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Read This First - Virus Protection |
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Error Base Best viewed on 1024x768 and higher resolutions. Readable on lower resolutions. |
Before attempting a virus scan of your computer, there are a few things you must prepare before starting.
1: Decide on your scanning software Our virus protection area, accessible in the menu on the left, contains a growing list of anti-virus/spyware/adware and firewalls that are available for you to use. Choose from that list at least one anti-virus, one anti-spyware, and one anti-adware (free versions of this software will usually be sufficient) and install them. If you do not yet have a firewall (ignoring Microsoft's in built firewall) then it will be of use to choose one from the list, though not necessary at this time. 2: Make sure everything is installed and up to date Install each piece of software one at a time and update in the same way, only performing updates for one application at a time. This should be done as close to when you installed your computer as possible to prevent viruses from attaching themselves to your system. 3: Boot your computer in safe mode Safe mode is a boot sequence for Windows that only starts the very basic for you to have a running graphical operating system, thus any viruses, spyware etc that are required to start when your computer does will not be running in your memory. You can learn how to start in safe mode in our hints and tips area. 4: Run scans one at a time If you run multiple scans at the same time, there is a danger that one application will remove elements that another has also found, thus having an effect on how the other scans. Make sure that you run your scans one after the other in safe mode to remove as many of the infections as possible. 5: Further notes Make sure that if you are using Windows XP that you have system restore turned off as some viruses have the ability to restore themselves from a system restore point. Also, close all running applications that are not required for your system to run as viruses may be running through software that you may think is safe. If scanning in safe mode doesn't remove the threat, make a note of which viruses could not be removed (if detected) and search for that virus on the internet for a program that can remove it. Often there are small utilities that can remove it completely. |
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Disclaimer: WE DO NOT SUGGEST IN ANY WAY THAT THE SOLUTIONS LISTED HERE WILL BE SAFE OR WORKING IN ALL CASES. THIS IS JUST A GUIDELINE, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. |