Expert: Lorry - 8/27/2006

Question
Hello,

Thank you for taking my question.
I bought a computer last week. It is a 2006 Dell dimension  that runs on windows xp .  As I was surfing the internet, I got a message from the virus scan program (trend micro pc cillin ) that is on my computer, that I have viruses on my computer. Since I do not know much about computers or viruses, I was wondering how to go about completely  getting rid of the viruses on my computer.

Someone told me use the “System Restore” function in Windows XP to wipe my computer clean and start all over since I just got the computer a few days ago. Does the System Restore function eliminate all viruses that can be in a computer?

Thank you


Answer
Hi Tom,

It's better to remove the virus via an antivirus program or manually removing it. Save the System Restore for when you cannot do anything else.

Not knowig the name of the viruses that are on the computer, I would suggest using Internet Explorer, go to:

http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/default.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym

Click the GO button, then under Virus Detection, click Start. You might be told that you need to download and install ActiveX Controls for the scan to work, answer Yes.

Write down exactly anything it finds, then go to: http://www.symantec.com/search/  and do a search for what was found. Symantec usually has a removal tool and/or directions for removing manually. Make sure that you follow the instructions for removal, step by step, especially the part regarding disabling System Restore.

In the future, make sure you keep TrendMicro up to date and run a virus scan at least once a week.

Hope this helps!
Lorry