How to Delete Infected Computer Files

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Back up as much of your important data as possible before modifying any file on your computer.

   See Warnings and Tips.
2. 2

   Step 2: Scan your computer with several antivirus and anti-spyware programs.

   See Related LifeGuide Hubs. ,, Restart your computer.
   
   While the computer is booting up press F8 (you may need to rapidly tap F8 if your computer is fast). ,, Only do this if you are 100% sure that you will not be using system restore at this moment. , Type the name of the file into the filename box and do not restrict the search by date, time or size.
   
   If no results show, search for the name in the "contains text" search field.
   
   This may bring up several files, not all of which are infected.
   
   To determine which is the correct file, you need to know what purpose the file serves, is it a registry file? (warning!), it may also help to visit the website (virus/spyware database) of the antivirus/antispyware programs that you found the file with if any.
   
   Much of the time there is more current information on how to deal with the infected file. ,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Write down all file names that cannot be deleted by your antivirus/antispyware programs.

4. 4

   Step 4: Boot into safe mode.

5. 5

   Step 5: Log on as the Admin of the computer.

6. 6

   Step 6: To make sure that system restore has not inadvertently saved an infected file

7. 7

   Step 7: disable it then scan the computer.

8. 8

   Step 8: Search for a known infected file.

9. 9

   Step 9: Select the infected file when you have logged on and hold shift then press the delete key (this bypasses the recycle bin and completely removes it).

10. 10

    Step 10: Re-enable system restore if it is not likely that the computer will fail in some manner (lose data for instance or that the file you deleted was a false positive or registry file).

Detailed Guide

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