How to Remove a Computer Virus (A Brief Guide)

Anyone with a computer has probably at one point or another gotten a pesky virus, or 2....or 100. Many common "viruses" are in fact just adware ("any software package which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertisements to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used" from Wikipedia). Adware is almost always harmless, annoying, but harmless.

Viruses and/or malware on the other hand can be very dangerous and can be huge risks to your  privacy. There are actually viruses out there that can cause your computer to become unusable, corrupt ALL files on your computer, and steal personal information (which can lead to identity theft.)

Anyways, back to the virus removal! If you think you are infected (some viruses show no visible signs that they are there, so it wouldn't hurt to run these steps anyway), follow the below steps and you can have a functioning computer back.

The first thing you'll want to do is to download all of the necessary programs. They are 1) Dr. Web CureIt!, 2) Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM) and only if you do not already have an anti-virus program... 3) Avast

Once you have all of these programs downloaded, install MBAM and update it when it prompts you to. Now disconnect your computer from the internet (physically remove the ethernet cable, or turn off your wireless if you are on a laptop). Boot your computer up into safe mode, if you do not know how to start in safe mode, there are instructions here

Once in safe mode, run Dr. Web CureIt, it will take some time to run (make sure to do a Full Scan) and once its finished be sure to remove/cure any found infected items.

Reboot back into normal mode and run MBAM, you should only do a quick scan. Once the scan is finished, check all of the infected items and click remove selected items. Now be sure to RESTART YOUR COMPUTER.

Reconnect to the internet, and if you already have an anti-virus program, update it and now run a full scan with your anti-virus program. If you do NOT have an anti-virus program, install Avast, restart your computer and then run a full scan.

After doing these steps, your computer should be clean of any nasties you may have picked up. If you still are experiencing symptoms after following the above, feel free to leave a comment and I will help you out :)