Windows Virus Removal

These general virus removal instructions are provided here for the convenience of SuniTAFE students. Sunraysia Institute of TAFE is not responsible for any damage that might result from following these instructions.

Step 1

If you are using Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7, you first need to disable System Restore. For instructions see System Restore.

Step 2

If you have anti-spyware software running on your computer, download the latest definitions. If not, download and install Malwarebytes.

Step 3

If you already have anti-virus software running on your computer, download the latest definitions. If not, download and install AVG Free.

Step 4

Restart your Windows computer in Safe Mode.

1. Print these instructions before you begin as you will not have access to them while your computer is off.
2. Click "Start", then click "Shut Down".
3. In the dialog box that appears, select "Restart" from the drop-down menu, then click "OK".
4. Allow your computer to power down completely. When it begins to reboot, press F8 repeatedly until a boot menu appears.
5. Use the arrow keys to select "Safe Mode with Networking" and press Enter.
6. Select the operating system you would like to load and press Enter.

Step 5

• Perform full scans with your anti-spyware and anti-virus clients and remove any threats found.
• Restart (in Safe Mode) as required and re-scan until threats are removed.

Step 6

Download and install all Windows security updates.

Windows XP/Windows Vista

• Open the Start menu and choose "Windows Update".
• If Windows Update is not listed, open Internet Explorer, choose "Tools" and then "Windows Update".
• After Windows Update has scanned your computer for updates, select "Express" from the list of options.
• When prompted, click "Install Updates". (Restart if prompted).
• Configure your computer to check for updates automatically. To do so, follow the instructions at Automatic Updates.
• Once updates have been installed, close all windows.

Step 7

Download and install application security updates.

You should also make sure to apply security updates to all your third-party software. This software can include, but is not limited to:

• Flash
• Adobe Reader
• Quicktime
• Firefox
• Safari

In general, updates for third-party applications may not download and install automatically. You should consult the application provider's website for instructions on how to download & install security updates.

Step 8

Activate built-in firewalls.

A firewall is software that creates a protective barrier between your computer and the Internet. It blocks unauthorized or potentially dangerous communications from reaching your computer. A firewall also ensures that unauthorized people can't access your computer when you're connected to the Internet.

Most operating systems already come with a built-in firewall, such as Windows XP, Vista, and Mac OS X. To activate your computer's firewall, follow these instructions below:

Windows XP

• Click on the Start menu and then click "Control Panel".
• In the Control Panel, click on "Windows Security Center".
• Click on "Windows Firewall".
• In the "General" tab, verify that "On" is selected.
• Once activated, close all windows.

Windows Vista

• Click on the Start button, then click "Control Panel" .
• In the Control Panel, click on "Security".
• Click on "Windows Firewall".
• Click "Turn Windows Firewall on or off". Type in your Administrator password if prompted.
• Once activated, close all windows.