Remove viruses and worms from an infected Windows Vista computer.
Downloading software, clicking on email attachments from unknown sources and even visiting some websites can infect your computer with viruses, worms and other malicious software. This can damage your computer and, in some cases, render it inoperable. Anti-virus programs usually catch most malicious software, but sometimes a worm or virus can slip through this safety net and infect the computer. Remove malicious software from Windows Vista computers by downloading, installing and running Microsoft's free Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Instructions
1. Launch your computer's Web browser and navigate to the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool download page.
2. Read through the information about the tool and then click the "Download" button.
3. Click "Save" from the on-screen prompt and choose a save location on the computer. This is usually the "Downloads" folder by default. Wait for the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool to download. Alternatively, click "Run" to download, install and run the program automatically.
4. Find the download location on your computer from the "Start" menu.
5. Double-click on the downloaded file to launch the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.
6. Click "Next" on the on-screen prompt to run the program.
7. Select which scan option you prefer by clicking the check-box beside it. You can choose a quick scan to check all main program files, a full scan to check all programs or files on the computer or a customized scan to check only certain folders. If you choose customized scan, click the "Choose Folders" button to select which parts of the computer you want to scan.
8. Click "Next." Wait for the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool to scan your computer. The program displays a progress bar while it scans. The tool will identify and remove malicious software from the computer.
9. Re-start the computer, if prompted, when the scan has finished.
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