Virus

How to Clean Your Windows 2000/XP/Vista Machine of Viruses and Worms


UCSC Students can download McAfee VirusScan from here.


You should also Remove Spyware

  • If you live in FSH, the UTC or the UCSC Inn please make sure your machine is connected to a working network jack, or is connected to a wireless network.
    1. Restart the machine in “Safe Mode with networking”:
      1. If the computer is running, “Shut Down” Windows and then turn off the power.
      2. Wait 30 seconds, and then turn on the computer.
      3. As the computer runs, start tapping the F8 key.
      4. When the Startup Menu appears, ensure that the “Safe mode with networking” option is selected. In most cases, it is the second item in the list. Use the arrow keys to select it.
    2. Press “Enter.” The computer will start in Safe mode. This can take a few minutes.
    3. If you have current antivirus software, go ahead and do a full scan of your computer. If you don't have current antivirus software, or want to do a second scan, skip to step 4.
    4. Using Internet Explorer go to TrendMicro’s HouseCall
      1. Look for “Scan Your PC” and click on that link.
      2. Under locations, select “United States” and then click on “Go”.
      3. Click on box “My Computer”, select “Auto Clean” and then click on “Scan”
      4. Watch the window for the first few minutes as any viruses in memory will be detected and you can delete them. Once the file scanning process starts you can check on the status periodically until it is complete.
      5. Delete any infected files.
    5. In your web browser go to Windows Update Click “Yes” if presented with a security warning.
      1. Click on the “Scan for Updates” link.
      2. Click on “Review and install updates” if it appears in the main window, and then click on the “Install Now” button. This will install the latest files for Microsoft Windows.
    6. As a final check you can use a free web-based scanning tool from Symantec or McAfee to make sure your machine is clean.
    7. If the scan shows no remaining infected files, you should now be cleaned. However, sometimes viruses can be extremely difficult to remove, so if you are still infected you may be quarantined again and you'll need to bring your machine to our office for us to clean. There is no charge for this service.
    8. Afterward please notify the ResNet Help Desk via phone (x9-4638) or email and your service will be restored shortly.

    Virus/Ad Aware Cleaning Tools and Removal Help
    Trojan Hunter
    Spybot
    Spy Sweeper
    Online Virus Scanners
    Windows Defender
    Ad-aware
    Installing Antivirus Software
    Uninstalling Antivirus
    Resnet Virus Cleaning
    Windows Cleanup!
    Removing Viruses Manually
    Ewido
    Win Patrol 2007

    Thinking at the Edge