Troubleshooting Your Own Computer

Removing A Virus From Your Computer

by Dora Barrett

If your computer has been acting strange, and you suspect it may have contracted a virus or trojan, you have a few options available to help you get your computer back up and running without incident. Most people will tinker around with their computer to try to find a way to resolve whatever issues are at hand. This is not always feasible, however, if your computer is limiting you in navigating your machine. Here are a few ideas you can use to remove a virus from your computer.

Run All Diagnostic Tests

Most computers will come equipped with a program that allows you to run tests to see if your computer is running properly. Doing this can help free up space on your computer, as well as show you areas that may need attention, such as not enough memory or hard drive space. If you cannot access these programs, check to see if your computer allows you to boot up in a "safe mode". From this access screen you should be able to run all tests. Run any virus software to try ridding the computer of a virus. 

Run Virus Software

Some viruses will disable virus software programs, making it feel impossible to remove the culprit at all. If you start having problems where you suspect a virus, open your virus software and make sure it is enabled. If it has been shut down, turn it back on and do a scan right away to try to remove a trojan or virus from the hard drive.

Restore To An Earlier Setting

Some computer operating system platforms will allow you to reset the date on the computer to a previous time. If you have downloaded a program or browsed a few sites that seemed sketchy, you may want to try using the system restore feature. This will set your computer back to a date when it had worked properly, removing any suspicious programs from the hard drive in the process. Reboot the machine afterward and run the virus scan once again.

Try Remote Technology

You can alert a remote technology support service to help you remove the virus from your computer without having to leave your home. This service will have you log onto a page or you will be mailed a compact disc with a program to install on your computer. From this program or page, you will be able to give a remote operator a password allowing them to gain access to your computer. They would then go through the motions in removing the virus for you. 

You will be able to watch the mouse move across the screen and see the process the remote operator uses to get into your files. This is a great way to learn how to remove viruses as you will see first hand how a professional computer repair service worker would go through the steps.

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