Delete a Virus on a Hard Drive

A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer. The term "virus" is also commonly but erroneously used to refer to other types of malware.

Viruses can increase their chances of spreading to other computers by infecting files on a network file system or a file system that is accessed by another computer.

Instructions

1. Identify the virus through computer symptoms. Common virus symptoms include: a computer running slower than usual, unexpected system crashes, inaccessible disk drives, unusual or uncommon error messages, unfamiliar desktop icons, unsolicited software removal and others.
2. Update your computer's operating system by installing the latest software patches and security settings. In Microsoft Windows, for example, click "Start," followed by "Programs" and launch the "Windows Update" utility. With an active Internet connection, it will search for and install high-priority updates to protect your computer data. If a virus slows your PC or makes it unstable, download all files and updates to a disk from a different computer. Then, insert it in the slower computer to install updates.
3. Acquire and install an antivirus tool. Commonly accepted software may include Windows Security Essentials, AVG, Avira Antivir and the Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. Install the program to its default hard drive location or any destination of choice on your PC.
4. Keep your antivirus software updated with the latest definition-files database. Your antivirus definition files contain information on the latest computer threats, resulting in the effective removal of computer viruses on your hard drive. Such update tools usually are found on the antivirus software's main menu, which periodically notifies you when new versions are available.
5. Turn on or restart your PC into Windows safe mode. This enables you to better determine the source of many system and start-up issues. As only vital system tools are enabled, this allows your antivirus to remove computer threats more efficiently with less risk of program intrusion.
   
   During computer start-up, press the F8 key on your computer keyboard, before Windows displays its operating system logo. Select safe mode from the list of options and press the enter key.
6. Launch your antivirus tool through its respective desktop or start menu shortcut. Perform a full computer scan to detect and automatically remove any active viruses on your hard drive.Depending on your hard disk's capacity and number of applications installed, the system scan may take 45 minutes to 2 hours to be completed.

 Tips & Warnings

1. Ensure you perform a virus check every week to minimize the risk of viruses on your computer.
2. If a virus is not eradicated from your hard drive, remove your existing software and try another antivirus product.
3. Ensure your computer's firewall is enabled to block unknown connections and potential threats.
   An Internet connection is necessary to perform any antivirus file definition update.

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