2 Most Inexpensive Ways to Delete a Computer Virus

There are many symptoms to look for if suspect you have a computer virus. If your machine starts to run exceptionally slow for no reason, you may have a computer virus. If your computer deletes files or damages them without reason, checking for viruses is a good idea. Additionally, if your computer opens strange applications, toolbars, or processes that you do not recognize, you should suspect that a virus is behind it. Even in general, you should run antivirus software once per month.

But what should you do if you have your suspicions confirmed? Say you do have a computer virus, but have a limited budget for repairs? The following should prove useful for anyone looking for the cheapest ways to remove computer viruses from their systems.

Remove Everything

The absolute best, most thorough way to delete viruses is available on every computer. It is simple, foolproof, and 100% effective. It also has some down sides.

If you want to be absolutely sure that you delete all viruses, erase or reformat your hard drive, wiping it clean completely. No viruses can escape if nothing escapes. This is actually a good idea in some extreme cases, or if you simply can't track down the viruses for some reason. However, it means you lose your files — saving files, removing them, erasing the hard drive, and moving potentially infected files back defeats the entire purpose.

So why would anyone reformat their hard drive? Simple — because they thought ahead and backed up their important, ireeplaceable files in advance. You should do this once per month. Find all files that either have sentimental value, such as pictures or letters, or represent a lot of work, such as writing, video, and sound projects, and copy them to a separate data storage system. A CD is ideal - files burnt to a CD will not change, and cannot be infected with viruses if they are not already. Do not bother backing up things like software programs, or replaceable files such as music. If you prepare in this way, you can wipe your hard drive clean when you suspect a virus, using no special software or techniques, with no negative effects.

Free Antivirus Software

A second option available to the budget conscious person seeking to eliminate a computer virus problem is free antivirus software. There are many programs available for free download on the Internet advertised as being able to scan for computer viruses and remove them. Some of them do what they are supposed to. Some do not. And some actually contain harmful spyware, or worse, more viruses.

First, research the program you choose before downloading it. Do an Internet search for its name. You should be able to find some reputable information on whether or not it works, and whether or not it contains hidden, harmful material. If all of the reviews are positive, the program is probably safe.

Be careful while installing your new program. If it asks you to install any toolbars or other add-ons, don't. Toolbars generally contain spyware that will slow your machine down.