Steps to take if your computer has a Virus….

First, Don’t Panic.

Immediately stop what you are working on…and close all valid applications (this means programs like Outlook, Word, etc.) If you are experiencing a virus that is putting pop-ups on your screen, do not attempt to close them.  Leave them be for now.

Disconnect your computer from the Internet. If you have wireless, temporarily disable it.  If you have an external modem, turn off the power or physically disconnect the internet cable from the modem.

Turn your computer OFF.

Do Not attempt a System Restore from your Start Menu.  This will not remove a virus.

Do Not turn your computer back on or run System Recovery when the computer starts up; Note: Do Not run a recovery that returns your computer to factory settings;  a) this will not remove the virus and 2) you will lose any applications installed after you purchased your computer as this type of restore is called a Destructive Restore (what’s with that?…I know…!).

DO – gather your CDs together; your reinstallation CD, and the CDs to all of your programs.  These may not be needed, but in the event of a particularly nasty virus, your computer may need to be re-formatted and a resinstallation of Windows may be necessary.  With certain system-level infections, antivirus software cannot entirely remove or repair viral problems and cannot account for changes that may have been made during the infection. In these cases, a clean installation of the operating system will need to be performed.

DO make sure you have ALL your licenses.  Even if a techie has the right program for installation on CD, she will still need to use the license you provide.

Next, call a good tech.  Of course, I would suggest myself , but it doesn’t have to be me. On the other hand, unless you are comfortable editing the registry and deep file cleaning, it should not be you (no offense:).  I have a customer who thought he could rally his computer back by himself and instead ended up with much larger problems with his computer.

Most viruses can be removed and cleaned from your computer without taking drastic measures such as restore or reformat.  So stay calm, keep your senses, and all will be well.

Copyright 2010 Beverly Aguirre / BevTheGeek.com. All Rights Reserved.