Computer Virus Removal: A Definitive Guide

Is your computer full of viruses? iFix Omaha is here to help. We've got the top tips on computer virus removal to get you started. 

Navigating the depths of the internet can be like traversing a minefield. Unfortunately, there are constant threats that lie in the dark waiting to catch any unsuspecting prey to spring their traps. These traps come in the forms of viruses, trojans, and malware.

In this new landscape of COVID-19, most people that can do their jobs behind a computer screen are now working remotely. The mass transition from office to home has opened a door for cybercriminals to flood the market. There has been nearly a 300% increase in cybercrime since the start of the pandemic. 

If you think you've fallen victim to virus injection, you have to act quickly to save your privacy and finances. This a survival guide for computer virus removal. 

Are You Infected?

First things first, are you even infected?

There are signs that indicate if your computer has been infected with a virus. Some of them are obvious and some of them require hardware monitoring tactics (which are easier than they sound). 

The most obvious sign of a virus is if your anti-malware software has detected suspicious activity. Anti-malware isn't recommended nowadays, but if you have it, take its advice. 

If you don't have anti-spyware software installed, don't fret. They're mostly useless anyway and privacy advocates have poor opinions of them. 

You should look for signs yourself.

Pop-ups are a huge indicator of virus infection; proper operating systems won't try to sell you anything. Other signs to keep an eye out for include files disappearing or unwanted changes to your settings.

Lastly, check your Task Manager to view your "Performance." If any of your computer components show high activity, and you're not using them, it's an indicator. 

What You Should Do Immediately

If your suspicions were correct, you have to act quickly. Moving swiftly with your next actions can secure your privacy further and save you from potential identity theft scenarios.

Hackers that inject your computer with viruses will send and retrieve packets of data through the internet. This is how they interact with your computer. 

There's an easy solution to this: turn your computer off and then disconnect from the internet.

If you're hard-wired, unplug the ethernet. If you're connected to the Wi-Fi, run to the router and turn it off. This will cut the intruder off entirely from your computer.

Removing yourself from the internet is like moving your computer to an isolation chamber, free from attacks. 

Computer Virus Removal in Safe Mode

The next thing you'd want to do is to enter a safer environment on your computer. This is tantamount to Windows' Safe Mode boot-up. Boot into this sandbox without any networking capabilities (remember, you want to stay offline).

From here, you have full control over your system again. Now's the time to fight back against the virus. 

You should delete any temporary files - search the Windows Start Menu with "delete temporary files." Intruders use these as a means to access your computer. 

Next, if you installed an application (something with an .exe file extension), you must remove it from your computer. Uninstall it and delete the shortcut. Then delete the download as well. 

Don't forget to clear the trash bin. 

Now, you should use a malware remover: MalwareBytes is the only decent removal software. This is different from "anti-spyware" and "anti-virus" software. It's used entirely in emergencies to dig through files the virus may be hiding under. 

Reboot Back to Normal Mode

The virus should have been successfully removed from your system at this point, but now's the time to do a crash test. 

If everything is operating optimally and there's nothing weird going on, the suspect virus was likely removed. It's suggested to do one more sweep with MalwareBytes. Then do a scan with Windows Defender --it comes preinstalled on all Windows computers. 

If your system is now clear, reinstall your browser (Chrome or Firefox). This was their access point, and it's a good idea to clean it up after an attack. 

Afterward, you should do some damage control. 

If you keep financial records or any sort of financial information on your computer, you should contact your bank and alert them of an attack on your information. Reset every password you can think of to something newer and more secure --don't use any password previously used. 

When this is all done, you should be safe to continue using your computer freely. Be on the lookout for any more suspicious activity and do your best to avoid  downloading anything that appears remotely suspicious  going forward.

A Total Meltdown

Sometimes, these steps don't work. If you've done all of this, save your money and time on professional virus removal; they'll go through the same steps and will likely be as unsuccessful. 

You might not like the sound of this, but your computer needs to be cleanly wiped. This will involve all data loss. But it will absolutely ensure the disposal of the pesky virus. 

This can be done with a Windows installation CD or a USB download that's available from Microsoft. 

This is sometimes your only option if the removal didn't work. Avoid potentially dangerous websites in the future. 

Alas, Free of the Virus

Navigating the internet can be dangerous for the uninitiated. They're often exposed to dangers lurking in the deep. Where there is prey, there are predators. 

Make sure you're actually infected before going further with a computer virus removal. If you are infected, shut down and turn off the internet to isolate. Then boot into safe mode, run a virus remover, and delete temporary files.

Then do some data clean up and call your bank to alert them of a potential hacking attack. If all else fails, you might need to do a total wipe.

Has your computer been compromised and you don't want to go through the fight yourself? Book an appointment online for our cyber help.