Sunday, March 20, 2011

Computer Tech - How to remove your system of malware for free!

1. System Restore
If you have identified that your computer may have a virus, dont panic. If you are positive of when you were infected, use system restore. It will restore your computer back to a date before you got the virus. This will only work if you know when you got the virus.

2. Free Virus Removal Tools
Dont waste your money and purchase a virus removal software. There are free ones out there which many times are better. The best tools to use,

 - Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a virus removal program which is free to download and use. After installing, hit the update tab and update the program. Hit it again to make sure you have the latest definitions. Use quick scan! It is programmed to target the places where most virus's like to hang out in your system. This should take care of nearly all malware on your system. Restart your computer and run it again just to be safe!

 - HitmanPro 3.5
HitmanPro is a virus removal tool which is specialized in removing root kits. Its is free to download and install. Run the quick scan, the program will update, and then select use the 30 day free key. Review the list of items it marked for removal and then delete. Restart your computer. This program should be ran after malwarebytes.

 - HijackThis (Only for advanced users)
HijackThis is a tool which shows registry and file settings that are commonly manipulated by malware. It should be used with extra caution as it is a diagnostic tool, where it is up to the user to decide what is malware and what is not. I have been working on computers for several years now and can spot an infected log from a clean one with ease. If you decide to download HijackThis and are not 100% sure on what are bad entries, i suggest you just uninstall the program and don't use it.

I have been using these 3 programs together for years and have found them to be very successful at cleaning all malware and virus's from computers. When i come across a computer that is still infected after using those 3 programs i usually just reinstall windows on that computer from the recovery partition or from the windows disc. If this is not an option for you, there are a few more programs out there which are effective virus removers. I suggest you check out:

SUPERAntiSpyware
EmsiSoft Anti-Malware
GMER
F-Secure Easy Clean
Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool
ComboFix

25 comments:

  1. Thanks for the advice, will keep this bookmarked for when I have problems.

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  2. Thats not a bad list. I use a couple of those too!

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  3. I use malwarebytes, even my work does, the best free software ever :)

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  4. Good info. I back up my entire system regularly on an external hard drive. Best Idea Ever.

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  5. thanks for the tips.i had hijackthis installed a few years ago, didn't really understand it then.

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  6. Great info and tips! When I'm
    able to get on my computer, I'll be sure to refer back to this post! :)

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  7. Really good info, I've used all of these tools and I agree with this post. I'm using Linux so no virus' for me ;)

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  8. Awesome info! I usually use system restore and that usually fixed my problems, but sometimes it's not good enough.

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  9. Awesome! Love the tutorials! thanks for sharing!

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  10. There are so many antivirus and anti-malware programs today it's insane!

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  11. Nice one!
    Got yourself a new follower! :)

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  12. Thanks for the info. I personally use Malwarebytes and MSE.

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  13. Thanks for the help! I'm gonna have to try hitman pro

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  14. Good list, but you forgot Spybot S&D :(

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  15. I've always used MSE and never really had a problem with it

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  16. I recommend Spybot S&D and AVG. All I've ever used and my shit runs clean.

    Ccleaner [sic] is nice too.

    All free.

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