Save Yourself an Expensive Trip to the Repair Shop!!
As a tech, one of the most common thing I see computer come in for are minor virus, spyware, or malware infections. A lot of people get extremely nervous when their AntiVirus program sounds the alert, but it's really no reason to panic!!
Follow the tips in my lens, and you'll be able to get rid of most malware problems yourself - using free software!
What's In This Lens?
Step 1: FREE Software to Remove Viruses, Trojans, And Spyware
My Top Five Cleanup Programs
It's important to note that no one program removes everything on its own. You'll probably need a couple programs to do the job well!
I've grouped the five I have the most success with here, and several other free tools below!
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I've grouped the five I have the most success with here, and several other free tools below!
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- Avast! Antivirus
- Avast! is my most trusted free antivirus program. For removing an existing infection it's really one of the best. When you finish installing, it'll give you the option to schedule a boot-time scan, which will remove viruses BEFORE they get a chance to load while Windows starts up!
- Lavasoft Adaware 2008 Free
- Most techs have been using Adaware for YEARS to remove browser toolbars, addons, hijackers, and more. It's very fast, catches a lot of non-viral infections, and is very easy to use.
- CrapCleaner
- CrapCleaner has been downloaded over 150 MILLION times, and with good reason! When I clean an infected computer, I like to make sure that the temp files and registry are cleaned up as well. CCleaner makes short work of those tasks!
- SmitFraudFix
- SmitFraud is a particular infection, and this tool is the best way to remove it. It's got a very simple text menu and steps listed 1-5 to remove Smit. It's good to run the search even if you don't think you have Smit on your computer.
- Spyware Terminator
- Spyware Terminator, like Adaware, targets non-virus infections. The bonus with Spyware Terminator is that it has real-time protection AND you can tell it to handle viruses as well - and it will download ClamAV, a free virus scanner, and control it for you as well!
- A-Squared FREE
- I gave the updated version of this app another shot, and it was able to remove a particularly annoying trojan from a customer's PC. It's earned a spot on my list of go-to malware programs!
Step 2: Boot Your Computer In Windows' Safe Mode
Scans to remove viruses, trojans, spyware, adware, and other malware are best run in Windows' Safe Mode. To boot into safe mode, do the following:1. Click Start and then Run
2. Type: msconfig and press enter
3. Click on the tab marked "boot.ini"
Make sure you also click "Networking" so that your programs will be able to download updates prior to scanning!
This Screenshot will show you what the MSCONFIG screen will look like.
Step 3: Run Your Scans!
It's time to get to work! In safe mode, click your account name to log in and answer "Yes" to the Windows warning message. Now let's do some scans.1. SmitFraudFix : start with this one because it does a great job of fixing DNS problems - which can make it hard or impossible for your computer to download any updates for the other tools. Follow all the steps one at a time, and always answer "y" when asked!
You'll need to run SmitFraudFix on EVERY account on your computer to be safe.
2. Adaware : Now fire up Adaware and let it update and do a FULL scan. It will default to a "Smart" scan, which will catch most things, but you want to be as thorough as possible. Remove EVERYTHING it finds!! I've never had Adaware steer me wrong and delete a file I actually needed.
3. Spyware Terminator : Again, let it update and do a full scan. As with Adaware, it's best to let it remove everything it turns up.
4. CCleaner : Launch CCleaner, and first run a clean. That will get rid of temp file garbage. Next, let it do a registry scan. Remove all the registry problems it finds, but make sure to have CCleaner to do a backup first (it will ask you to do one). Again, I've never had CCleaner remove something it shouldn't have.
5. Avast! : If you missed the chance to schedule a boot-time scan during the install, set it up now in safe mode. First, launch Avast! Once it finishes scanning your computer's memory, the program interface comes up.
Click the button in the top-left that looks like an "eject" button and choose "Schedule Boot-Time Scan."
The scan options page will come up. Click the check next to "Advanced Options" and select "Delete File" and "Allow Delete or Move." Answer yes when Avast! warns you, then click schedule and say yes when asked to restart.
Your computer will reboot, and then you'll see a blue screen where Avast! goes to work. Let it run completely, and your computer will then boot back into safe mode.
Step 3 (cont'd): Helpful Youtube Clips!
Step 4: Boot Back In To Windows!
Finally! Your computer should be clean! Click your login again to get into safe mode, click yes, and then launch MSCONFIG again. Click here to see the bit about MSCONFIG again.This time, take the check OUT of SAFEBOOT. Click "Ok" then click "Restart," and your system will reboot into Windows regular mode.
Step 5: Grab Some Other Free Software to Stay Clean!!
- MVPs.org Hosts File Blocker
- This article provides details on blocking Ads, Banners, Parasites, and Hijackers, web bugs, etc. with a custom HOSTS file. It's a GREAT way to keep a TON of malicious software from ever getting on your PC.
- Trustware BufferZone Free
- Trustware Bufferzone sets up a "sandbox" for your web browser. What that means is that everything you do in your browser doesn't get saved where the rest of your files do. It's a protected area, and anything it - even a trojan - can be quickly and easily removed without affecting your Windows install!
***Their site is a little confusing, so I linked right to the installer file. - Mozilla Firefox
- If you're not using it, you should be. Firefox is more secure than Internet Explorer, faster, and supports an awesome add-on that will offer you another layer of protection.
- AdBlock Plus
- An addon for Firefox that will keep a TON of unwanted ads out of your browser. Best of all, you can block just about any image - so if AdBlock misses something you can banish it yourself!
- Hijack This!
- Hijack this is a much more technical tool than the other stuff I've listed, but if you're having trouble with spyware its log file will help other people help you.
Read the FAQ on TrendMicro's site to learn how to use it! - AVG Free Edition
- Another great, free antivirus program. I'd put it right up there with Avast!
- ClamAV for Windows
- The Linux standard for antivirus for years is now available for Windows, and it's a good free option to keep yourself protected.
- Avira AntiVir Free
- Another option in free virus scanning and realtime protection. My 4th choice.
- Windows Defender
- Microsoft's free protection tool - and it even comes with two free support incidents. How can you beat that?
- Comodo Firewall
- The free version offers even more protection for your computer, blocking intruders and certain types of malware.
- Panda Anti Rootkit
- Rootkits are a different breed of infection, and some require a special tool to remove them. Panda's is probably the simplest to do it.
- Trend Micro Housecall
- A web-based virus scanner and removal tool. Downloads only a few small browser components, and then you're on your way. It's pretty basic, but can be helpful.
Step 6: Share Your Experience!
lmathews76 wrote...
I hope all this info is helpful! It's stuff I run into on a daily basis, and I think if you've got the information you can probably take care of these things yourself! Enjoy the $150 you saved by not having some shifty computer guy do it for you! :-)
Posted May 31, 2008
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