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Self-service virus and malware removal

Viruses and spyware are in a category called malware — malicious software that gets installed on your computer. There are different types of Malware programs:

Basic facts about removing malware

You need more than one removal program or utility to remove all possible malware that can be on your computer and to provide a type of checks and balances system to continue to remove it.

This is because no tool detects all malware. Some tools detect malware that others don't and the opposite is true too. So, running multiple programs of these types ensures a more thorough inspection of your computer for malware.

Removing Viruses

  1. If you haven't already done so, install Symantec AntiVirus on your computer and make sure that the virus definitions are updated. It is available for free. See C&IT Help Desk supported software.
  2. Open Symantec AntiVirus and scan all or part of your computer.
    (Note: If a virus is found it doesn't necessarily mean your computer is infected. The program may have detected the virus and taken action on it before it could harm your computer.)
  3. If your computer is infected with a virus:
    1. Go to Symantec's removal tools webpage and check to see if there is a removal tool for it. If there is, download the tool and run it.
    2. You can also use McAffee's Stinger program to remove a set of specific viruses. (Note: Stinger is not a substitute for full antivirus protection, but rather a tool to assist administrators and users when dealing with an infected system.)

Removing Spyware and other forms of Malware

  1. If you want to know whether you have any malware running on your computer (spyware, adware, browser hijacker, etc.), go to webroot's Spy Audit and follow the instructions to run an online scan.
  2. If you find malware on your computer, use both of the following free programs. (Note: you need to use more than one program because there is no one program that removes all malware.)
    • Spybot Search & Destroy (S&D) — download and install the program. Then update the detection files and run S&D to check for problems and remove those that are found.
    • Lavasoft Ad-Aware Personal (for home computers only) — download Ad-Aware Personal. Update the detection files. Then check for problems and remove any that are found.

Where to get help

To learn more about malware programs, see the C&IT safe computing webpage on malware.

If after performing these steps your computer is still not running properly, contact the C&IT helpdesk for advice. Or visit the C&IT PC Clinic page for information on fee-based repair for WSU student and staff personal computers.