These instruction are based on the fact that most Virus, Spyware or Malware prey on one particular windows flaw. That you cannot delete a file that is currently running. The following instruction help ensure the virus software will not start the next time your computer starts up again.
How do I know if I have been Attacked?
There are some common symptoms that you should immediately look for:
- Your programs seem to be running very slowly.
- Your computers has mysteriously shut down on its own.
- Virus protection or software improvement has mysteriously installed on your computer.
- Random and consistent undesirable popups
Step by Step on how to handle an attack
Step 1: Don’t Panic!
Don’t reset you computer. (yet) Resetting your computer will not get rid of the virus and may actually make the situation worse.
Step 2: Save your open files
You will be resetting the computer soon and will not have till to save anything after the next step.
Step 3: Open the start menu on the bottom right hand corner
Windows XP: under the Run command enter msconfig.
Windows 7 or Vista: enter word msconfig in the “Open programs and file” search bar.
- Once msconfig opens select the startup Tab.
- Open the column Manufacturer and Command wider.
- Go through list looking for anything that might be suspect.
- Most of the item you will recognize as installed programs on your machine.
ie Microsoft Corporation, Intel Corporation, Hewlett Packard, Canon … etc. - Look for software and are randomly named and located in a temporary directory.
- If you are unsure and have access to another computer, do a general search for the Startup Items Title
- Uncheck the items you want to stop running.
- Press Apply and then OK, then allow windows reset you computer.
Step 4: Run you virus software
Doing the above step will ensure that virus will not activate upon the reset and allow the virus software a better chance to find and remove the virus from your machine.
WARNING these steps does not guarantee that this will solve the problems that the Virus, Spyware or Malware can create.
