To set a process of cleaning up a computer suspected of viruses.
Prerequisites: Familiarity with antivirus and anti-malware software, knowledge of common viruses and malware
Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus
Estimated Time: 60-90 minutes
Expected Outcome: All scans show no viruses/malware and all harmful software is uninstalled
Tools Required: Computer, Internet, Antivirus software
Steps to Perform
- Ask what the member what they think may have caused the computer infection and search this for any known viruses or malware that comes from it.
- Go to a web browser and install an antivirus software to scan the computer for any infections. MalwareBytes is a good free antivirus and anti-malware software. (https://www.malwarebytes.com)
- Scan the computer for any viruses or malware. If any are present follow the antiviruses instructions on how to remove them and restart the computer.
- Scan again to see if any viruses or malware is present after reboot and delete these as in step number 3.
- Scan a third time to see if any viruses or malware is present. If viruses still remain then something at boot is causing problems.
- Sometimes installed programs won’t be picked up viruses so they must be uninstalled directly.
- Hit windows key and search for “control panel”
- From here click on “View By” and set to categories
- Under Programs click “Uninstall a program”
- A list of programs should appear and click on the header “Installed on”. This organizes the list by the date installed.
- Check for any programs installed on or after the date of infection.
- Search these programs to determine if they are genuine or not and remove any harmful programs.
- If the program fails to pop up anything or uninstall after ten minutes restart the computer and try again.
- Once all harmful programs are uninstalled scan the computer again. If no viruses remain then the computer is clean.
- If viruses remain then a visit with the GTC will be required as possible hardware issues could be present.