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Prepare Your System for Cleaning: |
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1. |
Disable System Restore *Only necessary if you have Windows ME, XP, or Vista |
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A cleaned system can become re-infected if you skip this step. The protected System Restore directory may act as a shelter for your viruses during the cleaning process, and then re-enter your active files after cleaning. You will find System Restore by right-clicking on "My Computer." In some cases, I've seen nasty viruses disallow this common way of disabling System Restore. Here are some helpful hints if you're having trouble. |
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| 2. |
Stop These Services: |
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- Network Security Service |
* Only disable these exact services. If you have none of these, go to the next step and continue. |
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- Workstation Netlogon Service |
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- Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Helper |
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To open the Services window, click Start, Run, type "services.msc" and click OK. Disable the service by first clicking Stop to end its current process, and then changing the Startup type to Disable. Apply your changes before exiting.. |
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Enable viewing of hidden files and folders
To do this, from an open file window: Click Tools --> Folder Options --> Click on the View tab --> Scroll down and
bullet "Show Hidden Files and Folders". Click OK. |
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| 4. |
Download and install the tools needed during the cleaning process.
Do not run the programs (you'll do that in safe mode), but install them and download any updates available. |
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Download and Install (check for updates):
Ad-Aware.
CCleaner
Spybot
SpywareBlaster
McAfee AVERT Stinger
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No installation necessary... just download
CWShredder (unzip it)
Kill2me (unzip it) - *This program is for Win95, 98, and Me only
about:Buster (unzip it)
HSRemove
HijackThis |
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| Clean Your System |
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Do an online scan for trojans and viruses at: |
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Trend Micro's Free Online Virus Scan |
Windows XP, 2000, NT, and ME users can reboot in safe mode (step 2) BEFORE running the online scan. |
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Bitdefender Online Virus Scan |
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2. |
Boot in Safe Mode: |
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To boot into safe mode, restart your computer and tap the F8 key (after first black and white screen, but before the Windows splash screen) until you get to a black and white screen asking you what to do. With Windows XP, 2000, NT, ME: Use your arrow keys and select "safe mode with networking support". |
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3. |
Scan with AVERT Stinger |
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McAfee's AVERT Stinger can detect up to 45 different viruses and trojans. It makes good sense to start with your anti-virus tool with the most power to eliminate your problems. |
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4. |
Remove Temporary Files
Run CCleaner with the default options to clean out temporary files. |
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Scan your machine
Run Ad-Aware SE (with the VX2 Cleaner Plug-In started first) and Spybot. Be sure to Immunize your system in Spybot. |
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6. |
Run the rest of your Removal Tools
Run all your remaining "stand alone" tools. Leave about:Buster for the final scan in this step. |
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7. |
Perform a "hard boot" by pulling the back of the power cord out of your machine, waiting a minute, and turn the machine back on. This lessens the chance of some viruses re-writing themselves somewhere in your startup files. |
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Some more scanning tools to try if you need them: |
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RavAntivirus online scan <-- select Auto Clean then click Scan My PC
TrojanScan online scan avast! Virus Cleaner Tool
ADS SPY - Alternate Data Streams Spy from Merijn |
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