Identify
First - then Remove
As already stated elsewhere you will need a scanner to
identify the virus.
Some viruses attack the scanner when attempting to run
them and in some cases delete the main file of the scanner
software. This happens inside windows. If this is the
case then you will need to get into DOS and run a DOS
scanner, delete the file containing the virus that is
attacking the scanner, if it cannot be cleaned. Take care
as to how many files and what files you delete. If you
delete important operating system file(s) then the operating
system may have to be reinstalled.
I take a methodical approach if avoiding reformatting
the HDD and doing a complete re-installation.
The ideal situation is when the scanner - a good one -
does the clean-up with minimal input from you, from within
windows.
Persistence
You will need to be persistent and some viruses are persistent,
'hiding' inside archived files (zips - etc), or still
attached to an e-mail, deep inside an e-mail archive long
after removal an active virus, so do not feel you are
being over cautious if you scan more than once and set
up the options to do a deep scan, and scan all files.
If
a virus has got past the scanner(s) you are using and
infected you computer, then the chances are it can be
removed. Most will not cause any permanent problems.
If you want to keep your data and setup as it is, then
weigh-up what it may cost you, time and money, and be
aware that full recovery may not be possible, not guaranteed,
despite all attempts.
Some "intruders" will attack and remove or disable
virus detection software. You will need to find out how
to specifically approach the removal of each of these
types as the need occurs, if the software can not remove
the infection itself.
Prevention
(e-mail)
Have an up todate scanner functioning all the time you
are on the internet and especially when downloading e-mail.
This way a virus will be detected and stopped from infecting
your computer.
TIP
Outlook Express (6.0) - Not Full Proof - but does often
work well
- Create
a folder for incoming attachments - call it attachments
- Try
to keep up to 10 unwanted e-mails in this folder*
- Create
a rule for all e-mails with attachments to go directly
to this folder. All these e-mails with attachments will
be diverted to this folder and away from the inbox.
- If
a virus is detected (as an attachment) exit OE and via
windows explorer locate the file "attachments.dbx".
Highlight it. Hold down the shift key and press delete.
The offending e-mail along with all others in your attachments
folder will be deleted completely from your computer.
- Restart
OE and a new and empty attachments folder will be setup.
Contact
me for more precise instructions, if you have trouble
setting up or understanding what to do.
Risking
Infection To Keep An Important Message
* If your insistent about keeping an e-mail
message after a virus has been detected in the same folder
you run the risk of opening the attached virus if viewing
in the folder. however, you can attempt this ... ignoring
the scanner persistently telling you of the risk.
Method: Select the message directly above the offender
and holding down shift and selecting the one below - thus
selecting three. Still holding down shift press delete
(key) - all three e-mails will be removed ... not in the
deleted folder - just gone for good. If you are having
trouble getting an e-mail message above or below the offender,
then click each of the header buttons of each column to
reorganise their order. More columns can be added via
the view options.
The
Signs of Infection and / or Problems
The
operation of the computer - Sluggish / Slow
Rouge files on the computer
Garbled text and symbols
The computer reboots by itself or locks up when rebooting,
such as when start-up options have been altered. (Be
mindful that hardware can be affected, such as the motherboards,
modems, and hard drives, and this problem may also point
to parts needing to be replaced completely)
Just one other point to be sure on - Not all viruses come
via e-mail. (eg. Opaserv)
