Remove Malware Infections For Free
Hello WA family,
I've seen several members over the past few weeks who have been infected with malware. If you find yourself in that situation, here are some tools that might help.
Free Tools For Malware Removal
- SuperAntiSpyware - http://www.superantispyware.com/
- Malwarebytes - https://www.malwarebytes.org/
- Hitman Pro - http://www.surfright.nl/en/products/
- Trojan Remover - http://www.simplysup.com/tremover/index.html
Note: There is no free version available for Hitman Pro and Trojan Remover, so download the trial.
This is a basic list, and I have cleaned many systems that only required the tools on this list; still some cases demand specialized knowledge. There are some infections that require specific tools; often those tools can be found using a quick Google search.There are also some malicious programs that you can simply uninstall, but still run removal scans afterwards just to be sure.
Free Programs That Offer Real-Time Virus & Malware Protection
- Panda Cloud Antivirus - http://www.cloudantivirus.com
- Bitdefender Antivirus - http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html
- AVG Antivirus - http://free.avg.com
- Avast - https://www.avast.com
Also, here are some good antivirus programs that offer real-time protection. I prefer premium products that offer more extensive protection and includes a firewall, but something is better than nothing. And these free products are pretty decent. So after removing the malware, be sure to install a program to help prevent future infection.
Please Note...
Install and run all the removal tools; one may find something that the others missed. When you are finished with these tools, uninstall them. Then install only one of the antivirus programs for real-time protection, and only if you do not currently have an antivirus installed; multiple installations of antivirus programs will conflict with each other.
If you need additional tips and suggestions, checkout an article I wrote a while back: http://technicallyaware.com/do-you-have-a-virus/
Take care everyone, and please share with anyone who may need these tips.
Recent Comments
18
Good post!
I use Malwarebytes and Hitman for malware removal. While it is true that having multiple antivirus programs is a bad move because they won't get along, it is a good idea to have more than one malware removal program, they work differently and can catch things the other might miss...
Hey Scott, thanks.
I agree with you; I always keep several malware removal programs on hand. SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes are definitely apart of my keepers. Hitman Pro and Trojan Remover are trials, so those are "throw away after use" unless you want to invest in them; still they are on my list because they are two of the best at what they do. I also list several other programs that I use on my site.
To eliminate confusion though, I usually tell people to uninstall the removal programs when they are done. The reason being is people usually forget they are there and don't update them, go malware remover crazy and install a bunch of them thinking more is better, or never change the default settings (Windows startup for instance).
Thanks again, Scott. I'm glad you liked the post. You should be set with Malwarebytes and Hitman Pro; that's a good combination. I'm curious, did you purchase the premium version of either one of those, or do you run another program for real-time protection?
I purchased the license for Hitman, since you can use it on 3 computers. It helps out my sister, the nephews have a habit of getting into the weeds on those 'free games' sites.
Otherwise, I do fine with the above programs I mentioned. Windows 8 really improved their firewall over what it used to be, and it's really pretty good for protecting against most threats, and between Hitman, Malwarebytes, and the Iobit free apps, I'm usually okay.
Alot of people end up in trouble with malware and viruses simply by messing around in the wrong places on the Net. I've told my sister about trying to keep the kids off those 'free game' sites, they're some of the worst for picking up baggage.
Ok, good deal.
Yeah, you're right about some of those free game sites, lots of hidden surprises.
See more comments
Great advise. You saved the day. Thanks