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A Virus is Detected on Your Windows 7 or Vista Computer

clean and protect your computer

CONtenTS:

Part 1: Turn off system restore

If your computer running Windows 7 or Vista is infected with a virus, it is possible for the virus to be backed up by the System Restore function. You could then restore a virus-infected file. Due to the proliferation of computer viruses and worms, it is recommended that you disable system restore on your computer. To turn off system restore:

  1. Click Start, right-click Computer, then click Properties (see Figure 1).
    Figure 1 - Properties Dialog Box
    Figure 1.
  2. In the left panel, click System Protection (see Figure 2).
    Figure 2- System Protect
    Figure 2.

  3. When prompted to continue, click Continue.
  4. On the System Protection tab:
    • Uncheck the Available Disks (see Figure 3).
      Figure 3 - Uncheck Available Disks
      Figure 3.
    • When prompted, click Turn System Restore Off (see Figure 4). Figure 4 - Turn off System Restore
      Figure 4.
  5. Click OK, and close all other windows.

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Part 2: Update virus definitions (DAT) file

McAfee VirusScan is pre-configured to automatically update your anti-virus protection every day (except Saturday) from both on-campus and off-campus. Complete the following steps to ensure that you have the most recent virus definition file available:

To get the latest virus protection update/DAT:

  1. Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
  2. In your system tray (bottom-right corner of your screen), right-click the VirusScan icon (see Figure 5), then click Update Now.
    Figure 5 - System Tray
    Figure 5.
  3. When AutoUpdate finishes, click Close (see Figure 6).
    Figure 6 - Update Progress
    Figure 6.
  4. Restart your computer.

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Part 3: Delete temporary Internet files and cookies

To delete temporary Internet files and cookies:

  1. Click Start, then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Internet Options (see Figure 7).
    Figure 7 - Internet Options
    Figure 7.

  3. Under Browsing history, click Delete (see Figure 8).
    Figure 9 - Delete
    Figure 8.

  4. In the "Delete Browsing History" window, do the following (see Figure 9):
    • Under the Temporary Internet Files heading, click Delete files.
    • When prompted whether to delete all, click Yes.
    • Under the Cookies heading, click Delete cookies.
    • When prompted whether to delete all, click Yes.
    • Under the History heading, click Delete history.
    • When prompted whether to delete all, click Yes.
    • Click Close.
      Figure 9 - Delete
      Figure 9.
  5. On the Internet Properties window, click OK.

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Part 4: Start your computer in Safe mode

To start your computer in Safe mode:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. While your computer is restarting, press <F8>.
    Important: You must press <F8> at the moment just before Windows begins to start. If you see a "keyboard error" message, restart the computer and try again.
  3. Using the arrow keys on your keyboard, select Safe Mode and then press <Enter>.

Part 5: Scan your computer and remove viruses

  • Note: The initial scan of your computer may take a long time to complete.

    To scan your computer for viruses and remove them:

    1. Right-click on Computer and from the drop-down list, click Scan for threats.
    2. If a virus, spyware, or adware is found, VirusScan attempts to delete it. Depending upon the results of this, one of the following happens:
      • The infected file gets deleted, so you do not need to do anything else. Your computer is no longer infected.
      • The infected file cannot be deleted, so the file is moved to the C:/Quarantine folder (see Figure 10). Delete the file from the Quarantine folder: Within the VirusScan window, right-click the file name and click Delete.
        Figure 10 - Virus Found
        Figure 10.
      • The infected file cannot be deleted and it cannot be moved to the C:/Quarantine folder (see Figure 11). To get rid of it, bring your computer to the Walk-In Help Desk in O'Neill 247 next to the Campus Technology Resource Center (CTRC).
        Figure 11 - Move Failed
        Figure 11.

      Important: Some viruses can damage files so that they are unusable. In this instance, your file is already beyond repair. VirusScan cleans the file, but may not be able to save it. This is where back-ups come in handy. Learn more about the options for storing your documents and files at Boston College.

      Do not use periods when naming your files!: Outlook moves messages with attachments that have 2 or more periods in the name (For example: notes.04.01.20.doc) to the Junk E-mail folder. To prevent this, do not use periods when naming your files, and also remind people that send you attachments not to use periods.
    3. When scanning is done, close all McAfee VirusScan windows.

    Note: It may take up to a week for McAfee to release virus definitions capable of detecting and removing new infections. If the virus you are infected with is not detected by VirusScan or the viruses (not spyware) cannot be removed or quarantined or moved, please call 617-552-HELP (4357), as we may have manual removal instructions available.

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    Part 6: Turn system restore back on

    To turn on system restore:

    1. Click Start, right-click Computer, then click Properties.
    2. In the left panel, click System Protection.
    3. When prompted to continue, click Continue.
    4. On the System Protection tab, check all available disks (see Figure 12).
      Figure 12 - Reenable System Restore
      Figure 12.
    5. Click OK, and close all other windows.