Malware is malicious software, such as computer viruses, worms, ransomware, adware, and spyware, that can infect your computer, damage its performance, and open the door to a host of other threats. While the best way to protect yourself from malware is to use strong anti-virus software and practice good internet hygiene, sometimes malware will get past your defenses and cause serious problems for your computing experience. In cases like these, you will need to take additional steps to make sure every last trace of malware is removed from your system.
1. Run a complete system scan with a Malware Scanner.
Most anti-virus programs have a feature to scan your entire system for malicious code. It’s important to use a reliable scanner that is rated well by independent testers, and to make sure it is up-to-date with the latest virus definitions. Running a full system scan with an updated anti-virus program is the best way to find and get rid of any potential malware that has made its way onto your system. Make sure to remove any threats that are identified by the scan.
2. Delete Suspicious Programs or Files.
If you have identified suspicious files or programs on your computer, you may be able to delete them manually. This can be a tricky process, however, as the files may be hidden deep in the system, or they may be protected by system processes that must also be shut down first. To do this safely, start by running a deep system scan with your security software, and then attempt to manually delete any files or programs associated with the malicious code.
3. Uninstall Suspicious Programs
If a malicious program has incorrect installation information in the Windows Registry, it can be difficult to remove it with a simple uninstaller. In these cases, you may need to edit the registry entries directly in order to completely remove the program from your system. However, editing the registry can be dangerous and should only be done with extreme caution.
4. Reset Your Web Browsers
Many types of malware can be spread through web browsers, so it’s a good idea to reset them after a malware infection. This will remove any toolbars, add-ons, plugins, or other suspicious items that may have been added to your browser during the infection. This is relatively easy to do and a great first step in cleaning your system.
5. Update Your System
Malware can exploit security vulnerabilities on your system, so it’s important to make sure everything is up-to-date. This includes updating your operating system, web browsers, and software applications. This will help prevent any new infections and keep your system even more secure.
6. Disable Autorun
Autorun is a feature in Windows that allows programs to automatically launch when a removable device such as an external hard drive or USB drive is plugged into the computer. Disabling it can help prevent malicious programs from being launched automatically, as most malware attempts to do this. To disable it, follow the instructions here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/967715/
7. Install Strong Anti-Virus Software
The most important step to preventing and removing malware is to install and keep up-to-date a reliable anti-virus program. There are many good free versions available, including Avast and AVG, and paid options from companies like McAfee and Symantec. Make sure you also keep your anti-virus software up-to-date with the latest virus definitions to maximize its effectiveness.
8. Practice Good Internet Hygiene
Finally, one of the best ways to protect yourself from becoming infected with malware is to practice good online habits. Be cautious about what websites you visit, and never click on links or download attachments containing suspicious code. Turn off the auto-run feature in your web browser and keep it up-to-date. And use caution when downloading files, especially those from unknown sources.
By taking the above steps and following best practices, you can help ensure your computer is safe from malware and other threats. But if you ever suspect malware may have been installed on your system, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for additional help.