Wiping the computer clean is sometimes the only way to remove a virus.
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Virus infections in your computer are on occasion completely debilitating. Your computer may have viruses to the extent that the infection makes an Internet connection impossible, or you can log on to the net, but the viruses won't let you download software to get rid of them. However, removing these viruses is possible without a new download to help.
Step 1
Run the virus software already installed on your computer. If it is up to date, this might take care of the situation.
Step 2
Purchase some new software from a computer store. Install and run it. This might not help, since viruses are constantly evolving and store software will more than likely require an update as soon as you install it. Since downloading isn't an option, you can't update the program.
Step 3
Delete unneeded files such as those in temporary folders. The viruses or malware sometimes are hiding in these types of files and deleting them could solve the problem.
Step 4
Go to "My Computer" and open the "Properties" option. Open the "System Restore" option and click "Turn Off System Restore." Click "OK." Sometimes a virus is removed by anti-virus software, but is reinstalled each time the computer is rebooted. If the virus is put back on the system after the virus software removes it, this will stop it. Restart the computer.
Step 5
Click the "Start" button in the bottom-left corner of the screen and open the "Startup" file to check the startup programs. This is another place a virus can reinstall itself. If you have Windows 7, you will need to select the "All Programs" option to be able to see the Startup file. Look for any startup programs that you don't recognize. If you find any, research the names of the file to see if they are malware or a virus. Delete them if they are.
Step 6
Move important documents to an external hard drive for safekeeping to begin a complete system reinstall, and then scan that drive with your virus software to ensure that it contains no viruses. Insert your Windows reinstall disc in the CD/DVD drive and shut down the computer. The disc must be in the computer when you restart it. This will automatically start the reinstall process.
If you don't have an install disc, the reinstall process is built into the computer. Restart the computer. If you are working without a disc, you will need to watch the reboot screen for the option to hit "F11" to reconfigure the computer. Select the option you want. The computer will give you the option of reinstalling to its original configuration and saving all files to a folder, or wiping the computer clean of all files and restoring it to its original configuration. Try the saving the files option first and see if this solves the issue. If not, go back in and wipe the computer clean, viruses included.
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