Windows Virus Cleaning

OK, if you suspect there is any virus activity on your computer what so ever, you can take some approaches i do.

note: never use more than 1 Anti-virus programs/firewalls at the same time. This can cause very potential issues with computer preformance. If you have more than one active firewall, each program is going to "fight" over who is the main program. just dont do it, and if you have more than one, choose the best one out of the progras and get rid of the rest.

Keep in mind as well: viruses are not stupid, so dont underestimate them.

1) download and install MalwareBytes (better than Spybot SnD) and run a full scan. Remove any problems found.

2) I generally recommend reinstalling and updating the Anti-Virus program on your "infected" machine because viruses CAN compromise the program, and if this happens there is no telling if it hijacked it unless there is obvious signs of damage. Otherwise, scan with your antivirus program you use.

note: always scan with two different products minimum (like malwarebytes and what you use for an anti-virus program) because different programs can pick up different viruses.

3) Continue running scans until clean. If the scans continue to come back as not clean, continue to step 4.

4) Boot your machine into SAFE MODE. This can be achieved by pressing F8 on starting the machine up after the splash screen logo, then selecting "safe mode" from the menu. In safe mode, run the scans there. Start with Malwarebytes.

5) If the malware still persists, you are now dealing with a virus that continues to come back (obviously)... Beware of the trojan alureon.a, this is a nasty bitch that could be very bad. Its a stealth virus that steals data. If your machine has viruses that continues to come back, about 90% you will have to take drastic measures to clean it, the worst resulting in a clean reinstall of windows.

Some ways to deal with a reoccuring virus is to goggle the virus itself, you are not the only person who has gotten it. People out there have figured out how to remove the virus and give step by step instructions on doing so. there is too many methods to post here, just go google it.

Sometimes, you can get very nasty viruses off by a program called Combofix, but this method is risky because if the virus has infected essensial windows files, Combofix will remove the files and cripple windows; BACK UP YOUR DATA FIRST!

if worst comes to worst, Do a repair install of windows. This only reinstalls the system files of windows, and leaves your programs and data in tact (so dont get scared if you look like your reinstalling windows).

Windows XP: http://www.ehow.com/how_6403427_repair-xp-service-pack-2.html

Windows 7 repair install: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

A windows fresh install would be the last resort.

Good luck on your Virus cleaning!

Antivirus Programs: Why PAY for a virus program when you can get one thats better for FREE! Here is two programs i recommend:

1) Microsoft Security Essensials (PRIMARY)

2) AVG 2013 FREE (this one is as good as MSE, but has become a little bit intrusive)

There are other free programs out there too like Avast and Kaspersky, but they arent rated as well as the two i just mentioned.

Norton and McAffe are PAY programs and aren't as good as the two free programs i mentioned above.

Good Luck!