Virus Fixes

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All virus fixes.

If you get a virus on your computer, the first thing to do is disconnect your computer from your home network, your cable modem, your DSL modem, and/or your phone line so your computer doesn't infect other computers.

Now that your computer is disconnected, how do you download and run a virus fix? You use our Favorite Utilities CD of course! A complete directory of virus fixes can be found here. A few of the common ones are listed below.

Before using any of these tools, it's strongly recommended that you visit Symantec's site (using someone else's computer!) and look at the instructions:

• Symantec List of Removal Tools: http://www.symantec.com/enterprise/security_response/removaltools.jsp

Most instructions are:

1. Disconnect your computer from the Internet and any internal network by un;ougging the network cable or phone line.
2. Close all programs.
3. If you are using Windows ME or Windows XP, turn off System Restore
   1. Windows ME: Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System -> Performance tab -> File System -> Troubleshooting tab.
   2. Windows XP: Right-click My Computer -> Properties -> System Restore tab. Note: You have to be logged on as an administrator.
4. Run the removal tool.
5. If you have problems running the removal tool, restart the computer in Safe Mode and run the tool again.
   1. Windows XP Safe Mode: Start -> Run -> msconfig. On BOOT.INI tab, check /SAFEBOOT.
   2. Windows 2000 Safe Mode: Restart computer and tab [F8] when you see "Starting Windows..."
   3. Windows ME Safe Mode: Start -> Run -> msconfig. On General tab, click Advanced. Check Enable Startup Menu and click OK.
6. Re-run the removal tool as many times as necessary until it doesn't find the virus any more.
7. Restart the computer, connect to the Internet, and download the latest virus definitions.

Resources:

Symantec:

• Security Response Home: http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/security_response/index.jsp
• Threat Explorer: http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/security_response/threatexplorer/index.jsp
• Hoaxes: http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice/security_response/threatexplorer/risks/hoaxes.jsp

Trend Micro:

• Security Info: http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/
• Scams and Hoaxes: http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hoaxes/default.asp
• Phishing Encyclopedia: http://www.trendmicro.com/en/security/phishing/overview.htm

Spyware Info:

• SpywareGuide Home Page (see the most detected products list!): http://www.spywareguide.com/
• Spyware Warrior - list of fake anti-spyware/adware programs (before you download that anti-spyware program, make sure it's not on this list!): http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
• Bleeping Computer - List of programs that may run when you start up your computer. If you are unsure as to whether a program should be or shouldn't be running, check this list: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/
• Gibson Research Corporation - List of Freeware (including some spyware removal tools): http://www.grc.com/freepopular.htm