Virus Removal

A Computer Virus is a communicable program, script or code that automatically replicates itself and then either attaches itself to an existing file on your computer system, and/or makes copies of itself with legitimate sounding names in various folders on your computer. Sometimes they give themselves away by using misspelled versions of legitimate file names, or even random names that stick out like a sore thumb to an experienced PC Technician.

Most viruses are limited to spreading itself by either being transmitted or sent by an unwitting user or carried on a USB Drive or Disk from one system to another. But if a virus gets embedded somewhere on a network drive then anyone who opens or clicks on the infected file can end up getting infected as well.

Depending on your security software … or lack of, a virus infection can go undetected for several days to several weeks, and even indefinitely if you have expired, corrupted or no protection at all. But there are usually telltale signs that should make you suspicious of an infection if your computer has become very slow for no good reason, if your internet browser home page was changed, or it keeps automatically redirecting to some other webpage, otherwise known as a hijacked browser. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, your computer is probably infected with a virus.

Aside from a “true” Virus infection, which accounts for only about 3% of all Malware infections, most computers are actually infested with a variety of other forms of Malware such as Trojans, Rootkits, Worms, Spyware, Adware, and Browser Helper Objects (BHOs). But the most common type of Malware infection these days are the Fake Alerts Programs, such as a Fake Antivirus Program. Sometimes, Viruses are used to spread these Fake Alert programs in the Virus payload.

Typical Symptoms of a Virus Infection

Slow computer performance
Windows randomly freezes
Hijacked Internet Browser
Randomly appearing popup windows, especially while surfing the internet
Fake Alerts, when some program alerts you that your system has numerous Windows and registry errors or a variety of infections, and even redirects you to a website that prompts you to purchase their software to remove the infections.

Can I Fix It Myself?

The solution varies on a case-by-case basis depending on your operating system, severity of the infection, what security software you already have installed, whether it is updated or not, if the internet still works, and on-and-on. If you have several of these things going for you in your favor, you may be able to try and fix it yourself, otherwise you might want to save the trouble and chance of making it worse by having it professionally repaired.

From my experience, I can tell you that most people will choose the least expensive approach, whether or not they have any training or tools to do the job. They figure that they can Google for some freeware program and fix it themselves for free. Just beware that there are plenty of malicious links that may show up in your search results that may promote products claiming it can fix your problem, but in reality may just infect your computer further.

Also, many of the techniques PC Technicians use to clean computers involve much more than just running scans with some program. Many of these techniques require an advanced knowledge of Windows and its built-in utilities such as the Registry.

Rather than trying to repair your system with one of the free basic antivirus programs out there, I suggest you at least download and install a free trial version of a top-tier antivirus program such as an ESET Nod32 or Smart Security. That will at least buy you some time before you decide if you want to ultimately go with the freeware method. Then I would follow-up with a good antispyware program such as SUPERAntiSpyware or MalwareBytes.

Prevention

For detailed information about Virus and Spyware Prevention, visit our sister website below.

http://spywarepreventionguy.com

Note: Some infections create registry entries that may prevent you from installing any antivirus or antispyware software from known vendors, and may even render the one you already have unusable. If your computer system is infected with unwanted Viruses, Spyware, Trojan Horse, Malware, Worm, Rootkit, Keylogger or Adware, and you would like to have one of our Virus Removal Specialists from Gakidoo’s Computer Repair to clean and optimize your computer, please give us a call at the number below.