Presented by Jamie Leben IT-Works Computer Services

(from wikipedia.org) Malware: A portmanteau from the words mal icious and soft ware, is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code. The term "computer virus" is sometimes used as a catch-all phrase to include all types of malware, including true viruses.

(from wikipedia.org) Virus: A computer virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the user.

(from wikipedia.org) Worm: A computer worm is a self-replicating computer program.

(from wikipedia.org) Trojan: The Trojan horse, also known as trojan, in the context of computing and software, describes a class of computer threats that appears to perform a desirable function but in fact performs undisclosed malicious functions that allow unauthorized access to the host machine.

Some clues: Slow PC No Internet access ISP says youre infected Unwanted programs starting automatically Pop-ups Browser re-directs

The following suggestions for removing malware may result in data loss and loss of function of the computer being cleaned. Do no attempt without a verified backup of your data!

If you know when the malware arrived, a system restore may remove it. Have a verified good Back Up first. "Start" "Help and Support" Search for "system restore" "run the system restore wizard" "restore my computer to an earlier time" "Next" Choose a bold print date on the calendar that corresponds to a known good state. Choose a restore point for that date on the right. "Next" twice, wait for the wizard to reboot the PC Run malware cleaners and an online scan to see if the malware is gone

Download and run these malware removers: Malwarebytes: Superantispyware Combofix: Adaware: Spybot Search and Destroy networking.org/index2.htmlhttp:// networking.org/index2.html

Google search for: online virus scan Run a scan from either: Trend Micro Bit Defender If one scanner finds and removes malware, run the other scanner. Repeat until no results appear. If no malware is found by either, the PC is likely clean. If malware continues to appear after 3-4 scans, start in Safe Mode

Shut off the computer Place your finger on the F8 key Start the computer After the first boot screen disappears, press F8 rapidly If successful, you will get a black screen with Safe mode Safe mode with networking Use arrow keys to select Safe mode with networking, press enter, ok through the messages Sign in on the Administrator account If the Windows boot screen starts, wait until you can shut down, then try again.

Run online virus scans in safe mode Run Malware removers in safe mode If scans continue to indicate infections, or if you cant run online scans or malware removers in safe mode, the machine probably should be backed up and reloaded