Virus Removal

It can take a long time to clean a computer that is infected with a virus or a worm. Therefore, it is important that you follow the StartSafe and RunSafe instructions once your computer is clean. This will help to keep it running in a healthy state.

STEP 1 - Enable a firewall

You must enable a firewall to keep hackers and their programs (viruses, worms, etc.) away from your computer. This will allow you to connect to the Internet and install critical security updates. Afterwards, the firewall will help protect you against future software defects. You should not connect your computer to the Clarkson University network until you have completed this step!
Windows XP and 2003-
  1. Click Start
  2. Click Control Panel
  3. Click Network and Internet Connections
  4. Click the Network Connections icon
  5. Right-click Local Area Connection and select Properties
  6. Click the Advanced Tab (if you don't have an Advanced Tab, right-click Local Area Connection again and select Remove From Bridge)
  7. Check the box labeled "Protect my computer and network by limiting or preventing access to this computer from the Internet"
  8. Click OK
  9. Restart the computer
  10. Connect to the network

STEP 2 - Update Virus Definitions

To update your Symantec Anti-Virus definitions, double-click on the gold shield icon in your taskbar. When the window comes up, click the LiveUpdate button.

STEP 3 - Disable System Restore

To disable system restore:
  • Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore
  • Click the System Restore Settings link
  • Check the box labeled either Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on All Drives
  • Click OK
  • Click Yes to verify

STEP 4 - Run McAfee Stinger Tool

To run the McAfee Stinger Tool, perform the following steps. **WARNING** These steps involve rebooting your computer, so you may want to print out this page before continuing!
  • Right-click here and select "Save Target As" to download the McAfee Stinger Tool
  • Restart your computer into safe mode by:
    1. Turn your computer off
    2. Turn your computer on. As it starts up, press the F8 key repeatedly until a menu appears. When this menu appears, select Safe Mode. If a menu does not appear and your computer restarts normally, then restat again. This time, press F8 earlier in the boot process.
  • Double-click the McAfee Stinger Tool (it should be on your desktop)
  • If you have more than one hard drive, add it to the list using the Add button
  • Click "Scan Now" and the stinger tool will scan your computer, removing any viruses that it finds.
In addition to running McAfee's Stinger Tool, you should also run a full system scan using your Symantec Anti-Virus software. To do this, simply:
  • Double click on the gold shield icon in your taskbar
  • On the left hand side, select Scan -> Full Scan
  • Then click on Scan
Once those scans have completed, you should reboot your computer.

STEP 5 - Reenable System Restore

To enable system restore:
  • Click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore
  • Click the System Restore Settings link
  • Uncheck the box labeled Turn off System Restore or Turn off System Restore on All Drives
  • Click OK
  • Click Yes to verify

Once you have completed these steps, you should also follow the steps listed as part of the StartSafe program. This will help to ensure that your computer is well protected, thereby leaving it less vulnerable to this type of infection in the future.