How to Remove a Conflicker Virus

by Ray Padgett
Conflicker infected 10 million computers in its first three months of existence.

Conflicker infected 10 million computers in its first three months of existence.

computer being attacked by bugs image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com

The Conflicker worm, also known as DownAdUp, emerged in late 2008. NetworkWorld estimates that in the first three months it was unleashed on the Internet it infected 10 million computers. The Conflicker worm blocks certain anti-virus sites to prevent its removal, and the worm contains the potential to download additional viruses on your computer. Remove Conflicker immediately to fix your computer and avoid future threats.

Step 1

Run Windows’ “Malware Removal Tool," which comes with every version of Windows since Windows 2000. To do so, click the Windows "Start" button, type “mrt” (without quotes) in the Search field and press "Enter." If you encounter problems, download a new version of the program for free from Microsoft (see Resources).

Step 2

Click “Next.”

Step 3

Click the "Full Scan" option. The "Full Scan" offers a greater chance of successfully removing a Conflicker virus than the "Quick Scan.”

Step 4

Click “Next” to begin scanning.

Step 5

Follow the instructions that appear on your screen to remove a Conflicker virus.

Step 6

Click “Finish” once the scan is complete.

Step 7

Restart your computer.

About the Author

Based in New York City, Ray Padgett has been writing about music and technology since his 2009 graduation from Dartmouth College. He has a degree in religion, with a minor in English. He has been published in SPIN.com and in "The Celebrity Café," "The Noise" and an upcoming Bob Dylan anthology.

Photo Credits

  • computer being attacked by bugs image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com