Removing Viruses from Your PC Without Professional Help

A computer virus is a malicious software program that can wreak havoc on your personal or work life if not addressed in time. It may slow down the system, delete important files, steal data, or cause other unpredictable damage. Using professional help to remove viruses can be an expensive ordeal and it's not always necessary if you know what steps to take.

This article will guide you through the process of removing viruses from your PC without having to rely on professional help and thus save money while retaining control over your system.

Step 1: Enter Safe Mode

The first step in dealing with any suspected virus is by putting your computer into "Safe Mode". This mode runs only essential parts of the operating system, preventing most malware from getting active during startup. To access safe mode:

1. Shutdown Windows completely.
2. Power up again and as soon as you see anything appear on screen press F8 (for some computers this might be different.)
3. If done correctly a menu should appear allowing you select “safe mode”.

Be aware that Safe Mode looks quite different - don't panic! You should only carry out tasks related to fighting viruses while in this state.

Step 2: Delete Temporary Files

Before beginning a full-scale antiviral assault it’s good practice to delete temporary files which could speed up virus scanning, free disk space and even get rid of some malware right away:

• Go to Windows start menu then search 'Run'.
• In Run dialog box type '%temp%' command without quotations then click OK.
• Select all items (CTRL+A) in Temp folder that opens and choose ‘delete’.

Note: If any messages pop-up relating file being currently used just tick option saying Do this for all current items then hit Skip.

Step 3: Download & Install Virus Scanning Software

There are many reliable antivirus softwares available for free that can accurately identify and eliminate threats. Examples include Avast, AVG, Bitdefender Free Edition to name a few. Remember it’s often advised to only install one antivirus program on your PC as it can cause conflicts between different software.

A critical step is to ensure you update the virus database of whatever app you choose before running scans - this ensures the latest potential threats are known by your scanner.

Step 4: Run Virus Scanning Software

Depending upon how infected your computer is, this might take a while so patience will be key here.

1. Open antivirus program then locate option for full system scan.
2. Begin scan.
3. Follow recommended steps provided by software.

Step 5: Remove Detected Viruses & Malware

Once viruses have been identified they must be dealt with accordingly which may involve deletion or quarantine:

1. Review list of detected malware.
2. Select all (or whichever ones mentioned) viruses listed then select 'delete' or 'remove'.

Follow any further prompts in order to successfully remove threat from computer.

Lastly: Recover Corrupted Files

If virus has managed corrupt files but you need them back, not everything is lost yet! Windows System Restore feature might help recover previous version if had been created prior infection:

• Go Start -> Control Panel.
• Type ‘Recovery’ search box at top right-hand corner screen – click result shown.
• Next hit Open system restore link followed selecting suitable restore point from options given below.

The measures we've outlined above should allow most users to confidently tackle and remove many typical forms of viral infections found on personal computers however some particularly malicious examples require additional expertise in which case seeking professional help would still be advised.

By regularly updating your operating system, using current antivirus software and practicing caution when downloading files or clicking links you'll greatly reduce the chance of attracting more unwanted digital visitors in future!

Remember also regular backups protect not just from malware damage but hardware failures too - ensure have a plan and stick to it.