With the advancement of computers and technology, there has also been the emergence of malicious software that targets data stored on the hardware of a computer. Such software is known as malware and is defined as intrusive software that attacks and corrupts data stored, spy on you, or even allow someone else to access your computer remotely. There are different types of malware including worms, adware, spyware, Trojan horses, and viruses. A virus is the most commonly found piece of malware and can get on computers through the Internet, or through the use of infected storage media.

Although most viruses are constructed to cause discord in the internal systems of computers, there are some that are created specifically to retrieve sensitive data such as online banking credentials and credit card numbers. This is why the need for virus removal has grown simultaneously with the advancement of technology. The symptoms of virus infection include sluggish performance of computers, unstable and abnormal network behavior, repeated crashing, as well as the unexplained loss of data. A virus can also cause the permanent failure of your computer system.

Steps Involved When Removing a Virus

Because of the growing number of viruses, it is important to ensure that your computer is adequately protected. The most basic way to carry out virus removal is to use antivirus software. This software will perform a system scan on your computers to discover any viruses or malware hidden. It will then request to remove or remove it automatically.

Effective antivirus software will operate a background check on files and web pages during normal computer usage so as to ensure they do not have any hidden malware running in the system. However, if a simple system scan by the software does not uncover the virus, it is advisable to undertake the following steps:

1. Boot the computer in Safe Mode

This is a state of your operating system that restricts it from normally loading the startup applications. This state will most likely also prevent the virus from running. When in Safe Mode, run the antivirus software as it will stand a better chance of locating and carrying out virus removal of malware that is normally difficult for it to find.

When running the antivirus from within Safe Mode fails to get rid of the virus, it is advisable to use a bootable antivirus instrument. This is a tool that boots your computer outside of the startup system and allows you to remove viruses and other stubborn malware quickly.

2. Seek software that will give you a second opinion

A second opinion is necessary if you doubt the strength of your antivirus in virus removal. This is because computers have either free or paid software with different capabilities. A paid antivirus has more features than the free versions and is, therefore, better at virus removal with more current virus definitions. Although it is not recommended to run two antivirus software concurrently because of the processing power needed and conflict in real-time scanning, it is possible if you use one software for real-time scans, while the other one can be utilized for manual scans.

There are also one-time online scanning tools that are available and will not cause any significant alterations to your computer.

3. Go “nuclear” and entirely wipe your computer

Wiping your computer will mean that you will erase all installed programs, and other system settings but not your personal files. The computer will revert to its original factory state, leaving it free of the virus.

However, it is important to note that in most cases, the first two steps will work, and there will be no need to wipe the computer. Therefore, before trying this method, make sure that you have exhausted all other options without success.

In most cases, other forms of malware may manifest the symptoms of a virus, but the antivirus software will not be able to deal with them efficiently. This is why it is important to make sure that you have other software that will tackle these other forms or have the comprehensive anti-malware software.

The primary objective of virus removal in computers is to ensure that all data is kept safe. This safety is also maintained by backing up data, making sure your computer software is up-to-date, installing an efficient antivirus, and also keeping off any conceivably harmful software.