How to fix a computer from a virus. How to remove a virus? A universal method for all occasions. Using antivirus programs to clean your computer of malicious files

The main task of every computer operator (user/user) is to maintain cleanliness operating system in all available ways.

First of all, this “purity” is determined by the absence of a virus in the structure of the operating system. software, the presence of which can most directly affect Windows work, on the computer as a whole, and most importantly on the safety and compromise of personal data.

Therefore, the first priority of every user is to protect their own computer, especially if this computer"corporate/work".

And this is precisely what is worth doing in the framework of this article.

Which programs to choose?

It’s worth starting with the fact that there are no specific regulations on how exactly to remove virus software (hereinafter referred to as malware). If you are faced with the consequences of malware and are looking for specific information on its identification and removal, then, unfortunately, you will be disappointed. The whole difficulty is that there is great amount scenarios of how viruses can act and what harm they can cause to the operating system.

It is worth noting that the choice of antivirus software is significantly influenced by personal preferences, as well as the financial capabilities of the user. Taking this fact into account, this article will present only three of the best antiviruses that can be purchased free of charge.

The first option is “AVG AntiVirusFree”, which is inferior in user interest to its direct competitors (they will also be listed below), but is not inferior in operational efficiency and ease of use.

In addition, the paid version of the AVG product has been information security has long been recognized the best antivirus for "household use".

"AVG AntiVirusFree" offers a fairly solid functional set and, in addition to standard means protection, each user is invited to experience security checks of opened network resources, protection of personal/confidential data and ensuring the security of electronic correspondence.

Definitely deserves attention and such high quality ratings.

"Avast Free Antivirus"

Over the past few years, Avast’s product has been recognized as the best antivirus in its category. One of the features of this antivirus is the minimal load on operating system resources, which allows you to use protection tools with minimal impact on all other processes.

The program interface is as simple and clear as possible, which significantly simplifies the scanning process to identify “gaps” in the Windows security system.

The presence of full localization only confirms this statement, but this is not all that Avast can offer Free Antivirus", For example:

  • Analysis of network problems;
  • Analysis of the behavior of installed software;
  • Protection Email;
  • Password storage;
  • Adware protection;
  • Software and driver update system.

To summarize, “AvastFreeAntivirus” is truly high-quality software that fully performs its tasks.

In 2018, almost all specialized resources ranked the development of “Chinese talent” called “AhnLab V3 InternetSecurity” in the leading places in their tests. "AhnLabV3 InternetSecurity" is a comprehensive computer protection that operates on the basis cloud technologies, with an abundance of tools and scanning systems. Many experts especially highlight the “TrueFind” function, which ensures the detection of even hidden rootkits. An excellent web security system and email monitoring, a two-way Firewall, as well as several standard tools for cleaning the operating system - all this is implemented in a high-quality manner in AhnLab V3 InternetSecurity. The only thing that can negatively affect the ease of use is the lack of localization.

How to remove a virus?

The first thing you should pay attention to when searching for a “pest” is that if the installed anti-virus software allows infection, then you cannot do without additional assistants.

In such situations, many have been repeatedly rescued by “Malwarebytes Anti-Malware” and “Doctor Web Curelt!”, which demonstrate excellent efficiency when using their resources in conjunction.

Therefore, the first thing you need to do is download the mentioned utilities from the official developer sites (https://ru.malwarebytes.com and https://www.drweb.ru), run them and scan the system for malware.

The utilities are extremely easy to use, for example, in order to scan Windows with a product from DoctorWeb, you just need to do the following:

The utility will begin scanning, which may take quite a long time.

Upon completion of the search to identify “malware”, you will be asked to choose what needs to be done with the found viruses (move to quarantine, cure or delete).

Further steps will depend on what the results of scanning with the previously mentioned antiviruses will be.

If the problem has not been solved, then pay attention to the “AVZ” utility from a talented domestic developer. Despite the fact that AVZ has not received large-scale updates for a long time, it scans Windows and detects malicious software with the same “appetite.”

How to remove adware virus?

A slightly different state of affairs regarding deletion ad viruses, which terrorize a huge number of users from all over the world, showing them “unnecessary” advertising, while preventing them from properly using the computer.

