PC World Documents

A beginners article to removing your average virus, spyware, rogue or other malware infection

Since this is a guide for the inexperienced, here it is in easy, numerical steps. Please read the article in its entirety before doing any of the steps.

1. Don't Panic. Calmly disconnect your computer from the internet.
2. Scan with your trusted antivirus.
3. While your antivirus is scanning, try to find out more about the malware/virus from sites such as
   1. http://www.symantec.com/norton/security_response/threatexplorer/index.jsp
   2. http://free.avg.com/us-en/virus-encyclopedia
   3. http://www.viruslist.com/en/index.html
   4. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/
4. Check on your antivirus. If viruses were detected, follow the instructions of the Antivirus by deleting the offending files when asked too and keep the logs handy But even if the Antivirus application has deleted the core of the virus/malware/Rogue Software, you should always scan with the below mentioned applications.
5. Try Malwarebytes Anti Malware For Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware download the free version, install, and update the definitions in Normal Mode and then Superantispyware. For Superantispyware, download the Free version, install and Update the definitions in Safe Mode A Quick Scan at first and if anything is found then, a full scan of the PC.
6. Update the antivirus application to it's latest definitions.
7. The next step would be to actually boot in Safe Mode and scan with your Antivirus then quarantine whatever it finds. This site will see you through almost every step, be it for Safe Mode or to delete/create a restore point: http://bertk.mvps.org/html/search.html. (XP , Vista , 7).
   1. Should Always delete temps Files and All restore points with the help of : http://bertk.mvps.org/html/search.html
   2. ATF Cleaner
   3. CCleaner, but ONLY the BROOM Option. Don't clean the registry.
   4. Delete ALL restore points with the help of this site: http://bertk.mvps.org/html/search.html
   5. Create NEW restore point with the help of site above
8. If you are done then congratulations. Now is the time to load up for the next time. You should have most of the following on your computer at all times
   1. Antivirus : Free or Paid but, with a reputation and ease of uninstall.
   2. Antispyware WITH real time shields. (Paid)
   3. Software Firewall : No matter if you are behind a Router with firewall.
   4. Manual scanners : Malwarebytes' AntiMalware & Superantispyware: Update daily.
   5. A browser with AdBlock Plus (Optional, but highly recomended.) and W.o.T. (Web of Trust). Firefox or Chrome is required if you want to use Adblock.
   6. A safe browser such as Firefox or Chrome
   7. Sandboxie IF you travel the Dark Side or rate sites for W.o.T.
   8. WinPatrol : protection for the kernel.
9. Continue to Advanced article if this did not solve your problem - not yet available.