My Dell desktop computer has a virus, how do I clean it?

Virus is a terrible word not only for you but for all computer users who spend a lot of time working online for personal or office use. So it’s natural for your Dell computer to come face to face with a virus or malware when you’re browsing the Internet, downloading or sharing a file, or shopping online, among other things. Therefore, if you suspect virus activity on your Dell PC, you should address it immediately. Here is a free virus removal guide for your Dell computer. discusses how to clean a computer when it finds a virus.

Step 1

A virus, in addition to integrating with your files, folders or programs, runs its process (.exe) in the Windows Task Manager. Therefore, you should first start by ending the virus process in Task Manager. To open the utility, right-click anywhere on the taskbar (the horizontal bar on your Dell PC) and select Task Manager. If you are unable to access Task Manager or any applications on your computer due to a virus infection, please restart your Dell PC in Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 2

when in the Task Manager window, carefully examine all running processes with .exe and other similar extensions. A virus often masquerades as an .exe file or a legitimate file extension to avoid detection. It may also have a strange name like abcd123.exe etc. An example of a popular virus is mslove.exe. Look for such a strange name process that is running Task Managerselect it and click on it Ended process button.

Step 3

When finished, open your antivirus program and update it with the latest virus and malware definitions. Most Dell computers come pre-installed with antivirus software. Yours should have come with McAfee, Trend Micro, or Norton security software. You can see the security software icon in the system tray. If your Dell computer did not come with one, connect to the Internet and run an online virus scan.

Step 4

When finished upgrading, run a virus scan and not a custom scan of your Dell computer. Please wait while the virus scan is performed. When you’re done, ask your antivirus software to remove the items included in the scan results. To verify that your Dell PC is free of viruses, connect to the Internet and search for an online virus scanning utility. You can trust the McAfee virus scanner or Trend Micro’s HouseCall tool.

step 5

Download the file and save it to your computer. When done, run the setup file and complete the installation of the tool. When you’re done, run a full virus scan. When you’re done, ask your antivirus program to delete any infected files found during the scan. Your Dell computer will now be free of viruses or malware. If you do not have an antivirus program installed on your Dell computer, download one from the Internet.

step 6

If you want to go for a complete security suite, you can purchase a paid antivirus program. You will need to complete purchase requirements to purchase an antivirus program. Do as you are told. If your needs are limited, you can stick with free antivirus software. When you’re done, save the file and install your antivirus program. Update it regularly with the latest definitions of viruses, spyware, and patches when they become available.

step 7

Run a full virus scan every month or two to make sure your Dell PC stays protected against ever-increasing online threats. You should also run a custom scan for each external media like disk, flash drive or USB stick etc. Customize your web browser settings for maximum protection against viruses, spyware, malware, etc. Contact Dell Technical Support if you are unable to remove a virus yourself.