Before you do anything!

1. Disconnect your computer from your network and/or internet to avoid spreading the virus to other computers.

2. Disconnect any other external USB disks or USB flash drives.

So, What is a Computer Virus?

Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one computer to another and to interfere with computer operation.

A virus might corrupt or delete data on your computer, use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or even erase everything on your hard disk.

Viruses are most easily spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging messages. That is why it is essential that you never open e-mail attachments unless you know who it’s from and you are expecting it.

Viruses can be disguised as attachments of funny images, greeting cards, or audio and video files.

Viruses also spread through downloads on the Internet. They can be hidden in illicit software or other files or programs you might download.

To help avoid viruses, it’s essential that you keep your computer current with the latest updates and anti virus tools, stay informed about recent threats, and that you follow a few basic rules when you surf the Internet, download files, and open attachments.

Need Help? Contact, Select IT

Once a virus is on your computer, its type or the method it used to get there is not as important as removing it and preventing further infection.

How do I know I have a Virus?

After you open and run an infected program or attachment on your computer, you might not realize that you’ve introduced a virus until you notice something isn’t quite right.

Here are a few primary indicators that your computer might be infected:

• Your computer runs more slowly than normal
• Your computer stops responding or locks up often
• Your computer crashes and restarts every few minutes
• Your computer restarts on its own and then fails to run normally
• Applications on your computer don’t work correctly
• Disks or disk drives are inaccessible
• You can’t print correctly
• You see unusual error messages
• You see distorted menus and dialog boxes
• Installing pirated software (from Pantip Plaza) is a sure way to infect your PC with a virus.

How to remove a computer virus

Even for an expert, removing a virus from a computer can be a daunting task without the help of tools designed for the job.

Some viruses and other unwanted software (including spy ware) are even designed to reinstall themselves after they have been detected and removed.

Fortunately, by updating your computer and using free, trial-period, or low-cost anti virus tools, you can help permanently remove (and prevent) unwanted software.

Steps to help remove a virus

1. Visit Microsoft Update and install the latest updates.
2. If you currently use anti virus software, visit the manufacturer’s Web site, update your software, and then perform a thorough scan of your computer. If you don’t use anti virus software, subscribe to a service and scan your computer immediately.
3. Download, install, and run the Malicious Software Removal Tool (for Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 users). Note that this tool does not prevent viruses from infecting your system; it helps to remove existing viruses.

Why didn’t my antivirus software work?

It’s crucial to keep your anti virus software current with the latest updates (usually called definition files) that help the tool identify and remove the latest threats.

In addition, not all anti virus tools are the same; if you find that the one you use isn’t working to your satisfaction, you should do some research and try an alternative.

Note: What you might think is a virus could actually be spyware. Download and install Windows Defender or other antispyware software to see if that fixes the problem.

Require more help?

Virus removal can sometimes take just a few minutes, other times your entire operating system and software may have to be reinstalled.  Our trained technicians can visit your home or office to advise the most appropriate solution to clean your system, estimate the cost of the process and recommend software to protect your PC is the future.

To make an appointment or discuss your requirements please phone 02-511-6118 or email us at info@select.co.th

Select IT, the one-stop computer service company in Bangkok for small businesses and home users