Recover from a Virus


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Tutorial Home >Internet >Security >Computer Security >Keeping Viruses at Bay >Recover from a Virus

  Step 1:  Stop Using the Computer

Open a Report
Once you detect a virus, do not try to delete files or keep working on an infected machine. If possible, exit all open programs and shut the computer down normally -- don't just hit the "off" switch because programs may not shut off properly, causing more damage.
  Step 2:  Don't Save Files on Diskettes

Many viruses are transferred on floppy disks. Never put a disk into a computer you think may be infected. If your computer has a virus, you need to virus-check all of your floppy diskettes or else you may just re-infect your computer.
  Step 3:  Confirm You Have a Virus

Open a Report
Run a current virus-detection program to confirm that a virus is present and that the behavior you observed was not caused by some other problem, such as a glitch in the hardware. The virus checker will identify and remove any virus that's found. If possible, get a "second opinion." Use more than one virus checker to confirm the presence of the virus to make sure you just didn't receive a false alarm.
  Step 4:  Virus Scan All Floppy Disks

Open a Report
If your computer does, in fact, have a virus, you need to scan all of your disks to ensure that they are not infected. If you don't do this, you run the risk of re-infecting your computer.