Computer Voice Telling Me I Have A Virus – What Should I Do?

Introduction

With increasing risks of cyberattacks, the threat of computer viruses has increased. Thanks to computer voice, you get notified on time if your computer gets infected with a malware or virus. Had it not been for the antivirus advanced specs, you would not even know about a malware entering your computer and affecting your personal space.

When a computer virus infiltrates your computer, it infects either a particular program, or all the programs as dictated. While some viruses are not very dangerous, others can be highly threatening. You can lose your important data into someone else’s hands, and be a victim of cyber-attack.

Therefore, it is important to take it seriously when your computer voice tells you that you have a virus. It saves from potential risks such as ransomware, identity theft, loss of information etc.

What To Do If This Happens?

Now that your computer voice makes you aware of a malicious virus in your computer, what should be the first thing you do? Instead of directly jumping to antivirus scan, deleting the files, or closing all your online accounts, you need to make sure if the virus actually exists.

Here’s what you should do if this happens:

Analyze Your Computer’s Performance

Is your computer taking too long to load the programs? Are you facing frequent downtime? Is it taking really long to turn your computer on and complete your work?

If your computer is annoying you with its slow performance, chances are that it is affected by a virus. Your operating system might also respond negatively to the files you want to open, or the programs you want to load.

Observe any Unusual Pop-ups

Unusual pop-ups are another sign that your computer has a virus. If there are frequent pop-ups that are leading you to websites that offer downloading antiviruses and similar programs, you might end up downloading malware instead.

Moreover, malicious pop-ups can also steal your passwords and invade your personal accounts to gather the desired information.

So, when you observe any unusual pop-ups, make sure you never follow one.

Check your Security Software

Another important thing to do as your computer voice notifies you of a virus is to check your computer’s security software. See if it is enabled or disabled.

Nowadays, what computer virus does right after entering your computer is disable your security software. Now that your antivirus is not functioning, the virus can do its job efficiently. By enabling your security software or antivirus, you can instantly stop the virus from further malign activities.

Steps to Follow to Fix the Problem

Once you are done with some important checks, you need to take the right steps to fix this problem. Following is a step-by-step guide to fix your computer and eliminate all the viruses:

Step 1. Restart your computer in safe mode.

To remove the virus, you must quickly restart your computer and enter the safe mode. You can do so by pressing the F8 key repeatedly. When you see the Advanced Boot Options menu, choose Safe Mode from the options.

Now, it will be easier to follow through the next steps.

Step 2. Delete Temporary Files.

Deleting temporary files is a good step to take. It increases the speed of the processor. Using Disk Cleanup, you can delete all your temporary files. Also, it can help in removing a virus if it was intended to function as your computer boots up.

To delete temporary files:

1. Open the Start menu
2. Click All Programs
3. Go to Accessories
4. Click System Tools
5. Click Disk Cleanup
6. Choose temporary files as your scroll through the files
7. Delete the selected files

Step 3. Download Antivirus and Run a Virus Scan.

Next, you need to download antivirus software if you do not already have one. Even if you have one, chances are that virus has killed its ability to fight. It’s useless now.

Hence, download antivirus scan. You can choose one of two scanners – real-time virus scanner, or on-demand.

There are many real-time scanners such as the AVG anti-virus, Norton anti-virus etc. These usually run the scan in the background. On the other hand, there are on-demand scanners that you must start manually when you desire. These are your operating system scanners, such as Microsoft Safety Scanner.

As you run the scan, it detects the entire virus and provides you with further instructions. You can also run on-demand scanner, followed by real-time antivirus scan. It increases chances of virus detection and elimination.

However, if it doesn’t work, chances are that virus is a really strong one, and it cripples both of these antiviruses in your system.

Step 4. Recover Your Lost Files and Programs, if any.

If your virus scanner successfully detects and removes your virus, you can recover all the lost files and programs. If you have had backups, it will be easier. Otherwise, antivirus scanners also offer file recovery.

Step 5. Upgrade Your Security System.

Next, you must upgrade your security system to prevent another virus attack. In order to keep your computer secure and protected, you should:

• Install all the latest Window security updates
• Install an efficient virus scanner that runs regularly
• Keep all your data backed up
• Never click on pop-ups
• Never open any random email especially that includes a link or attachment

Manually Removing the Virus?

If the virus could not be removed using the antivirus software, you need to remove the virus manually.

Use a Rescue CD.

You can use a Linux-based rescue CD. It reboots your computer and disinfects all the files and programs. It also automatically repairs all your files.

However, this only works if your computer has a CD drive. Then, you can simply access another computer than has an active internet connection and CD burner. This way, the virus can be effectively eliminated and files can be repaired.

Final Thoughts

It is essential to install the latest antivirus to make sure that your computer voice never fails to inform of a virus infiltrating your system. With regular security checks, you can keep your computer safe. In case a virus enters, the guide above can help in its removal.