Distance Education - What To Do If My Computer Has A Virus

Because all viruses are different, there is no one set of instructions you can follow to deal with a computer virus. Listed below is the general approach you should take in dealing with a virus:

1. Try to identify the virus.
   Every virus that has ever been identified by anti-virus companies has a webpage with information about the virus and steps to remove it.
   
   
2. Once the virus is identified, follow any removal instructions.
   The same webpage that tells you what the virus is and how it works usually tells you how to remove it.
   • In some cases, you will be given a list of step-by-step instructions to follow. Follow those instructions to remove the virus and repair any damage done by the virus.
   • In other cases, you will be told that the best thing to do is run anti-virus software. If that is the case, and you have anti-virus software on your computer, make sure the software is up-to-date and run it to remove the virus and clean infected files.
3. After removing the virus, protect the computer from future viruses.
4. Once you have removed the virus, now would be the time to make sure your computer is protected from future viruses by doing the following:
   • Make sure the anti-virus software on your computer is up to date. If you do not have anti-virus you will want to purchase an anti-virus program. See Information on Virus Scan Program.

If you've tried following the above steps to remove the computer virus and fix your computer but you are still having trouble, you can contact the LSCO Help Desk at (409)882-3033 (office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm central time) or send an email message to helpdesk@lsco.edu with as much information as you have about the virus and what you've done so far. The Help Desk will help you remove the virus.