Despite the fact that displaying such advertising may not cause any direct harm (except for the additional load on computer and network resources), accidentally switching to advertised resources can be fatal for the computer. As a rule, viruses from this category are installed like regular software, and some of them can be found in the Control Panel in the Programs and Features section.

Therefore, if you have become a victim of malicious intent, immediately check to see if there are any suspicious programs in this section that you did not have a hand in installing.

In this situation, you also cannot do without third-party software.

Having discovered the consequences of malware activity described above, immediately download the AdwCleaner utility, which is designed to solve just such problems.

It is available for free download on the developer’s website - https://ru.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/.

The utility does not require installation, the interface is not complicated, and the process of use itself is as follows:

After rebooting and displaying a report on the scan results, see if the problem with advertising was resolved and whether the program was able to remove it.

Example from life

In order to demonstrate the versatility and diversity of virus software, one of the many possible examples from real practice/life should be given.

What you can't do without modern generation? That's right, no social media. This “dependency” is very popular with attackers, since a user who logs into his account in in social networks, seeing information about the blocking of his page, is instantly lost, which creates a predisposition to reckless mistakes and actions.

As an example, we should consider a ransomware virus (aka “sender”), which informs the owner of the page that his account is blocked due to mass mailing of spam or other actions, and in order to “supposedly” remove the blocking, you need to send a certain code to a certain number , for which the appropriate fee will be charged.

But the fee may be much more significant than it might seem at first glance. In addition to compromising personal number phone and loss Money(available on your balance), you may lose your social network account itself.

The main thing is to never believe such messages, and under no circumstances send messages or call back the numbers provided.

To solve this particular example, you can try to use some specific recommendations, but you should take into account all the information above, and understand that the above actions cannot always guarantee a solution to the problem.

So, the point is similar situation- this is a previous infection of the operating system with the “Trojan.Win32.Patched.pj” virus, which replaces the system library (dynamic link library) “rpcss.dll” with its own copy, which begins further actions to intimidate users and extort personal information.

Analysis using the AVZ utility

To test this theory, you can and should use the previously mentioned utility, “AVZ,” without which it is simply impossible to solve serious virus problems.

Run the executable file and wait for the utility interface to open, then do the following:

After rebooting the operating system, open the folder where you previously unpacked the “AVZ” utility, and in the “LOG” folder, find the “KL_syscure.html” file.

IN this file will contain information about the analysis performed, and if your situation fits the scenario described above, then in the results you will find a line approximately as follows - c:\\windows\\system32\\rpcss.dll - Trojan.Win32.Patched.pj (BitDefender : Trojan.Generic.8975812, AVAST4: Win32:Patched-ANN )

Treatment

Based on the fact that the virus replaces the system library, the conclusion about the treatment methods used suggests itself - this is deleting the “infected file” and replacing it with a clean/correct “.dll”.

We should immediately warn you against trying to download the “rpcss.dll” file on any third-party resources (database dll files), since you won’t find anything else there except new viruses and new headaches.

You should contact directly technical support Microsoft company or download the file from trusted IT forums or information security forums, the honesty of which you do not doubt. After receiving the file you need:

If the problem has been resolved, delete the renamed “rpcss.bak” file and clear the cache memory of the browsers you are using.

Conclusion

The complexity of the issue under consideration also lies in the fact that the source of infection is not always known, and, in principle, the actual presence of third-party interference in the operation of the operating system.

The best option, if the above recommendations do not solve your problem, is to contact detailed description your problem to our forum Mego-forum.ru, where, based on the information you provided (the analysis script of “AVZ” and other antiviruses), they will be able to provide specific options for steps to remove the malware and restore the operating system.

From time to time it should be completely cleanse computer from viruses that may have accumulated in the system. Where to start this procedure? To get started, we recommend loading into Safe Mode. To do this, at the start Windows boot press the key F8. For most devices, this key will take you to the boot options window. Select Safe Mode. It will start the OS without loading third party programs and unstable drivers. This is where malware can often get stuck.

If at the same time the computer reboots again, then a virus has probably already tried and damaged it. system registry. You will need to restore this mode using special programs installed on bootable media.

If it is possible to boot the system in normal mode, open the window Execute(Win+R) and enter the command “ msconfig».

