Fundamental Steps in PC Virus Cleaning

The process of PC virus cleaning is not as simple as simply running an antivirus software. Removing a computer virus is a task that entails careful steps and certainty. The Internet has an abundance of free virus removal tools and tutorials but one can never be sure if they are reliable or worth doing. It is important to be very careful in using free virus scanning and removal tools or in following suggested virus cleaning procedures not to worsen a simple virus infection problem.

PC virus cleaning can be summarized in five basic steps: ascertaining that the problem is indeed virus-related, creating backup files, using virus-removal software, trying other virus removal solutions (in case the virus removal software fails), and installing real-time and reliable antivirus protection.

It is important to be certain that the problem being addressed is really related to a virus or malware. A computer that restarts or shuts down on its own cannot be immediately considered virus-infected. The problem may stem from failing fans or other hardware issues. Installing an antivirus tool and running a preliminary scan will ascertain if a problem is really virus-related.

If viruses are detected and the preliminary antivirus scan is unable to quarantine or remove them, the next step is to create backup copies of important files. The backups can come in handy if the stubborn viruses would require more stringent procedures such as hard disk reformatting or taking out the hard disk to be scanned by another computer. Likewise, having backups will address the risk of losing important files to the possibility of getting corrupted or deleted by the virus infection.

The next attempt at virus removal (subsequent to the preliminary antivirus scan mentioned earlier) is about restarting a computer in safe mode and running another antivirus scan. Safe mode prevents most startup programs from initiating including (usually) the virus. Antivirus tools are less effective against viruses when they are actively running so restarting in safe mode and doing another scan increases the possibility of removing the infection. Redoing the process might be needed if the virus is not yet removed. Once the antivirus displays a “clean” report, the next step is to restart the computer and run another antivirus scan to make sure that the problem has been completely eliminated.

It is still possible for the virus to survive the scanning and removal process under safe mode. In such cases, using a different computer or a web-based antivirus to scan the hard disk is advisable. Virus removal tools that are separate from the computer being scanned can be more effective. Also, there are times when infected computers prevent the proper installation and updating of an antivirus software so using online antivirus tools or another computer to scan an infected computer could be more appropriate.

There are times when removing a virus would require different or additional tools and procedures. These tools and procedures are usually available online as information about specific hard-to-remove viruses are typically shared by other computer users on the Internet. Researching for more information about a particularly persistent virus is recommended before thinking of reformatting a hard disk to address a virus infection.

As soon as a virus problem is solved, it is important to install a reliable antivirus software that offers frequent updates and real-time protection. Having antivirus protection is a must for every computer, especially for those that regularly access the Internet. Numerous free antivirus software are available online so there shouldn’t be any excuse not having one.

The steps in PC virus cleaning are not very difficult to follow but they require carefulness and sufficient familiarity with how a computer works. It is enough to just know how to follow instructions. Virus removal tutorials may mention technical terms and processes that require deeper understanding. This is especially true when it comes to tutorials that deal with new, hard-to-remove viruses or malware. Virus cleaning instructions may appear very easy to follow but they may involve steps that have critical consequences especially when done incorrectly. Not everyone who has mastered MS Word or Excel can be knowledgeable and confident enough to deal with computer viruses. If there are doubts or uncertainties, it is always better consulting with an expert.