Virus & spyware removal - The Correct Procedure??

[Guest]

Is there a correct set of steps to take to remove a virus & spyware that has
built up on my cust computer.
I currently run a couple different virus programs & then adaware & spyboot
to clean up the pc .... but it doesn't always remove the virus. So I guess
I'm wondering what the proper removal steps would be .... if there is a
correct sequence??

 

[Richard in AZ]

You are selling servicing computers and you don't know how to clean one?
If a virus program sets itself up a a TSR, it will be protected.
Be sure turn off all startup programs and non MS services before running the antivirus and
antispyware software.
On Windows ME and XP also turn of System Restore.

 

[smlunatick]

Is there a correct set of steps to take to remove a virus & spyware that has
built up on my cust computer.
I currently run a couple different virus programs & then adaware & spyboot
to clean up the pc .... but it doesn't always remove the virus. So I guess
I'm wondering what the proper removal steps would be .... if there is a
correct sequence??

You need to be running one anti-virus "shielding" utility. More than
one will cause problems.

To clean up "infested" PCs, if you have never done a complet "clean"
ever is to:

1) Get the latest "definitions" for anti-virus / anti-spywares
utilities and install them.

2) Disconnect the PC from the Internet

3) Reboot the PC into "Safe Mode"

4) Run a "virus" clean up.

5) Once the virus clean up is done, run spyware clean up.

6) Re do steps 3 to 6, until no virus / spyware is listed in detection
screen.

7) Reconnect PC to Internet

8) Head over to a free online virus / spyware scanner site (like:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/)

9) Locate and install a better anti-virus / anti-spyware utilities
that provide a "shiled" against these "threats." It is easier to
"prevent" infestations than it is to clean up after them.


BTW: Norton Anti-Virus does not seem to run in "Safe Mode' and I
would consider "dropping" it from your customer's PC. It is too much
of a "resource hog."

 

[Kayman]

Is there a correct set of steps to take to remove a virus & spyware that has
built up on my cust computer.
I currently run a couple different virus programs & then adaware & spyboot
to clean up the pc .... but it doesn't always remove the virus. So I guess
I'm wondering what the proper removal steps would be .... if there is a
correct sequence??

Download David H. Lipman's MULTI_AV.EXE from the URL:
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/sicherheit/35905/multi_av_scanning_tool.html
Further information can be found here:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Multi-AV
Additional Instructions:
http://pcdid.com/Multi_AV.htm

 

[Guest]

Is there a correct set of steps to take to remove a virus & spyware that has
built up on my cust computer.
I currently run a couple different virus programs & then adaware & spyboot
to clean up the pc .... but it doesn't always remove the virus. So I guess
I'm wondering what the proper removal steps would be .... if there is a
correct sequence??

It depend on the Virus Nature and Behaviour, if it is MBR it will need more
work or a clean install if needed, like the wxy MBR Boot Sector virus, you
will need a Boot scanner like Avast or CA or Panda and perform a scan on Boot.

Steps as follow:
1- know your friend: (virus nature, strength, behaviour)
2- read more on reputable Virus websites like Norton, Trend, AVG, Avira, CA,
McAfee, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Avast..etc about the Virus origin, date of
creation and method of removal (manual and Auto by scanners).
3- if it is a pain then a clean install your only option and the best for
the customer after saving their Data and clean them up when copying them
back, hopefully!.
For Off-line scanner try Avast:
<http://www.avast.com>
HTH.
nass