If a virus infects a computer, can antivirus software be loaded after the fact to fix the problem?

Answer 1

Yes. If you need a free copy of AVG Free, head to www.filehippo.com or www.download.com

Answer 2

The answer is: It depends. Some viruses, spyware and trojans are worse than others.

The best thing is to boot the computer to run the PC software temporarily from a boot diskette (old technology) or a boot CD or a boot DVD. But you would have to build a boot CD with the operating system, anti-virus software, anti-virus signature files, etc. Then when the computer is cleaned, you can re-boot the computer from the hard drive and continue to use it normally.

There are websites from which you can download boot CDs, but it takes some effort to add the full antivirus software.

The next best thing is to try to run the online free anti-virus scan tools, like this one from McAfee:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/mfs/default.asp
or this one from Norton:
http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/home_homeoffice/index_virus.html

I would run both and hope for the best.

I don't work for those companies, but I will tell you that if you are going to be sharing software with friends, or downloading "free" software from the Internet, then you need to buy a very good Internet Security software. Otherwise, you're playing with fire and it's just a matter of time before you get burned.

Computers that don't connect to the Internet and don't share files via diskette/CD/DVD don't get viruses, spyware or trojans.

Personally, I prefer the Norton Internet Security 2006, which includes antivirus, firewall and anti-spyware protection. It's only $99 with a 2 year subscription to automatic updates. If your computer gets disabled by a virus or spyware, it could take anywhere from 1 hour to 20 hours (I've spent that much time, so I know) to restore the computer.

Do the math: The computer technician guy might charge you $100/hour, depending on where you live. The Internet Security software pays for itself by avoiding the first visit by the computer technician.

Good luck!

Answer 3

If a virus infects a computer without anti virus software, the only true way to remove the virus is to do a complete re-installation of the operating system. A virus may be undetectable, especially if the software if installed after the fact. For more infomation please check on the source page listed.

Answer 4

As long as the virus isn't one of the more evil ones. If AV software won't install, you will need to try and figure out the name of the virus, then find specific instructions for removing it. But hopefully you can get the software installed, updated, and remove the virus with it.

Answer 5

Yes it can, when you run your anti-virus scan make sure your PC is in Safe Mode. This only runs certain drivers and it's easier for the anti-virus program to totally get rid of the virus.

I would recommend Ewido, it's only a 20day trial but it's the best out there, I feel.

Answer 6

hi mate :) attempt this: restart your pc or perhaps as your on the show screen which shows your organization kind and theres a small handwriting on the bottom preserving press "F(8?) for (boot?) menu. Press it and search for round till eventually you discover equipment fix and fix some days be4 you purchased the virus or only enter in secure mode and acquire a treatment :) or only deliver it for fix. No, i do not recommend your organization workplace; very few random pc keep that you think. i comprehend its obtrusive, yet its extra proper than screwing your finished pc up! I surely have somewhat brother who thinks he changed into a million,000 $s time-honored na d i have had my justifiable percentage of viruses and the first approach truly worked :) attempt posting your question on some anti-virus talk board information superhighway web site. desire THIS enables :D

Answer 7

Yes, I would suggest you go to: Avast.com. Download their free anti virus, it's the best I've ever used after 10 years of being on the net. After you downlaod it, it will ask if you want to schedule a boot scan, say yes. After that runs open the program and scan your hard drive.

Answer 8

McAfee and Symantec both have some free virus removal tools.
You can also try www.trendmicro.com to see if their free scanners help.

Don't reinstall Windows until you tried everything else. If you do get to the point of reinstalling, then also reformat the drive first.

Answer 9

yes. But it doesnt work if the virus is too severe . so what I did was delete the account I got the virus from and that worked nicely :)

Answer 10

it depends on the severity of the virus. one computer virus can amass into several viruses and eventually destroy your hard drive beyond repair, that is why is important to leave your computer off until the virus is elliminated. the best advice that i can give to you is to have a professional look at your computer to determine whats best.