If you think your computer may be infected with a virus, there are some steps you can take to clean it up. Here are 10 things to do if your computer is infected with a virus:
- Disconnect from the internet. This will help prevent the spread of the virus to other computers and devices. You can do this by unplugging your Ethernet cable or turning off your Wi-Fi connection.
- Run a virus scan. Use an antivirus program to scan your computer for viruses and remove them. The best way to do this is to run a full scan with an up-to-date antivirus program.
- Update your operating system. Out-of-date software can provide opportunities for viruses and other malware to infect your computer. Be sure to keep your operating system up to date with the latest security patches.
- Update your software. In addition to your operating system, keep your other software up to date as well. This includes things like web browsers, email clients, and any other programs you use regularly. The updates usually include security fixes that can help protect your computer from viruses.
- Use a firewall. A firewall can help block incoming connections from viruses and other malware. If you don’t have a firewall, you can get one for free from many different companies. You can also use a firewall to block outgoing connections to prevent your computer from infecting other computers.
- Avoid opening email attachments from unknown senders. Email attachments are a common way for viruses to spread. If you don’t know the sender, or if the attachment looks suspicious, don’t open it. Delete the email and empty your trash or recycle bin to make sure the file is gone from your computer.
- Don’t click on links in email messages from unknown senders. Just like with email attachments, clicking on a link in an email message can infect your computer with a virus. If you don’t know the sender, or if the message looks suspicious, don’t click on any links. Delete the email and empty your trash or recycle bin to make sure the file is gone from your computer.
- Be careful what you download. Only download files from websites that you trust. If you’re not sure if a website is safe, do a quick search online to see if anyone has reported problems with it. Be especially careful with free programs and games, as these are often used to spread viruses.
- Back up your files. If your computer does get infected with a virus, you’ll want to have a backup of your important files. That way, if the virus deletes or damages them, you can restore them from the backup. You can back up your files to an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or online using a service like Dropbox or Google Drive.
- Get professional help. If you can’t get rid of the virus on your own, or if your computer is seriously infected, you may need to take it to a professional computer help in Orem or wherever you are located. They will be able to use more powerful tools to remove the virus and repair any damage that it has done.
Taking these steps can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware. If you think your computer is already infected, follow these tips to clean it up.