1. Download, install and update Anti-Virus Software.
    
   • There are many 'free for personal use' versions of anti-virus software available. My personal favorite is AVG Anti-Virus. You can download AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition here. For instructions on how to install AVG Anti-Virus - go here.
      
2. Disconnect from the Internet.
    
3. Open Internet Explorer - clear your cookies and cache.
    
   • To delete cookies in IE: Tools >> Internet Options >> on the General tab choose Delete Cookies. You will be asked 'Delete all cookies in the Temporary Internet Files folder? Click OK.
      
   • To delete the cache in IE: Tools >> Internet Options >> on the General tab choose Delete Files. Be sure to place a check in the box that says 'Delete all offline content'. Click OK
      
4. Restart the computer in Safe Mode.
    
   • For instructions on how to start a computer in safe mode - click here.
      
5. OPTIONAL: If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, disable System Restore.
    
   • Sometimes viruses can hide in System Restore files in which case turning off off system restore will delete those files. (Warning: If you disable System Restore you will remove all previous restore points, which means that you will no longer have the option of restoring the computer to a date when the computer was last functioning normally.)
      
6. Run a full system scan on the computer. This might take some time depending on how much data the anti-virus software needs to sift through. Be patient, let the software do it's job.
    
7. If you find that the anti-virus software is having trouble removing a viruses you might need to run MSCONFIG and figure out which startup process is responsible for loading the infected file.
    
   • For instructions on how to use MSCONFIG click here.
      
   • If you are running Windows 95 or 2000, MSCONFIG was not included with the operating system. You can download a copy of MSCONFIG from this page.
      
8. After all viruses have been quarantined or removed, reboot the computer and connect to the Internet then run Windows Update - select all critical updates.
    

Tips To Help Keep Viruses Off Your Computer:

1. Do not open email attachments - unless you can verify they are 100% safe.
    
   
2. Stay away from questionable websites.
    
   
3. Be care full when downloading using P2P (Peer to Peer) file sharing software. Always scan your downloads with anti-virus software before you open them!
    
   
4. Keep Microsoft Windows up-to-date using Windows Update.
    
   
5. Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and run scans periodically.
    
   
6. Run a software firewall - you can download a free firewall here and you can find out what a firewall is by clicking here.
    
   
7. Do not install Free software unless the source can be verified. When in doubt search for the software title on Google - you can do that here.
    
   
8. Stop using Internet Explorer and switch to a more secure web browser, for example: Mozilla Firefox!

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