- 1). Choose and download a virus removal tool. Common free programs include Microsoft's Malicious Software Removal Tool, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, HijackThis and Spybot--Search and Destroy. Download an installation file from the Internet and save it to your computer's hard drive.
- 2). Run the install file and follow the onscreen directions to install the tool to your computer.
- 3). Open the program and run a scan. Some installation files will ask you if you want to scan your computer immediately after installation. If the program gives you more than one scanning option, select the full computer scan, which takes longer, but searches more thoroughly. Wait for the scan to finish, which could take up to several hours, depending on the size of your hard drive.
- 4). Check the scan's report. Virus removal tools deliver reports on each scan, much like anti-virus software, which display possible infections. Note the site of the infected files.
- 5). Delete the located threats. Press the appropriate button to remove the threats from your computer. This may be labeled "Quarantine All," "Remove All Threats," or similar
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