Malware Removal Guide
Why I created this guide:
This guide was created to help people in removing malware from an infected computer system that can boot to the desktop or safemode with networking. What if my computer is unable to boot up due to a heavily infected computer? If your computer is unable to boot due to malware bootkit or rootkit, you will need to have another computer to download a rescue cd like Kaspersky Rescue Disk 10. Once downloaded you can create a rescue CD or USB with and then boot to that disc, you should then run a update of Kaspersky and then run a full scan of the computer’s hard drive with Kaspersky Rescue Disk. Once Kaspersky has completed its scan and you have fixed and removed all malware that was detected, carry on and follow this guide.
Please follow my step by step guide exactly as described in this malware removal guide. Do not skip any steps and your computer should be clean by the end of this guide. I would like to point out that, not all malware infections are the same and some computers may need an expert to thoroughly remove stubborn malware from your computer. I would also like to say that some machine need to reformatted or put back to default settings, this would of cause mean you having to backup all your data and reinstall Windows. Sometimes malware removal on heavily infected computers can cause major issues to Windows features and even cause registry corruption or serious damage to Windows itself and in some extreme cases, you will need to reinstall Windows operating system. The best advice I can give is when you first know your computer is infected backup your data and then do something about the malware straight away, don’t put it off. Or disconnect from the internet straight away and call a computer repair tech if you don’t have the confidence to tackle this malware removal task yourself.
Important: If your computer is infected with Crypto Ransomware for example (Cryptowall, Cryptolocker, TeslaCrypt, Torrent Locker and many more) your data is already encrypted and will need a different approach to remove the computer infection and get back your data. So don’t follow this guide! Please make a post on my forum for help and support or seek out a good computer technician for help and advice.
Disclaimer:
If you choose to follow this malware removal guide. You do so at your own risk, you agree to take full responsibility and liability by following this malware removal guide. There is always a risk of loss of data and damage to the operating system when removing malware from a computer system. Important: it is your responsibility to back up all your personal data before proceeding with this malware removal guide. It’s advisable to change all your important passwords and remember the only way to 100% sure your computer is clean is by reformatting the computer’s hard drive and reinstalling Windows.
Malware Removal Steps:
You are going to need to download malware removal tools from the internet, if your browser’s is not loading or your suffering redirects, you will need to deal with this first. Remove all browser extensions and delete all suspicious extensions from the browser. Next go into your browser’s settings and reset browser to default settings.
Important Note: If malware is blocking you from downloading malware removal tools after resetting your browser, you try NetAdapter Repair Tool just select these settings and run as administrator “settings needed” this will attempt to restore your internet connection. If this still don’t work you will have to download these tools on another computer and copy them to a flash drive which you can then plug into the infected machine.
1) Download and Run rkill.com. Be patient it can take a few minutes to finish. Do not reboot computer.
- Rkill kills all malicious running processes, but leaves essential windows processes alone.
- Rkill will remove changed policies by malware in the registry, these can prevent certain Windows features from opening.
- Rkill will also repair file extension hijacks like .exe which malware changes to stop you running applications.
2) Download Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware. Make sure you enable “Scan for Rootkits” option in Settings > Detection & Protection, then run a “Threat Scan”
- If Malwarebytes ask for a reboot, please click reboot.
- This program should remove the bulk of infections on your computer system.
- Rootkit/Bootkit are always a concern, this program will detect these and remove them and they do a more powerful Rookit Scanner which is great at removing Rootkits/Bootkits.
- Malwarebytes also does a great job at fixing damage done by malware.
3) Download HitmanPro it’s a great second-opinion malware scanner.
- If HitmanPro asks for a reboot, please let it.
- This program should remove any left overs if any.
- I like to get second opinion and I never rely on just one tool to remove malware
4) Download ADWCleaner click the “Scan” option. When scan is finished click “Cleaning” when it’s finished cleaning, reboot your system.
- ADWCleaner removes a lot of Adware, PuPs, Toolbars, and Browser Hijackers.
- It’s will also repair any DNS or Proxy settings that may have been changed by malware
- ADWCleaner will remove any rogue browser settings like default web page that would have been changed by Adware.
5) Download and Run Malwarebytes’ Junkware Removal Tool be patient and let it finish, if prompted to reboot your computer do so.
- Removes Adware, PuPs, Toolbars, and Browser Hijackers just like ADWCleaner, but we like to make sure all Adware is removed and other tools may have missed some Adware.
- Some tools remove parts other tools may leave behind, for example malware related AppData directories and other empty junk folders. It don’t hurt to be sure.
6) Download and Run ESET Online Scanner be patient and let it finish, if prompted to reboot your computer, please do so.
- Detects and Removes Malware.
- Runs from any browser.
- One time scan for free.
Optional Scan if you’re still having malware symptoms.
7) Download and Run HerdProtect
- HerdProtect is a second line of defense malware scanner.
- HerdProtect uses 68 cloud Anti-Malware engines in the cloud.
7) Now your computer system is clean
- Empty & Delete System Restore Points, you can do this by turn system restore off and then back on.
- Create a new System Restore Point name it Clean System.
- Remove any Malware Removal Tools and Folders left behind.
If you have completed this guide and not skipped any steps, your computer should be malware-free. If after running all the tools above and you are still experiencing problems with your computer, please make a post on my forum and I can try and help you mop up any leftovers Britec Support Forum
I have a windows 10 desktop computer. What can you recommend me to remove malware but for now I didn’t experience of malware in my computer maybe because of this new version of OS.
Usually I just reboot into safe mode and use MalwareFox to remove the viruses, but this is a nice article too.