1. First,
delete all your temp files. Don't forget to also delete your
temp Internet Files.
(For more help click
Here).
2. Consider backing up important files on a memory
stick, CD or DVD. Or get
10 plus
gigs of free remote storage
in case your computer is damaged by viruses, fire or other disasters.
3. Download
and run at least the top 3 of the
Free Antivirus Tools below (Many of these
Tools are Not Mac Compatible).
For Mac users,
download and run trusted spyware removal tools such as those found on Cnet.
Use their search engine to
find the latest and greatest antivirus programs.
What If My Antivirus Won’t Detect Viruses
Or Won't Run, Won’t Update or Stops Mid Stride? (Consumer-SOS)
The new viruses are more sinister than ever. Here's how to STOP Them!
The Virus Won't Let Me To Get
To Certain Websites (Consumer-SOS)
Sometimes a virus will block the sites where you can download security patches
and other virus removal tools.
Here’s how to fool it.
Malwarebytes
Seems to get rid of the latest viruses better than Adaware or Spybot.
Lavasoft’s Adaware
Application to scan for
spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Spybot-Search & Destroy
Application to scan for spyware, adware, hijackers and other malicious software.
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
Zone Alarm (Firewall for Virus Prevention, May not be needed if you have a
firewall from Windows Vista)
Keeps hackers out by guarding the doors to your computer.
Also controls which programs access the Internet so it stops spyware, trojans
and malaware from "calling home".
Hijack This
Goes into your computer registry and identifies things that were added on later
and what they do. Allows you to remove alien programs. To
avoid harming your computer, you don't delete something important.
If you’re unsure of what
the program does, click on their “information button” and “Hijack This” will
tell you the type of program it is. For A tutorial Click
Here. When in doubt
Google the name of the file to see if others have identified it as
malicious.
Pocket Killbox (For deleting Hard To Remove Files)
Good for deleting viruses that hide and reappear when you reboot.
Read instructions before using.
AVG Anti Virus (Free Antivirus Software)
Do not use if another anti-virus programs is
already installed-they
may cancel each other out.
Avast
Antivirus (Free)
Recommended by Consumer Reports.
Do not use if another anti-virus programs is already installed-they may cancel each other out.
Other Spyware Removal (Consumer-SOS) Powerful downloads, but newbies should be careful and only use if they know what they're doing.
What If Antivirus Won’t Run. Won’t Update or is Stopped Mid Stride?
The following instructions work best for Windows Vista and should only be done
if you've already tried several of the latest antivirus programs. Each step is
progressive and assumes prior steps didn't work.
Virus is Redirecting URLS/Won’t
Let Me Get To Certain Websites
Searching For
Folders/Files/Programs
How To Search In Windows for Files and Programs (Google)
Back To What If My Antivirus Won’t Detect
Viruses Or Won't Run, Won’t Update or Stops Mid Stride
Cnet.com
Use their search engine to download the latest spyware and virus removal
programs.
For fee based software, the big names are Mcafee or Norton Antivirus.
AVG Anti Virus
(Free Antivirus Software)
Do not use if another anti-virus programs is
already installed-they
may cancel each other out.
Avast
Antivirus (Free
Antivirus Software)
Recommended by Consumer Reports.
Do not use if another anti-virus programs is already installed-they may cancel each other out.
Other Spyware Removal (Consumer-SOS)
CyberLaw
The Electronic Frontier Foundation
Scroll down to right for a
comprehensive list of topics from A to Z.
Internet Library of Law
& Court Decisions
Extensive summaries of over 450 court decisions shaping the law of the web;
providing facts, analysis and pertinent quotes from cases of interest to those
who do business on the Internet.
Blogger Legal FAQs
Covers privacy, libel, intellectual property rights and more.
Internet Guide For Students (And Adults Too)
Answers common questions concerning libel, privacy, liability issues, copyright
and trademark for online media, independent student Web sites.
Student Press Law
Center
Great resources on free speech, defamation and copyright law.