Worse yet, some virus are created in such a way that they can steal sensitive information from your computer (for example, your name, address, social security number, and bank account information).
But how can you really tell whether or not your computer has a virus in the first place? It often seems that the perpetrator (or computer hacker) does his best to craft an insidious virus and somehow install it on your computer without anyone knowing about it.
In many cases, the process of identifying and removing a computer virus is a difficult and time consuming task. In many cases, it’s best to consult a system administrator or onsite computer technician if you work for a company.
If you work from home, you may want to consult an experienced computer technician to help solve the problem. In any case, the steps below offer a few possible solutions for identifying and removing a computer virus.
How Can I Determine My Computer Has a Virus?
If you’re not sure whether your computer has virus in the first place, ask yourself the following questions:
Does your computer or laptop run slower than unusual? Although a virus can make your computer run slower, keep in mind that there are still other reasons for slow performance, such as a computer that needs more memory (RAM), or the existence of spyware. Spyware is a malicious form of software that attaches to your computer and collect information about you without your knowledge.
Are you receiving unexpected error messages? When your computer contracts a virus, Windows will often display an error message. Also, some of your software programs may start and close automatically. Windows itself may also shutdown automatically.
Is your computer working overtime?
An e‑mail virus works by sending several copies of itself via e‑mail. If the activity light on your external modem keeps flashing, or if you can hear your computer’s hard drive constantly working, there’s a chance that you have a virus.
Download an Online Scanner
Once you’ve answered the above questions and still suspect that your have a computer virus, the next logical step is to download an online virus scanner. The online scanner will help you identify and remove the virus, clean up your computer’s hard disk, and in most cases, improve your computer’s performance.
Some viruses can disable your Internet connection, and if this is the case, you may have to restart your computer in safe mode before downloading a scanner.
To restart your computer in safe mode:
1. Restart your computer.
2. When you see the computer manufacturer’s logo, press and hold the F8 key.
3. Use the arrow keys to highlight “Safe Mode with Networking,” and then press Enter.
4. On the Advanced Boot Options screen, log on to your computer with a user account that has administrator rights.
If you’re not sure what the user name and password is for admin rights, be sure to consult your system administrator, network engineer, or technician.
Once you have an Internet connection, you can download a virus scanner easily. Microsoft offers a scanner that does a good job of identifying and removing viruses.
To run the Microsoft scanner:
Go to the Microsoft Safety scanner web page.
Click Download Now, and simply follow the instructions on your screen.
Protecting Your Computer
Once you remove the virus, you may need to reinstall some of the lost software and/or information on your computer. In the meantime, it’s always a safe idea to make regular backups of your computer files in case your computer becomes infected again. Hopefully you won’t contract a virus, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
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