Computers infected with virus programs often behave erratically, display unusual messages, "crash", or run programs very slowly. If the computer has a virus infection, the user will need to repair the system and inoculate against future attacks. If it is not possible to even update, download or install an anti-virus program, we recommend the computer be taken to a computer repair technician.

To resolve a virus issue at home:

• Download a free anti-virus program if there is not one already installed on the computer.
  Click on the attachment at the bottom of this page to download a free copy of AVG Anti-Virus.

• Is the current anti-virus program up-to-date? Try updating the program and scan the computer again.

• The virus might require a specific tool or patch. Windows might have an update here: www.microsoft.com

• More removal tools for viruses are available from Grisoft, the makers of AVG:
  AVG Anti Virus

• System Restore: Restoring the computer to an earlier restore point may resolve the issue.

  • System Restore Article for Windows Vista
  • System Restore for Windows XP (and earlier versions: ME, 98)

• After performing any cleanup or repair on the computer, verify that an anti-virus program is installed and has the latest updates. If there are problems connecting to the Internet after an anti-virus program has been installed, restart the computer and try again.

• If none of the above steps work, it is recommended to take the computer into a professional computer technician to be cleaned.