Reference number: CH000931

How do I remove a virus from my computer?

Question:

Answer:

Before removing any file from your computer you should verify it is a virus or other malware. See document CH000896 for additional information about determining if a file is infected with a virus.

If you've determined that a file is infected with a virus the best method of removal is to run an antivirus scan on the computer. If the virus is preventing you from entering Windows or running the antivirus can boot the computer into Safe Mode and run the scan there. Additional information about booting into Safe Mode can be found on document CHSAFE.

If you do not have a antivirus scan, but still believe a file is infected with a virus, try running an online virus scan. These web sites will scan your computer hard disk drive for any infections. A listing of online antivirus scanners can be found on document CH000617. You may also wish to consider purchasing an antivirus scanner and/or consider one of the free antivirus scanner programs listed on our virus scanner list on document CH000514.

Additional information:

See document CH000992 for additional information about whether a virus will be removed when formatting a hard disk drive.