Will start system configuration, on the Download tab, check the box Safe mode.

Click Apply And OK to confirm and reboot.

Cleaning with antiviruses

After booting into Safe Mode, proceed to treatment with your existing antiviruses and antispyware. We will describe this process in the most popular and effective.

CureIt Antivirus

You can download CureIt from Doctor Web for free on the official site.

After downloading and installing, we proceed to testing. Can be done as full check and choose individual elements, which will reduce the time and, accordingly, the quality of scanning.

Check all the boxes if you want to check completely, then click “ Run scan».

In the table below you can perform certain actions with the found infected files. Can I have it? move in the storage (if you don’t know what kind of file it is, disarm it later), render harmless or skip(if, for example, this is your program and you are confident in its safety).

Upon completion of the scan, you will receive a report showing how many and what threats were detected.

The Dr.Web CureIt utility copes well with threats, and therefore we strongly recommend its use.

Cleaning Kaspersky

Powerful Russian-made program. You can download it on the website free version with basic functionality.

Once installed, proceed to scanning. Your actions will be quite simple, similar to working with the previous program, the only differences are in the Interface. The free utility can only be used once.

We use AVZ

This program is distributed free of charge on the manufacturer’s website, where you can download it without any problems.

Make sure your databases are up to date. To update, run File – «».

To check - click File select " System Restore" We mark the necessary points and launch them for execution.

Then go to the tab Service – « Process Manager" Remove processes not marked in green. Then File/Search Wizard - “ Clean up the operating system».

Other useful utilities

Other programs include special anti-spies And antiviruses for cleaning advertising viruses. An example is the generally paid Malwarebytes Anti-Malware utility. However, some useful features There is an opportunity to use it at no cost.

Software is anti-spy– Great for detection and removal spyware. Thanks to it, unnecessary windows will not open in the browser, and clicks on dubious links will be block.

Scanner Malwarebytes can even find viruses that more popular programs cannot detect. However, unfortunately, it does not know how to treat them - all infected files are quarantined, deleted or left in place. Another minus - are not scanned zipped files. Therefore, its use as a main one is not recommended, but as an additional one it is just right.

You can scan the system online, for example using ESET Online Scanner. Various antivirus programs quite a lot, but most of them are not free and their effectiveness leaves much to be desired.

How to clear memory

After completing the treatment and removing viruses, you need to take care of cleaning the RAM.

To do this you need to run . It can be found in the button menu Start by clicking on it right click(or " Ctrl+Alt+Del»).

Instructions

Start with the simplest and most important thing - install an antivirus. It is better to do this immediately after installing the operating system, but if this step has not been taken, then do it now. The choice is yours. The basic rule is that during scanning, yours should be disconnected from any network, especially from. The easiest way to do this is to unplug all power cords and wireless adapters, but you can also manually disconnect each connection.

Restart your computer and go to safe mode(F8 while loading). Pre-launch installed antivirus and find the item “scan local disks”. When setting up scanning, check all the boxes you need. The main ones are actions with infected objects. Select “automatically treat” and “quarantine if unable to cure.”
Wait for the scan to complete. This process will take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the power of your PC and the capacity of your hard drive. Now reboot and enjoy a “clean” system.

Sometimes the system is so infected that it is not able to cure itself, and sometimes it does not even allow you to install an antivirus. In such a situation, you will need another computer.
Remove the infected one HDD from system unit and connect it to another PC. Now repeat step 2.

Malicious programs may end up on your computer or laptop different ways. You should clean the system as soon as possible to avoid problems such as unauthorized transfer of personal data to intruders or disruption of the PC as a whole. The following methods will allow you to get rid of viruses yourself completely free of charge.

Signs of a computer virus infection

Before you clean your PC, you need to make sure that malware is present. There are signs that indicate the presence of viruses. However, at the initial stage, when a small number of programs are infected, it is difficult to notice. After some time, strange things begin to happen to the computer.

Typically, when viruses are present, you may notice:

  • some files and folders disappear for no reason or are displayed incorrectly;
  • the system runs and boots much slower than before, crashes and freezes appear;
  • the sizes of files located on the computer do not correspond to what they were originally, the date of their creation may be changed;
  • there is a significant decrease in the size of free RAM;
  • Various messages and images are displayed on the screen, and sound signals are heard.

