7 Easy Steps to Solve Your Computer From Malware
You log onto your computer and it takes forever to boot. When it finally does, a few unfamiliar applications litter your desktop, and your browser immediately sends you to an ad for hair loss products. Sounds like your PC has a problem with malware.
So what should you do? Before you flip out, try these simple steps to clean up your infected computer.
1. Computer acting suspect? Do a little digging and check for symptoms.
Look for issues characteristic of a malware infection:
Does your web browser freeze or become unresponsive?
Do you get redirected to web pages other than the ones you are trying to visit?
Are you bombarded with pop-up messages?
Does your computer run slower than usual?
Do you see new icons on your desktop that you don’t recognize?
Unfortunately, even if you see nothing wrong with your computer, there may be trouble brewing under the surface, sneaking around and screwing with your files undetected. So it’s a safe bet to move on to Step 2 even if you can’t find a symptom.
2. Use protection: Enter safe mode.
Remove CDs and DVDs, and unplug USB drives from your computer. Then shut down.
When you restart, press the F8 key repeatedly. This should bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter. Only the bare minimum programs and services are used in this mode. If any malware is programmed to automatically load when Windows starts, entering safe mode may block the attempt.
3. Back up your files, including documents, photos, and videos. Especially cat videos.
Do not back up program files, as those are where infections like to hide. You can always download these programs again if files are lost.
4. Download an on-demand malware scanner.
You can use any malware scanner to help you cleaning your computer from viruses
5. Disconnect from the Internet. Then run a malware scan.
Before scanning, make sure your internet connection was not active
6. Update your operating system, browser, and applications.
If there’s an update available on any of your software, go ahead and do it. Some of the most dangerous forms of malware are delivered by “exploits” that take advantage of out-of-date software.
7. Reset all of your passwords.
Before being deleted, malware could have captured your passwords and forwarded them to hackers. Change each and every password you can think of, and make sure they’re strong. None of this 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 business. That’s the combination an idiot would use on his luggage.
Thats all, now your computer is safe from malware.