Many antivirus software options are available online. Some of the software can be downloaded free from the internet and installed in the computer. The instructions for installation are simple to follow. The software can be used to remove a virus from the computer. They can also be used to prevent the viruses from infecting the computer. Kaspersky antivirus software is an example of effective and popular software. The other software then can be downloaded online are Panda ActiveScan and Trend Micro HouseCall. A trial version can be downloaded free from the internet. Once the software is installed it is also very easy to use it to clean the computer of viruses by clicking it open and clicking “Scan”. Most antivirus software will do automatic periodic scans to delete viruses. They will also automatically block the virus from entering the computer.

Below is a procedure on how to fix a computer with a virus that is stubborn and has refused to be removed by antivirus software. The procedure requires the internet especially internet explorer and windows XP or earlier versions. The viruses hide in temporary internet files. The first step is to remove all the temporary files. They are found by clicking “Tools” on the browser tool bar then “Internet Options”. To remove the temporary files “Delete Files”, “Delete Forms”, “Delete History” and “Delete Cookies” should be clicked. The next step is to turn off the System Restore. The viruses copy files to the System Restore folder. To turn off System Restore, Click “My Computer” then “Properties” then “System Restore”. Check the box for “Turn Off System Restore”. With System Restore turned off the virus will not reinstall when the computer is booted.

The last step on how to fix a computer with a virus is to find and remove the remaining stubborn viruses. They like hiding in the “Startup Programs” folder. To find them click “Start” then “Run”. Type winmsd into the “Open” box then click “OK”. Click “+” of Software Environment then “Startup Programs”. Check in the list for the viruses. They will have unusual names. Scan the folder with antivirus software to remove the viruses. The ones that are still stubborn can now be removed manually. These whose names start with “HKLM\” are particularly stubborn. To remove them manually click “Start” then “Run”. Type regedit into the “Open” box then click “OK”. Check for the virus in the Windows Registry and delete it.