How to cure your computer from viruses yourself?

It is not always necessary to contact specialists to clean your computer from viruses. You can use one of the methods described below and carry out the removal yourself. malware. But first you need to decide on the option that will be appropriate in a particular case.

Reset to factory settings or reinstall OS

It is always possible to return the computer's state to its original parameters. This will delete all programs installed after the selected date, but personal files can still be saved. If any important applications on a PC, then this option is quite suitable as one of the options in the fight against viruses.

What actions need to be taken?

  • In the “Start” menu there is a “Settings” section, which you need to get to by clicking on the corresponding inscription.
  • Next you need to select a parameter category Windows systems with the title "Update and Security".

  • On the left side of the window there is a list of main sections. You need to select the “Recovery” option.

  • Under the heading "Return the computer to the initial state» Click on the “Start” button, and then follow the system instructions.

One-time scan

If you want to clean your computer from viruses for free, you can use a one-time scan. Installation additional programs is not required, and is eliminated different kinds viruses.

How to clean?

  • Using any browser, you need to go to the page at the address - esetnod32.ru, and then click on the “Launch” button.

  • In the window that appears, enter your email address to get free access to the service.

  • Next, you need to save the file in any folder and wait for the final download.

  • After launch, a window will appear with a message about the opportunity to remove all threats for free once. You should click the “Get Started” button.

  • To continue, you must agree to the terms of use of the virus scanner by clicking the “I Accept” button.

  • In the next window, you just need to click on the “Get Started” button or study the available information.

  • Before you begin, you are asked to select additional settings regarding anonymous data.

  • At this step you need to decide on the scanning option. Full check may take more than one hour.

  • If there is a virus, certain files will appear in the “Detected Objects” section and you will be asked to get rid of them.

Using an antivirus program

Many manufacturers allow you to use antivirus software for free for some time. You can select one of the suitable programs and install it on your computer to clean it of viruses. This option is quite appropriate for one-time detection and removal of malware.

Installation instructions for ESET NOD32:

  • First you need to go to the page with the antivirus program at the address - esetnod32.ru, and then click the “Download trial version” button.

  • In the next step, select for which Windows system the antivirus will be installed.

  • Next, the file needs to be downloaded to your computer in some folder for subsequent installation.

  • After this, you enter the folder with the file and install it. In the window that appears, select the language and click the “Continue” button.

  • Then you need to click on the “I Accept” button to continue installing the antivirus.

  • To skip activation, you need to follow the link with the inscription “Skip activation” located in the lower right corner.

  • All you have to do is click “Continue” to begin the installation process. This will take some time.

  • Now you should launch the program and go to the section called “Computer scan” to start scanning. If viruses are found, you will be able to get rid of them.

Interesting: for performance testing hard drive a convenient computer program. It can be used to identify bad sectors and successfully correct them.

Let's sum it up

Three simple ways will help you clean your computer from various viruses and spyware completely free of charge. To protect your PC from threats, it is recommended to use paid antiviruses and promptly update their databases, as well as install programs from trusted manufacturers.

Protect your computer from viruses

Signs of a computer infection

There are signs by which you can understand that a PC or laptop has become a victim of viruses. However, they may differ. Depending on the purpose of the malicious software. But the general signs do not change.

If some of the above symptoms are found on your computer, then you should check your PC for viruses as soon as possible. Otherwise, the infection will continue and turn into a pandemic. Therefore, you urgently need to install some kind of antivirus. Let's look at the best.

If you do not take timely measures to destroy viruses, the number of infected files will reach a critical point. And in this case, even damage to the hard drive is possible. With such a scale of disaster, only complete reinstallation OS and formatting of the entire drive. And this is fraught with the loss of a huge amount of time and many important files(all).

Windows Defender

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Whatever they say about the standard Windows antivirus, we must admit that it works well in the top ten. An important advantage is that it is a system component. This means that there can be no talk of any attempts to delete OS files.

Windows built-in utility window

Windows Defender can easily find and neutralize the most common viruses. Of course, it won't help much against Petya or WannaCry, but they are quite rare. Especially now.

