Computer and Software Support


Live Search

Getting Rid of a Virus

Getting rid of a virus can be extremely tricky. I am going to list the different options that you have and the drawback is on using that option.

 

Option One - Updating and running the anti-virus software

 

  • Advantages

     

    The software will do all the work and cleans the system. (Make sure the anti-virus software is up to date on its virus definitions)

 

  • Disadvantages

Since the system is already infected, the virus may not allow the anti-virus software from running or detecting the virus

 

The virus may me newer than the latest anti-virus software signatures. If the anti-virus company is not aware of the new virus, it won't have a signature for it. The anti-virus software uses signatures to detect the virus. The virus may be an old virus and still not detected if it is a new revision of the virus.

 

If updating and running the anti-virus software doesn't fix the issue, try the following to see if this helps resolve the issue.

  1. Boot to the anti-virus software CD and let it scan the system. It won't have the latest updates but since you won't be in windows, it may be able to detect and clean the virus. Sometimes windows interfere with the detection.

  2. Go to the website of the anti-virus software and see if they have an online scanner that will scan for virus.

  3. See if the anti-virus company has a scanner you can download and run.

  4. Boot to safe mode and try running the scans.

 

Option Two - Check for a fix on the anti-virus website. Also go to

the Spyware/virus troubleshooter page

  • Advantages

You can get rid of the virus without having to wait to get in touch with someone.

 

  • Disadvantages

The tool you download or the instructions on how to get rid of the virus, might get rid of the virus and it may not. Depending on the version of the virus.

The removal tool or instructions may get rid of the virus but the damage caused by the virus may still be there.

Option Three - Contact an Anti-virus company

  • Advantages

The anti-virus company may be able to get rid of the virus and get the system up and running without having to reload windows.

  • Disadvantages

The anti-virus company may not be able to get rid of the virus without uninstalling and re-installing the operating system.

The anti-virus company may be able to get rid of the virus but the damage the virus has caused may still exist. This will result in a re-install of the operating system.

Some anti-virus companies charge for assisting you with your computer. This means you might spend the money and still be required to re-install the operating system. The anti-virus company will not walk you through that step.

Option Four - Debug and re-install operating system without saving data

  • Advantages

If the hard drive is debugged, formatted and reinstalled correctly, the virus will be gone and have a fresh install of windows.

The operating system will be working correctly.

No chance of re-infecting the system with a corrupted file.  If you save files after your system has been infected with a virus, there is a possibility to re-infect the system after the reinstall. There is no guarantee that the anti-virus software will detect and remove the virus from the file that you have saved.

 

  • Disadvantages

You will loose all data on the drive. If you have pictures such as .jpg, .gif, bmp's or other pictures. They will be gone. If you have documents such as letters, resumes, financial data or any other important data will be gone.

Option Five - Debug and re-install operating system after saving data

  • Advantages

If the hard drive is debugged, formatted and reinstalled correctly, the virus will be gone and have a fresh install of windows.

Your data won't be lost.

  • Disadvantages

You can re-infect the system from the files that you have saved. If you save files after your system has been infected with a virus, there is a possibility to re-infect the system after the reinstall. There is no guarantee that the anti-virus software will detect and remove the virus from the file that you have saved.

Click on the following links for assistance with the topic.

Backing up your data

Instructions on reinstalling the operating system