The beauty of a regular Windows antivirus is that it does not need to be downloaded and installed. There is also no need to purchase a license (if you already have a license for the OS). Therefore, it is better to use this particular product.

Windows Defender Always on and running in the background. It includes the antivirus product itself, Windows firewall and special software to protect against hacker attacks. Like all antiviruses, this one prefers to be located in the system tray.

Method No. 1

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Because Windows Defender is a component of the operating system, no installation is required. It is already on the user's computer. You just need to open his window. This can be done very simply.

Open the system tray and right-click on the antivirus icon. In the drop-down menu, click on the item "View your security dashboard."

In the next window, click “Run a new advanced scan.” This is what this product calls a deep scan of the OS for viruses.

File analysis will begin immediately. It can take quite a while long time. All malicious objects that the antivirus finds will be destroyed immediately or placed in quarantine.

After a while Windows time Defender will finish the job. The user will be notified about this using an appropriate message. There is no need to check frequently. The antivirus always works and stops any attempts of malware to run on the computer.

If you want to install a third-party antivirus product, it is better to disable Windows Defender first. Otherwise, conflicts between antiviruses are possible. And very serious. However, if you have Windows Defender with current databases, then no third-party product is required.

Dr.Web CureIt!

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This is almost the only one free antivirus on the list. Despite its free status, it is capable of finding a huge number of viruses and destroying them correctly. Many users use it as their main antivirus product.

In essence, Dr.Web CureIt is a lightweight version of a “full-fledged” antivirus from the same developer. This product doesn't even require installation. It's ready to go straight away. And this is even good, because when used in this way, the program loads the computer less.

The design of the utility is designed in the classic Dr.Web style. The interface is intuitive, but there is no Russian language included. You'll have to strain your knowledge in English. It's good that the school course is enough.

You can download this utility completely free of charge from the official website of the developer. The program is free for home use only. If you use it in offices, you will have to purchase a license. But, of course, no one does this.

DOWNLOAD

Method No. 2

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Since Dr.Web CureIt does not require installation, you just need to download the executable file. Then you can launch the program itself and start checking your PC or laptop for malicious software.

In the window on the left, select the objects that you want to scan (it’s better to mark all) and click on the button "Start Scanning".

The scanning process will begin immediately. The antivirus will eliminate all detected threats and issue a corresponding warning.

Using Dr.Web CureIt is an excellent solution for checking your computer for viruses. The product is completely free, which makes it possible for everyone to use it. And despite the lack of Russian language, managing the program is very easy.

Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool

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Light version of Kaspersky Anti-Virus. The program's functionality is rather sparse, but it is completely free. By the way, this is strange. Previously, Kaspersky Lab was not known for its philanthropy.

Be that as it may, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool – great product to identify and destroy viruses and other malicious software. The tool received from its “big brother” an advanced and aggressive algorithm for searching and eliminating threats.

However, this utility has one significant advantage over a full-fledged antivirus: working with system resources. The complete package is so voracious that it can make even quite powerful computer. There is no such thing here.

You can download this program from the official website of the developer. The utility does not require installation at all. This means that it can be used as a standby program to check other devices by simply writing a file to a flash drive.

DOWNLOAD

Method No. 3

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Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool, like all similar utilities, is very easy to use. The minimum number of functions makes itself felt. And the application also has Russian language. So there will definitely be no problems with control.

Now select the objects to scan and click "OK".

Now you can press the button "Start checking." It will start immediately. And it will be carried out in fully automatic mode.

All threats found during the verification process will be mercilessly destroyed. In this regard, Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool is no different from a full-fledged antivirus from the same company. But it works well. With a high success rate.

ESET Smart Security (Paid program)

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This is an unpretentious antivirus product from ESET. It is capable of finding and destroying almost all known viruses. However, it is useless against such powerful ones as Petya or WannaCry. Although its built-in firewall will prevent these things from running on the PC.

ESET package Smart Security includes an antivirus, firewall (firewall), protection against phishing sites and hacker attacks. It is actively used both on home computers and on servers. The product has proven itself to be excellent.

Download installation file you can from the official website of the developer. But it is worth considering that the program is not free. There is a certain “trial” period. Afterwards you will need to pay for the license. But for a one-time virus scan, the unpaid version is enough.